#266
The King of Madness (5)
The very bottom of the Auterica Dimension.
A trash can of dimensions where the debris of a world gathers.
An Abyss.
It was a place that did not allow any living being and even anything with form and individuality.
A chaos where time, space, and even abstract concepts mixed and flowed.
But for everything, there were exceptions, of course.
Even in such a horrific space, there was a presence that flaunted its existence without losing ‘itself’ to the end.
Wiggle—
Buried deep within the Abyss, it wriggled nervously.
Even in a state half merged with its surroundings, the movement of that existence, undimmed by light, twisted the flow around it, causing the entire space to shake violently.
However, such a commotion was just a regular day in the Abyss, so it could not affect the outside world.
Just like it always had.
After a while, the movements of that existence gradually calmed down.
Though it reflexively reacted to what didn’t go as planned, it had existed for too long to get overly upset over such trivialities.
Grrr—
That which had completely stopped its movements quietly sank again.
Although it allowed considerable erosion due to its failed endeavor and impulsive attempts to intervene, this was not the end of everything.
After all, for it, disappointment was the norm.
With much time still left, opportunities would continue to present themselves.
What it had to do was to seize the moment when it came, without missing it.
Thus, it quietly began to wait for that moment again.
For the day that would come soon.
*
The crimson whirlpool that covered the northwestern side of Tarak city slowly dispersed.
To be precise, the flow of madness that spread across the world remained unchanged, but its intensity and density decreased, lowering to a level that was scarcely visible.
‘It’s safer to do this, even if it takes a bit more time to complete the madness.’
If it didn’t, the monsters lured in by that flow would trash the continent again.
In truth, the situation wasn’t all that great even now.
From the time the revolutionary attempted awakening to the time it was handled took barely more than ten minutes.
Having managed to resolve the situation relatively quickly, most of the monsters would have returned to their original spots, but there would undoubtedly be some continuing to move out of inertia or those whose territorial boundaries had been disrupted.
And the damage would probably fall squarely on the neighboring residents.
‘…Well, it’s lucky it’s only ended up like this.’
Considering the boundary levels in recent times, this degree of disruption could be resolved before things got even worse.
At this point, it could be said he had done his utmost.
“Ugh— Oh, my stomach’s feeling bloated. My body’s sore too!”
Finally, amidst the calm that followed the storm, Harley, having returned to his original size, leaned against a giant’s corpse turning to dust, stretching his body as if shaking off the sudden influx of power.
His gaze was fixed on the system window that had popped up right in front of him.
《The entity has achieved conditions for growth. Acquires special skill “Seed of Madness.”》
What he had stolen had taken on a form of a skill under the system’s validation.
However, being an incomplete core, it didn’t even come close to the level of the Undead King and lacked anything particularly special.
At best, it could lift the world’s madness at will and serve as a massive energy source.
‘But hey, that’s already impressive. Plus, I feel like Harley’s capacity has significantly increased!’
Even now, the Ultimate Evolved Life Form was growing and evolving its body to properly contain that capacity.
He’d need to try it out later, but when he transformed into a giant, his maximum size was likely far beyond what it was before.
Additionally, how strong Harley could become with the abundant energy backing him up had been something he experienced firsthand.
It was as if he had gained a gigantic energy tank.
Also, once the Seed fully sprouted, who knows how his abilities would evolve?
‘More importantly… The powers he mentioned really don’t seem to exist.’
That was a bit disappointing.
He had hoped to gain a clue to that mysterious sense that Diana and the revolutionary possessed.
‘It seems like it can’t be stolen like this? Well, since it was linked to a sealed god, it’s a bit of a letdown… But anyway, there’s no need to care about it now that the revolutionary is dead.’
He shook his head, recalling the intervention that Hans experienced while fighting at the boundary between the revolutionary and the Abyss.
Naturally, extracting a god trapped in the Abyss would not be an easy task.
Yet, with such a long-prepared grand scheme utterly shattered, at least there shouldn’t be any further encounters with that god while he remained in this world, right?
“Saint! Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?”
“Oh, I’m fine. It’s all thanks to the Saint’s support.”
“Long time no see, Harley. We didn’t get to greet each other earlier since it was so chaotic. Are you all right after leading the fight?”
“Ahahaha! Oh, my body’s always robust! I didn’t expect to run into such a baddie on what was supposed to be a friendly visit! Kaha!”
As they enjoyed the aftertaste of the situation having been resolved without a hitch, those sensing the end began to gather one by one.
“Hm~ and you told me to pull back with the kids. Turns out you had all the fun by yourself, High Lord?”
“Hmm, thankfully everyone seems to be safe.”
“Well, since they’re all Truebloods? A few who showed slight symptoms were all cleaned up after a few hits, you know? Whaha!”
It seemed a few appeared particularly haggard, which explained the odd looks.
Yet, having no significant casualties was undoubtedly good news.
Still, it was clear that the struggle against the monster was due to its overwhelming size, durability, and regeneration, but it wasn’t as though the five transcendent elites, including the avatar trio, the Saint, and Briki had found it too taxing.
In fact, throughout the battle, they maintained the upper hand and dominated.
Thud thud thud—
Clang clang
Yet, the ones gathering were not just the hero party and the hybrid vampires who fought alongside.
