Chapter 89

Noa and Delia join the fight.

The battle had resumed, but there was no change in the tide of war.

The reason was simple.

The number of monsters pouring out from the Abyssal Rift was far greater than those they could take down.

“Ugh, it seems like there are more and more!”

“…I can’t see an end.”

Staring at the swarm of monsters surging in like a dark cloud, Noa and Delia murmured with shocked expressions.

Ulan silently nodded along, as if agreeing with them.

The Abyssal Rift showed no signs of closing.

And with the endless stream of monsters, fighting recklessly in such a situation wasn’t the best plan.

If this were my past life…

I wouldn’t have bothered with tactics at all.

I would have just focused on defeating the enemies in front of me until I collapsed from exhaustion.

But ever since meeting the other heroes,

and fighting alongside them, Ulan’s fighting style had slowly changed.

Of course, I still haven’t learned tactics.

But at least I could consider efficiency now.

Ulan swept his gaze over the battlefield with a cold stare.

The first thing that caught his sight was a giant monster the size of a building.

A high-ranking large type, Corkus.

It was better to face it as a warrior than as a mage.

Because Corkus’s hide had the ability to reduce magic effects.

If a mage wanted to take it down, they would have to spend a lot more mana compared to other monsters.

That was an inefficient way to fight.

But I’m different.

With just a swing of my spirit-enhanced axe, I can tear through that tough hide and split Corkus in half.

So it’s right for a warrior to tackle entities like Corkus that have magic resistance.

On the other hand, dealing with the Abyssal monsters…

Is less efficient for me.

Abyssal monsters are beings formed from magic.

So while they may appear weak to magic, they possess significant resistance to physical attacks due to their insubstantial nature.

Of course, Ulan can still tear them apart with brute strength.

But still, they come in numbers.

Just counting the ones on the battlefield brings the total close to a thousand. And that’s with some already heading towards Zone 1.

This meant that to eliminate the Abyssal monsters, Ulan had to swing his axe much more often. Compared to Corkus, the efficiency drops dramatically.

Just as his thoughts concluded,

Crack! Splutter!

Ulan effortlessly chopped Corkus in half, then turned to the two girls who were preparing magic from the rear.

“Let’s split our roles.”

“Huh? How?”

“I’ll take care of the big ones while protecting you two as I have been. So focus solely on reducing the number of monsters.”

As soon as Ulan finished his sentence,

Noa and Delia nodded.

It was a proposal so simple it barely qualified as a strategy, yet it was better than fighting without any plan at all.

After canceling the magic they were about to use,

Delia turned to Noa.

“We can probably handle them, splitting it half and half, right?”

“Ugh, I’m sorry, but that sounds a bit tough for me.”

“Why?”

“Well, I haven’t really learned spells that are useful in situations like this.”

Noa’s teacher, Sorceress Ajuheuh.

She is one of the named characters from the original “Chronicles of Arsen Continent,” and among the top supporters across the continent.

And having been taught by Ajuheuh, Noa also possessed skills specialized in support.

That’s why she intended to enroll at the Arsen Academy to learn offensive sorcery.

Only to fail at that too.

The offensive spells Noa wanted to learn could only be registered from the second year onward.

Of course, that didn’t mean she didn’t have any methods to attack. Noa possessed a variety of curse skills.

But…

Abyssal monsters are beings of magic without substance.

Therefore, curses wouldn’t work on them.

Meanwhile, after Noa finished her answer, Delia let out a sigh, scrunching her brows.

“…Noa, you really are useless.”

“I-I can still disrupt their formation or block their escape! Or gather the enemy in one place… or…!”

Noa rambled on as if defending herself.

But Delia had long since lost interest in her. Looking back at the battlefield, she gnawed on her lips and muttered.

“That many of them is a bit overwhelming…”

“Why not just use Meteor Shower?”

At that moment, Ulan, who had just taken down a third Corkus, casually suggested. Delia was taken aback by his response.

“H-How do you know about that, Ulan?”

“I heard it before.”

Did I ever say something like that?

Delia tilted her head, frowning.

It made sense.

She had never revealed anything about Meteor Shower to anyone; it was one of her private worries.

But for Ulan to know… it seems I must have accidentally said it before.

With her thoughts organized, Delia nodded.

“You’re right. If it’s that, it should be possible.”

Meteor Shower.

This was a 7-star Stellar Magic that, as its name suggests, rains down meteors like rain, a form of strategic magic.

