320th Chapter
When you think of the divine tree Yggdrasil, the image that comes to mind is that of a colossal trunk. Its thick and massive stem rises high enough to block out the sun, proudly standing at the center of the Sacred Mountain Range, unafraid of the skies.
However, there’s a common misconception here.
Yggdrasil doesn’t actually grow within the famous Sacred Mountain Range known for its towering peaks and rugged terrain. On the contrary, the Sacred Mountain Range was formed over time where Yggdrasil stands.
Because the visible stature of Yggdrasil is so impressive, most people are oblivious to the sheer magnitude of its roots concealed beneath the soil.
Yggdrasil’s roots are even larger and longer than its visible trunk, and over this mound of earth was formed a mountain range rich in dense mana, giving rise to the current Sacred Mountain Range.
Many have gathered here throughout history, seeking the abundant mana and resources provided by this mountain range.
Consequently, numerous small nations formed around the trunk of Yggdrasil, and to minimize disputes among themselves, they established the Darek Union.
—Kugung! Kugung!
—Gggggggg!
The forces of Altife are heading towards the Darek Union.
Two Moving Nests and at least a hundred thousand red Altife are causing quite a stir.
Their destination is the base of Yggdrasil.
The very heart of the Darek Union.
“Trisena. The currently confirmed Archbishops are Crosel and Beris. Salecius is believed to be inside the Nest.”
“Crosel and Beris… those who govern insects and flowers… Quite the bothersome combination.”
Crosel, belonging to Amon, has powers closely tied to insects. The full body resembles various insect characteristics, can emit transformed bugs from its form, and the Nest itself is a collective of all sorts of insects.
An Archbishop capable of one-on-one or one-versus-many combat.
Even alone, they have a tricky combat style that’s difficult to face, and with a similar natured opponent like Beris, the difficulty level just went up even more.
“…Shouldn’t we start preparing the joint spell soon?”
“No, not yet. Just a little longer. We’ll strike accurately when the enemies pass right beneath us. I’ll give the signal shortly, so be careful not to be detected.”
“I’m going to hit it right on target. I’ll signal you in a moment, so be careful not to get caught.”
“Understood.”
The Hero, instructed by Trisena, conveyed her intentions to everyone.
Currently, they were hiding above the canyon, preparing for a surprise attack.
Thanks to the massive roots of Yggdrasil, the terrain around here was rugged beyond comparison.
Naturally, canyons and cliffs were easily visible, and the largest and widest of these canyons was where the Altifes were passing through.
“Paula-senpai, a little more effort, please.”
“Yes, but don’t worry about me. Just focus on timing.”
“Reliable, aren’t you?”
Paula, having transferred some of Gulemashia’s power, was hiding Trisena’s squad from the enemies.
She erased traces of mana and distorted the light so that their figures wouldn’t be seen.
Although she had already retired from being a Hero, her magic was on a level incomparably higher than during her active days.
—Kugung! Kugung!
The Altifes’ group was approaching.
How many were there that it felt like an earthquake, resonating through the walls all the way to the top of the canyon?
“Yes, come just a little closer. We’ll pounce on them.”
The special forces led by Trisena.
A squad made up of 2,000 elite Magicians and one Swordsman waited silently.
—Kugung!
—Gugugung!!
Finally, as the leading enemies passed in a straight line, Trisena moved her mana and issued her command.
“Joint Spell 1st Phase Deployment!”
Gooooo—!
They pulled out their magical tools and mana.
The focal point of their power was the foundational base created by Trisena.
The mana of the elite Magicians formed the lines of the spell. The empty spaces of the spell were slowly being filled. The spell swelling up was even artistic.
“The enemies haven’t noticed yet! Don’t hesitate, pour your mana into it!”
Thanks to Paula’s high-level magic, they were still undetected.
However, from the 2nd phase of the spell’s completion, the situation would change.
“Joint Spell 2nd Phase Deployment!”
With the order given, the 2,000 Magicians began pulling not just their own mana, but also the surrounding mana.
Mana spiraled in like a gigantic storm.
No matter how much they wanted to hide, it was impossible to conceal their swollen size any longer.
—Kriaaaak!!
—The Heroes are lying in ambush on the cliff!
—It’s a large-scale joint spell! Hurry, stop it!
“I’ll take care of the incoming enemies! Complete the spell, please!”
With no further need to hide the squad, Paula raised her staff. Moving her mana, she repelled the special entities flying like arrows.
As the special entities struggled to regain their strength, the Altifes attempted to scatter their forces, preparing for contingencies.
Among them, the Altifes capable of ranged attacks had finished their aim.
—Fire!
Zukwaaang—!!
A beam of light shook the atmosphere.
The beam of light shot forth.
The artificial spirit unit created by Cardinal Jephar fired the magic engineering cannon simultaneously.
What they were targeting was the lives of the magicians.
If the magicians died, the spell couldn’t be completed.