From behind them, towards the direction of Talia city, many people on horseback and in carriages lined up while approaching.
Heinrich, glancing that way, raised his eyebrows slightly while stroking his chin.
‘A master-level knight and an elite knight squad… Have they been dispatched by the Tulke Royal Family? And back there… Cardinal Donovan from the Piccaol Temple himself? With Paladins and archbishops too?’
These were the reinforcements who had hurried over upon hearing about the events unfolding here.
From the kingdom’s elite forces, who could be considered the land’s masters, to the powerful figures of the Piccaol Temple governing the western part of the Ion Continent.
Even Cardinal Donovan, whom he got acquainted with during the trial of the Holy Sword, held the lead position at the Temple as a former Paladin.
He had heard that he was a Paladin, but to see him come all the way to a scene like this was unexpected.
‘Indeed, if they had arrived earlier, their strength could have surely been of some aid.’
Of course, given that the situation was already concluded, it was a bit late to arrive.
However, it couldn’t be said that their dispatch was delayed, as he was the one who quickly sent the avatar right away.
Thanks to Harley’s splendid performance in the end, the battle had concluded much sooner than expected too.
‘Well, they’d still be enough help, though.’
And, in a way, it seemed quite the timely arrival.
Rumble— Kaboom—!
Since what transpired this time was far from finished.
Heeheehee—
Vrooom— Vrooom!
“Whoa! Whoa! What’s happening all of a sudden!”
“Huh? Over there, look!”
“Is this, perhaps…!”
As those who were approaching to exchange greetings became tense, they tightened their reins.
Horses began to panic over something, while people struggled to calm them.
Everyone’s attention then turned to a single spot in response to the sudden bizarre phenomenon.
Crack— Zzzzzt—!
There was no need to put in effort to find the source of it.
With a tremendous sound that split the very space, the visual effects made it impossible to ignore.
Not far from where the giant had fallen.
The air space cracked like shattered glass.
Dark clouds rushed in, covering the sky.
Accompanied by a loud thunder, black lightning struck down.
A chilling wind whipped around, and an inexplicable frost settled down.
“Dismount! Prepare for combat!”
“Knights, to the front!”
“Holy God, we beseech you. Grant your children your grace…”
The forces that had approached the area quickly readied for combat, raising their spirits.
This reaction was seen even among those who had just battled the giant and were feeling at ease.
In the center of the suddenly occurring anomaly.
Amidst the shattered space like broken glass all around.
Crackle— Crash—!
It began to splendidly break apart.
Thick dark magic began to envelop the surroundings.
And within it, he made his appearance.
Heh heh heh, it’s been a while. Knight of Light, Heinrich Saint Landgard.
An absolute evil far surpassing the giant that lay fallen, a true mastermind trying to bring ruin to this world.
The dread of the continent and humanity’s despair, the harbinger of death crawling up from the Abyss.
“…The Undead King, Hannibal Strauss…!”
The Undead King had descended here.
Behind him trailed countless undead, exuding a terrifying aura.
*
The founder and leader of the Oath of Reversal, the revolutionary.
He was the mastermind hiding in the darkness of Auterica, attempting to control this world, a heretic dreaming of reviving the evil god sealed away in the Abyss, as well as an extraordinary giant who showcased immense prowess against numerous powerful beings.
In fact, aside from the Undead King Hans, who was merely an antagonist, he was the existence that could truly be considered the final boss of this world…
‘Well, it’s nice if things go smoothly.’
The end that such a being met was somewhat absurdly anticlimactic.
The giant, who appeared to be preparing to do something in its final moments, was smashed by Harley’s blow before it could properly showcase anything.
Just like that, its Seed of Madness was taken, and it exited in a state of utter dismay.
And that was that.
If viewed from the standpoint of someone still concocting the narrative, its lackadaisical exit was undeniably unsatisfactory.
If you set up foreshadowing, you have to follow through, and if you display something meaningful, shouldn’t you match that with the appropriate actions?
That was a serious lack of professional consciousness.
‘Seriously, these days, the masterminds have no tenacity.’
Of course, it was a joke.
Yet, despite the anticlimactic end, it was still a figure of tremendous interest.
The very host of madness that had led to the chaos of this world, a monster who faced numerous transcendent beings, including heroes, head-on!
Naturally, leaving it to exit in such an unsatisfactory manner felt like a waste.
So he prepared.
Ah— indeed, quite impressive. This time I’ve prepared a rather elaborate gift.
The final performance to perfectly fulfill that poor giant’s role.
“Surely it was your doing, Undead King!”
Since you’ve received something, you should return the favor, no? What a shame. I had thought that might wipe out a whole nation.
Thus, the role given to the giant was a secret weapon sent by the Undead King.
Known as the mid-boss.
Hero, Knight of Light. I still have not forgotten. The moment you plunged that cursed Holy Sword into my heart back in the south.
“So, you’re saying it’s revenge?”
Ha ha— Of course not. I just find it delightful. It brings me joy that my adversary can entertain me so.
And from there, continued the scenario of this encounter.
But hero, do you know? It is almost one year since that day.
“…What do you mean by that?”
Ah— it’s nothing much. I simply…
The beginning of the closing act of “Home Theater: The Demon King and the Hero.”
I grew a bit tired of waiting.
To enrich the story a bit more.