However, the magic formula is complex, requiring a significant amount of mana, making it quite challenging among Stellar Magic.

“But I’m still inexperienced.”

Apart from any kind of magic or sorcery.

Once you reach the 7-star level, you’re in the realm of Mage.

It meant that a high-ranking mage like Delia shouldn’t be able to use it yet.

Though I theoretically understand it…

That doesn’t mean I can perform it perfectly. Thus, Delia made a weak statement.

“And I’m a bit low on mana too…”

“Ah! Don’t worry about the mana!”

At that moment, Noa suddenly chimed in, holding a blue glowing talisman.

“I made this just in case for unforeseen situations. Here, take it.”

“What is this?”

“It’s a Magic Talisman. As the name suggests, it’s a talisman storing mana. If you hold it in your mouth and inhale, you’ll absorb the mana stored inside.”

In other words, it had a similar function to a mana potion.

Delia quickly grasped Noa’s words and looked at her with a mix of surprise.

“Noa, you’re oddly useful.”

“Hehehe, right?”

“Although you’re useless in battle.”

“Ugh, enough with the useless remarks!”

Noa groaned, looking dejected. Delia, facing her, let out a light chuckle. But soon after, she resumed her serious expression.

“Ulan. I’m going to be honest.”

“Go ahead.”

“Honestly, I lack confidence.”

Gripping her skirt tightly, Delia bit her lip.

“I’ve never succeeded.”

With her answer, she bowed her head deeply.

As if being sorry for not being able to help. She was ready to accept any blame that could come her way. But the reply she got was unexpectedly different.

“I know.”

“Huh?”

“Because you wouldn’t even have attempted it.”

She had never tried, so naturally she had never succeeded either. From Ulan’s words, Delia’s eyes widened in shock.

“H-How did you know that…?”

“I heard it before.”

Ending with the same reply as before, Ulan quietly rummaged through his memories. Of stories he had heard from Delia in his past life.

「Dividing the levels of magic by ranks is based solely on ordinary mages. Those favored by mana are a bit different.」

On a night after the battle had ended long ago.

While warming a campfire, he had spoken with Ivella about regrets from the past.

At that time, Delia had suddenly made this statement.

「In other words, regardless of the level, if one perfectly understands the theory of magic and has enough mana, even a high-ranking mage can use 7-star magic.」

Delia had started explaining magic levels out of nowhere. She soon wore a gloomy expression and sighed.

「And that’s why I regret even more. If only I had tried using Meteor Shower back then, I could have saved more soldiers…」

With the delayed realization of not being able to save more lives, Ulan concluded his recollection while remembering Delia’s regrets from his past life.

And then he spoke.

“It’s okay.”

“…What?”

“It doesn’t matter if you fail.”

“Why…?”

“Regardless of whether the magic succeeds, the fact remains that we will win this battle.”

It would only take a bit longer.

Ulan smashed another approaching monster’s head, then spoke in a calm tone.

“So give it a shot.”

“……”

“So that when the time comes to use Meteor Shower, you can do it without hesitation.”

That way, she might be able to ease the regrets she had held onto in her past life a little.

After finishing what he wanted to say, Ulan focused back on the battle.

Meanwhile, at that moment,

Delia looked at Ulan’s back with trembling eyes. Then she clenched her fist tightly.

Ulan is right.

She realized she had not challenged the unknown.

If she had to find a reason, it would be due to the expectations of those around her and the pressure of the potential failure.

The expectations that the duchy’s genius mage would certainly succeed. And the resulting burden weighed heavily on her shoulders.

But…*

The first person to tell her it was okay to fail was Ulan. The moment she heard that, the burdens she had been carrying melted away like snow.

Her shoulders felt much lighter.

Delia wore a slight smile.

It felt like she might actually be able to do it now. After a moment, she opened her mouth, her resolve firm.

“…I need a little time.”

“Take all the time you need.”

“I’ll help too!”

Both Ulan and Noa replied simultaneously.

As if they had been waiting just for that moment. Afterward, Noa spread talismans around Delia.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a formation technique.”

With a quick answer, she followed up with detailed explanations.

“It’s a formation that blocks surrounding sounds and the flow of mana. In simpler terms, it’s a technique that assists you in focusing solely on magic.”

While she wasn’t entirely sure of the exact effects, she felt Noa’s genuine intent to support her. Delia nodded silently.

“Hoo…”

Starting with a deep breath, Delia concentrated.

