Chapter 564 - 555
Chapter 564 - 555
Defensive Battle of All Worlds ① Throughout Heaven and Earth, Yue Alone is the Honored One
『Clan headdd!! What in the world is that!!』
The indigo ice dragon raised his voice like a scream seeing the abnormal scenery unfolding below, in the face of such foreign presence that was just too repulsive.
The voice didn't befit such gallant form. It was clear to see that the dragon was genuinely scared and bewildered inside his heart.
It couldn't be helped. In this situation it really wasn't the place to tell the dragon something like 「You are a member of the dragon race, don't lose your composure in the battlefield」. That was the thought that went through Adol's head. After all, Ristas who was still considered a young ice dragon almost gothimselflost.
And so, Adol let out a roar instead of replying to blow away the timidity of everyone.
Scarlet flash pierced the ground from the sky. The condensed heat melted all metals. A great hole was formed on the ground, and its surface was turned into glass from the power of it.
It was the "dragon's roar(breath)" that was fired by the strongest crimson dragon who was the head of the dragon race.
Right now in Tortus with Hajime and others absent, being that could be hit by his serioous breath and got out of it safely must be very few. Perhaps, even those few people could only do so somehow by working together with multiple masters of barrier…….
And yet,
『Kuh, so it doesn't work as expected……』
The scorching heat stopped being produced. Adol who was looking down from the sky in his crimson dragon form let out a bitter voice. His eyes narrowed. The dragon's eyes that were filled with wisdom were containing seriousness that hadn't been seen ever since the legendary final battle.
It was undamaged. Although the veil of black mist covering the target's whole body was blown away, that being was alright even after being directly hit by the attack from the dragon elder who had lived for a thousand years.
An aggregation of humans……perhaps it should be described like that. It was a form like hundreds of humans dyed black and slathered with sludge kneaded together.
Like someone desperately reaching out with their hand trying to get out from a bottomless swamp, countless black humanoid shapes with only upper body grew out from the body surface, with both their hands struggling to reach out to the limit.
Such grotesque lump of meat was crawling on the ground, however, its motion was disgustingly smooth and ignored the terrain. It was advancing as though it was gliding. Coupled with its slightly oblong shape, from afar it looked like a black train with humans stuck on it.
Dread assaulted them just from looking at the being. It was like they had gotten tossed into a nightmare.
The sky being covered with black clouds that prevented the sunlight to reach them also fostered such nightmarish atmosphere even further with gloominess. It felt even more so because the sky far away at the distant was sunny like what happened here wasn't real. Only the radius for ten-odd km centered around this grotesque thing was covered with dark cloud.
Countless lightnings were raining down from that dark cloud. Adol and Ristas were deploying barrier above their heads while performing random evasive maneuver.
This being could manipulate weather and lightning strike within a limited range. There was a small comfort that its aim was sloppy, but what was even more troublesome and also terrifying than that was……
――※※♯×××###※ッッ!!!
A bizarre shriek that sounded like it was rubbing their nerves the wrong way shook their brains. The voice that wasn't transmitted through air directly spread to invade their brain. It whipped their mind around. It was definitely a type of magic that dealt mental disorder. It caused disturbance to their every single action and magic.
And then, that sensation assaulted them as though making use of that opening.
『Aa, gu, aa……』
『Get a hold of yourself, Ristas!!』
Adol roared again. The dragon's roar that wasn't a breath attack was radiating outward with crimson magic power in it.
It blew away the black mist that had been enveloping Ristas before he knew it.
『Dammit, what the hell-. Don't enter inside me!!』
Ristas shook his head in a fit with bloodshot eyes. Just as he said, that monster was trying to enter into his head.
It wasn't merely a disturbance to the mind. Based on the sensation that Adol also experienced, most likely it was……a possession. The invisible something radiating from the monster was unceasingly trying to possess them.
When it succeeded, what would happen to them……
Judging from that terrifying and repulsive sensation, he couldn't imagine any bright future awaiting them. Or perhaps, they would share the same fate with those countless writhing human shapes.
In addition, the being was simply tough. Its barrier that it was constantly deploying was solid, and the average attack couldn't go through it at all. It was a small comfort that the barrier wasn't s spatial isolation type at least, but the highest class of attack power was necessary to break through it, and on top of that even when the attack reached the main body it didn't look like it had any effect at all.
『What kind of being is this? Is this……a visitor from different world, a "void god"……』
『Void, god……clan head, what in the world is that……』
『There's no time for explanation. Ristas, I'll take care of this place. Head to Fea Belgen and make preparation. Tell them to hurry with the evacuation. Protect the people of the sea of trees with your life when the enemy's hands reach there.』
『! T-there's more than one of this thing?』
『I don't know. That's why prepare. Go!!』
The worst situation that was informed to him by Yue and others. The end of the world and a simultaneous attack to all worlds by "void gods".
Elder Alfreric of Fea Belgen and Queen Luluaria of the kingdom were already told about the situation even if only the broad stroke through the exclusive communicators for the country leaders that Hajime prepared.