No matter how accomplished Paula was, it was impossible to block all the special entities while neutralizing the magic engineering cannon.
Just when it seemed they would be helpless.
The only swordsman of Trisena’s unit moved.
—Swoosh.
The swordsman calmly drew his sword.
He quietly assessed the approaching magic cannon, gauging the distance and the amount of power necessary to counter it.
‘I see it.’
Swordsman Finn dashed forward and swung his sword.
A strike that appeared so light.
However, its power was definitely not light.
Boom—!!
The beams of light that were rushing fiercely toward the magicians collided with the ground, creating a huge shockwave. The residual heat of the trajectory revealed the scene.
The beam that split perfectly in half inflicted no damage whatsoever to the special forces.
“Thanks, Finn!”
Trisena expressed her gratitude to Finn with a smile.
The empty spaces in the spell were now filled. Bright blue mana sparkled brilliantly, signaling the completion of the spell.
“I’ve never used something this massive before.”
Trisena activated the spell.
Trisena’s second unique spell: Large-Scale Modification.
Composite Element Mana Condensation.
Zwoosh, Zwhir—!
A massive force, resembling a black hole, engulfed the Altife Army.
Archbishop Crosel and Beris tried to counter, but it was futile. The black hole annihilated countless swarms of insects, petals, and even the space itself, wiping out thousands of Altife in an instant.
One of the moving nests suffered around half of its losses. The Altife Army took a staggering loss of a quarter.
Reading the battle situation, Trisena thought.
‘The coordinates for the black hole were off. Did they manage to block it that well?’
Crosel and Beris allowed damage only to the minimal extent of the black hole. Had they taken a proper hit, half of their forces would have vanished, so it could be seen as a somewhat disappointing success.
‘Still, the tide of victory is completely on our side.’
Trisena commanded.
“All units! Maintain current distance and execute unlimited bombardment!”
Her unit’s objective was purely joint spells and long-range support.
The soldiers facing the enemy directly weren’t them.
Boom—!
Someone landed on the unharmed moving nest.
The location was a wide deck around the top of the nest. In the dust, the figure of a woman with white hair wielding a dark great sword was visible.
And there was one more woman who looked just like her.
The two women, gazing at each other, pulled the strings of tension taut.
*
On the opposite cliff from Trisena’s unit.
The main force led by Alicia charged forward.
Soldiers, including the former Arbol Frutal and the Holy Emperor’s direct unit of heroes, engaged in a feast of Altife and blood.
The soldiers included in the group were holding a feast with Altife and Blood.
“…….”
Meanwhile, Alicia was facing her sister on the deck of the nest.
Salecius, who had already released his powers, looked almost human. His shiny hair and deep, blue eyes were strikingly similar to Alicia’s.
Clank—.
Alicia raised her sword.
A crimson aura enveloped her blade.
On the other hand, Salecius didn’t draw his sword, seemingly lacking the will to fight.
His eyes showed no sign of agitation while looking at Alicia, appearing to be devoid of memories from the past.
—Listen carefully, Alicia. You must never come out.
On the day when the village was engulfed in flames, Alicia vividly remembered that nightmare.
She wanted to deny it, but the woman before her looked just like her sister Charlotte, who had sacrificed her life to save her back then.
—I’ve blocked everything that could cover your eyes, nose, and mouth. Do you understand what I’m saying?
A tearful farewell in a filthy warehouse.
Young Alicia trembled with anxiety and asked.
—Sister… will you come back?
Upon hearing the question, Charlotte gritted her teeth and lowered her head. Suppressing her emotions, she replied.
—Yes, I’ll be back soon.
However, through the small hole in the warehouse, Alicia witnessed her sister’s death.
The sight of her sister, pierced by Altife’s heart, bleeding.
The bright voice of her sister that she could no longer hear.
“Yes… that day, sister died.”
Alicia sharpened the edge of her sword even more.
As the pressure of mana increased, Salecius also slowly raised his sword to face Alicia.
Alicia, reflecting in Salecius’s emotionless eyes, gathered her resolve with tear-filled eyes.
“Salecius. You’re not Charlotte. You’re just a monster that has been modified by Cardinal Jephar, using Charlotte’s body and soul.”
『…….』
Thinking of her sister, who had been desecrated even in death, made Alicia’s aura intensify.
The energy filled with anger was enough to make her skin tingle.
“Using my sister’s body to kill people… committing heinous crimes and defiling her soul. You’re the target that must be eradicated. If I let you go here, you will continue to defile my sister’s body and soul.”
Alicia’s and Salecius’s mana reacted.
The blue and purple mana containing the power of the curse collided, creating a single illusion.
In a time before Altife’s group attacked their hometown.
When family and villagers were all alive and well.
In the sweet sunlight, enjoying a peaceful moment like any other day.
When the gentle spring breeze filled the air with delightful scents.
The two of them returned to that memory-laden past.
“Sister, just wait a little longer…. I will free you from the monster.”