Calculating the elements needed to complete the magic in her mind, she gradually prepared the spell.

Meanwhile,

Noa, having completed the formation, looked into the distance at the Abyssal Rift.

When will they stop coming?

The monsters showed no signs of decreasing.

Looking at the swarm that approached like ants sent shivers down her spine.

But she wasn’t worried.

Ulan was still holding strong, and even the one monster that had been a concern, Corkus, was easily taken care of.

Surely the Lord won’t come out, right?

Then suddenly, a chilling thought crossed her mind.

Noa quickly shook her head, trying to dispel the anxiety that had suddenly washed over her.

At that moment,

the monsters’ energy suddenly shifted.

[Grrr!]

All the monsters turned their eyes towards them.

More specifically, they fixated their gaze on Delia.

It was likely because they sensed the massive magic reaction forming from the Meteor Shower spell.

Almost immediately, they charged toward Delia with terrifying killing intent.

But they had forgotten one important detail.

There’s Ulan right in front of her.

With axes in both hands, he unleashed merciless strikes, tearing the monsters apart.

Perhaps realizing they would not achieve their goal with Ulan present? The monsters roared as if to shatter Delia’s concentration.

[Gaaah!]

[Kihyaaaah!]

They were horrendous sounds.

Similar to nails scraping across metal. But the horror didn’t end there.

“Ugh! My… ears…”

Their cries were composed of magic.

So perhaps that’s why? The mere act of them screeching felt almost magical.

It was a pain like being pricked in the ears with a sharp object.

Nervously, Noa stepped closer to Delia, trying to share in the effects of the sound-blocking formation.

This decision proved to be a stroke of genius.

“Come at me! Any time!”

His warrior’s roar echoed across the battlefield, creating a powerful shockwave.

Koragagagaga!

Manifested from the spirit of a master, the resulting shockwave was strong enough to tear apart the Abyssal monsters’ bodies. But Ulan appeared unsatisfied, shouting at the top of his lungs.

“Not a single one shall escape!”

The nearby monsters couldn’t withstand the shockwave and exploded. The large Corkus stumbled from the impact, reflecting its considerable power.

Noa felt a true sense of relief.

Thank goodness for the formation.

She might have lost her eardrums just like at the entrance ceremony. Furthermore, if it hadn’t been for the formation, Delia’s spell would have surely been interrupted.

As she let out a long exhale,

a glow enveloped the symbol carved in the air.

This signified that the spell had been completed.

At that moment, an enormous amount of mana was absorbed into the formula, just as Ulan turned around and shouted.

Noa! The monsters are trying to escape!

Once she gauged the meaning by his lips, Noa quickly spotted the Abyssal monsters scattering in all directions. They were likely spreading out to prepare for the falling meteor shower.

“We can’t let them get away!”

This was something she had anticipated.

So she had been prepared. Noa swiftly pulled out all the talismans from her pocket and threw them onto the battlefield.

Phababababam!

The talismans scattered after the fleeing monsters.

And immediately after, Noa’s sorcery activated.

“Chains of Species.”

This was a 6-star high-level sorcery that weaved chains among monsters of the same type, drawing them toward one location.

For reference, in the original, it was the lifeblood skill of the Sorceress class, recognized for its existence value.

It’s an essential skill for group hunts.

Particularly when the Abyssal Gate is opened, it truly shows its prowess.

Because according to the setup in the original, all Abyssal monsters fall under the ‘Abyss’ category.

Shrrr! Clank!

The chains made of mana wrapped around every monster existing in the battlefield. They then began to pull towards the center en masse.

Although I can’t capture Corkus…

All the other monsters were unable to escape the Chains of Species. Just as the monsters found themselves unable to move,

“—“

Delia’s lips began to tremble.

At that moment, the skies were enveloped in starlight.

Though it was supposed to be midday, the dazzling light from the stars even blocked out the sun. Following Delia’s fingertips, they all began to pour down to the ground.

Whoosh! Boom!

Light cutting through the sky and tearing apart the clouds.

Countless fragments of stars, engulfed in flames, headed for the battlefield. The monsters twisted and writhed in a futile effort to escape the chains.

Finally, the moment the first star reached its target,

one-sided slaughter commenced.

Boom! Bang! Kaboom!

Stars pummeling down mercilessly.

The meteors pouring down like rain seemed poised to destroy the world as they swept across the battlefield.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen this.”

The sight of the battlefield being devastated so beautifully was magnificent as always. Ulan smiled widely.