Perhaps it was just as to be expected from the head of the dragon race, the trust that was put on Adol was deep. They immediately took action even though they were only told that he had no time to give any detailed explanation, but that there was a threat approaching the great tree, and in the process the people of the sea of trees were predicted to receive tremendous harm.
A "gate" that connected to other countries were deployed under the consent of the two, and an evacuation notice for Fea Belgen's people to cross to the kingdom was immediately given.
But, the sea of trees was vast. And with threat from outside and discrimination between races lessening, causing the tendency to coexist strengthening right now, there was no more need to gather close to the capital. And so the people of the sea of trees began to widen their sphere of life.
Also, there were a lot of human and demon immigrants. The threat of monsters was also lessening, so inevitably there were a lot more people who now casually headed outside the capital.
From the start, there was also no way such large scale evacuation could be done so quickly.
Also, this monster that was discovered at the east side of [north's mountain range region] had a speed that was disproportionate with its giant body. It was as fast as a train just like Adol described before.
It had already crossed the boundary line of the mountain range and the sea of trees. The large trees that normally would serve as obstruction were getting grounded down as it advanced. At this rate it might arrive at the great tree and Fea Belgen in less than several hours.
(In the first place, I don't even know, when, how, and from where it appeared. In that case, it won't even be strange if it suddenly appear at Fea Belgen and the great tree using some kind of method.)
At the corner of his sight, he saw Ristas saluting him even while groaning in frustration before flying away. He must have known that not only he was useless, he was clearly being a deadweight for Adol here.
There was no guarantee that the "void god" was only one. And so, although it was the truth that he was worried for Fea Belgen and the great tree, Ristas had properly guessed the unspoken words and accepted it. If it was before then surely he would get worked up saying that he would at least serve as Adol's meat shield, so it could be said that he had grown, somewhat.
Adol thought of such growth of the youth even while kneading his magic power and unleashed the magic he constructed.
It was magic not for attacking but for delaying.
It was the new magic that he ended up learning from a certain circumstance!
『I still haven't practiced enough but, I cannot make such complain in this situation.』
He smiled bitterly while whispering the magic's name at the same time.
Right after that, black whirling sphere appeared above the monster. The monster's advance stopped. It was squashed as though it was getting pressed to the ground. The human shapes on its body's surface that were reaching out their hands toward the sky asking for help also fell down like caressed fur.
It was without a doubt an age of god magic that formed super gravitational field――the gravity magic "Calamitous Sky". There was no sign of Adol using some kind of artifact. He activated it by his own strength.
『Can I crush it just like this……?』
He watched the human shapes at the monster's lower part getting crushed while scattering black liquid. But, perhaps it was just to be expected. Apparently it couldn't be that easy. He noticed exactly because he didn't let his guard down and kept paying focus.
『Spear……?』
One arm appeared at the monster's top. The moment he confirmed what was the thing that hand was holding,
『Tsuuu!!?』
It was like it was a payback for the breath before this. The spear-like object's tip fired a black flash. Adol twisted his body and succeeded in dodging it within a hair's breadth.
But, he didn't fully succeed. It grazed the edge of his wing.
He immediately felt it. A severe feeling of revulsion and chill that he had never felt even during his long life.
Looking closer, the grazed part changed color to black. It then spread out gradually……
『It's eroding in!?』
He compressed his breath to thin size and fired it at his own wing. Just to be safe he severed half of his wing.
Of course, he didn't fall from the air just from that. By doing partial "dragonification" he regenerated the lost part in the blink of eye.
But, the monster apparently played another hand even while he was doing that.
『Mu!? "Calamitous Sky" vanished!?』
The black star dispersed. It didn't feel like it was destroyed. Rather, it felt more like the phenomenon when magic got cancelled while it was active. Of course, Adol didn't do anything like cancelling his magic.
The flesh lump monster started moving once more. Adol hurriedly tried to apply the magic again but,
――####****!!
『Wha-!? It can use it!?』
"Calamitous Sky" appeared above Adol. The super gravitational field worked to slam Adol to the ground.
He quickly used the gravity magic he was about to activate to offset the super gravitational field. He barely avoided getting shot down and went to higher altitude.
There, the black spear's flash flew at him. He rolled to dodge but a part of his rear leg was taken away. Naturally, erosion started so he used his breath to burn it off himself and activated "partial dragonification".
The monster's "Calamitous Sky" vanished. Right after that, rain of lightning showered down once more.
Adol performed high speed flight that also used gravitational field to the direction he chose to slip through the lightning strikes while firing his breath. It got obstructed by the barrier but, he continued firing down his breath like a gunship circling around while doing concentrated attack at the target on the ground.
The barrier was pulverized in several seconds and the scorching heat hit the monster's main body but……
『As expected the effect is……no?』
He could see a strange phenomenon because he flying in a circle on the sky with high speed. Human shapes growing at completely different spot from where he hit were blown away.