After a while,

the battlefield was shrouded in thick dust.

Once the wind blew it away, the horrific scene was immediately revealed.

There was nothing left.

The monsters had already changed into dust and blown away, and even the Corkus, known for its strong magical resistance, had perished like a rag.

Over a thousand enemies had been annihilated.

Noa swallowed a dry gulp.

This is…!

Delia Arpen, the Witch of Stars.

One day to rise to the peak of the continent as a High Mage.

Feeling as if she had caught a glimpse of the splendor of a great hero, she shivered involuntarily.

“Hah, hah!”

The heroine who created this overwhelming spectacle repeated heavy breaths like she was about to lose consciousness.

Mana surging close to exhaustion.

It should have felt painful, yet Delia’s face was filled with a bright smile.

“I really did it! I succeeded!”

There was pride in her smile.

As if moved by the achievement she had attained herself. Delia continued to gaze at Ulan with the same bright expression.

“It’s all thanks to you, Ulan.”

“Yeah. You did well.”

Ulan also smiled gently.

If the day ever came when he could use Meteor Shower, he would do so without hesitation.

Then, he might regret it less than in his past life.

Finishing his thoughts, Ulan patted Delia’s shoulder and turned his body. To securely end the lives of the dying monsters.

“Leave the rest to me.”

“…Okay. Please.”

With that weak answer, Delia collapsed right there.

Fortunately, Noa nearby caught her, preventing her from crashing to the ground.

After gently laying her down,

Noa shouted energetically.

“Ulan! Don’t worry about Delia!”

“Understood. I’ll rely on you.”

“Yes! I’ll keep watch… huh?”

Noa, who was continuing her sentence, let out a stunned exclamation.

Her expression was one of clear shock. Ulan, noticing, asked in confusion.

“What is it?”

“My mana isn’t moving!”

“What?”

Noa screamed, sounding desperate.

And it wasn’t just her mana that had stopped moving.

The flow of all mana existing in the area had come to a complete halt.

It felt as if it was frozen solid.

Wait, froze?

Noa’s eyes went wide with realization.

Instantly, a thought sprang to her mind regarding a particular enemy.

Of those, the one capable of freezing mana flows over such a vast area, as far as Noa knew, was only one.

“No way…!”

With trembling eyes, she glanced towards the Abyssal Rift.

Then just at that moment,

the rift widened further.

Crack!*

Twice as wide as when it first appeared. But the true change was yet to come.

Crack! Krreeeek!

The air rent violently,

And from beyond the much larger rift, nine eyes glinted.

Eyes of different colors.

In the instant they met those gazes,

“…!”

She was seized by an indescribable fear.

Not even a scream could escape.

It was as if any thought was not permitted, with her mind turning white.

Moments later, the owner of the nine eyes emerged.

Nine eyes.

Two pairs of wings.

Threatening horns and claws. Solid white scales protruded. An entity whose presence felt far more overwhelming than the large type Corkus.

Witnessing the despair that emerged from beyond the abyss,

Noa’s mind was marked by its presence.

『Lord of the Abyss』

One of the six lords ruling the Abyss.

As soon as she recognized it,

an immense pressure weighed down on her body.

It was as if she could hardly breathe, as if someone had gripped her insides fiercely.

Thud! Thud!

Her heart raced as if it were about to burst.

The fear and despair she thought had vanished covered Noa’s entire being once more.

Delia’s reaction was no different from hers.

The pallor of despair painted her face as evidence.

No matter how strong Ulan is…*

It would be impossible to win against that.

To triumph against the Lord of the Abyss without taking damage, all seven heroes would need to be present.

So by now, Ulan’s complexion must have hardened beneath the weight of an adversary that offered no glimpse of victory.

But the moment she glanced at Ulan,

“…?!”

Noa could not help but widen her eyes.

His expression was not tense at all. He was simply smiling with a broad grin.

He’s… smiling?

As if he were filled with excitement and exhilaration.

From the moment he laid eyes on the creature, Ulan was unable to stop the smile from spreading across his face.

This guy is…?

A monster capable of freezing mana flows.

It was every mage’s nightmare.

The very lord he had failed to exterminate in his past life.

That’s why, with a face radiating killer intent, Ulan bellowed its name.

“Frost Dragon—!”

The exhilaration coursing through him spread across his face.

This was the most belligerent smile Ulan had worn since enrolling in the Academy.

**Chapter 23. Declaration of War**

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