『Could it be……something like that?』
The dragon's eyes that were said to be able to see through the truth, and the wisdom from a thousand years of living lead to a single theory.
There, a flash flew. However, this time it wasn't black but crimson scorching heat.
『My breath!?』
There was no way he could mistook it. After all he confirmed it from real close as it grazed his wing.
What's the meaning of this?His thought was running. Anti-air attack that was like surging waves began as though to prevent him from completing his thought.
The black human shapes on the body surface were holding various weapons in their hands. Each time they swung those, black things like cut, shockwave, or cannonball flew out wildly.
He didn't feel any threat from them like the spear's flash. Most likely Adol's dragon scale could endure even if they hit the same spot multiple times. But, considering that erosion ability counting on his defense strength wasn't a good plan.
(Lightning strike and breath, and if I'm not careful against gravity magic and possession ability too……)
He blocked the lightning with barrier. When he thought the lightning rain stopped, breath attack came next. When he dodged it and tried to counter attack, some kind of debuff that obstructed magic attacked him.
Even while that was going on the monster kept moving. Not only that its advancing speed was getting faster as each second passed like a rock rolling down the hill road.
Even though it was launching fierce anti-air attack it wasn't trying to defeat Adol. In the end it was prioritizing heading toward the great tree.
Adol aimed to hold it back using gravity magic again. But, it got immediately dispersed.
(The attack was working. If my theory is right then……)
He split his focus to offense with the resolve of getting hit. He fired his breath once again. As expected human shapes in a spot unrelated with where the attack hit got erased into ash.
『As I thought, substitution huh?』
Basically it was substitution of damage. By any chance, those countless human shapes weren't just mere construct. Every single one of them was being with life, and the reason they had varied attack methods also lied in that……that was why, shapes with low priority were getting used as substitution of the damage?
There, he suddenly realized.
(Hm, wait. Just now, was the barrier on?)
That powerful barrier. It wasn't being deployed.
"Answer" filled inside Adol's mind like avalanche.
(……Other than the black colored attacks……it never activate simultaneously……?)
Thinking back, the debuff and mental attack. Using them together with the normal attack would definitely be more effective. And yet, the monster used them one by one no matter what. The lightning also never got used simultaneously other when it was launching its black colored attack.
In the first place if it could use gravity magic, why didn't it use it for pseudo-flight? Why it continued to move clumsily by crawling on the ground?
What clinched it was the breath attack. It could already fire a powerful flash from its spear, so why it went out of its way to fire a scorching breath?
『I see. You can only use attack that's not black colored once huh? And, one of your numerous abilities is "magic that copy magic".』
He saw through it. But, that was exactly why he felt bitter. The ability was too powerful that it couldn't be easily surmounted just by knowing about it.
It was then.
『Adol-sama!』
A telepathy reached him. It was from his trusted confidant and also someone who ought to be called as Tio's second mother, Venri. She should be at the kingdom right now, but she must have gone through the "gate" to rush here.
『Behind you, there's a settlement around ten kilometers there!!』
『!!』
Most likely she was working together with the elders of Fea Belgen to help with the evacuation. She must have been told about the location of the newest settlements.
This is bad……anxiety filled his mind. Considering the monster's moving speed, a distance of 10 kilometers was just a stone's throw away. He could slow down this monster to some degree but, he couldn't imagine how that would help with making the evacuation finished.
In that case, either the people there would be ran over to death, or they would be devoured as nourishment just like in the information.
『Any contact from Yue-kun!?』
『There's none!』
After hearing Yue's command, Adol actually also received an order directly.
Buying time. Apparently Yue wanted to make some kind of preparation, because of that she asked him to hold back the monster for a little while.
Of course, Yue also said that it was possible reinforcement would come far before the monster could arrive at the great tree and Fea Belgen. Yue too had taken into consideration the expansion of living area in the sea of trees.
But, apparently the expansion in the sea of trees surpassed expectation.
『……Understood. I'll deal with it. Report the current situation to Yue-kun.』
『Adol-sama……May luck favor you.』
They had known each other for long. Apparently Venri understood from his heavy and quiet tone.
That Adol had resolved himself with an unshakeable determination.
The scale of the settlement, the comparison of weight between the life of the dragon race's leader and the lives of the people there. Such thing didn't matter. Even if it was only for the sake of saving a single child, Adol would surely make the same decision.
That was the dragon race.
『Either way, it doesn't matter.』
They must have sensed the advance of the monster. He could see the normal monsters and animals running away as fast as they could to the south from before this monster arrived at the sea of trees.
But, even that was at the limit. Based on their moving speed it was impossible for them to get away. They would be overtaken before they could completely escape south of the great tree, and their lives would be forfeit.
His instinct had been screaming this whole time.
That thing is wrong.
He can't allow that thing to reach the great tree and the people of the sea of trees.
Even the lives and souls of the monsters of the sea of trees can't be allowed to be taken by this.
Only after facing it by himself like this, he was able to keenly feel its threat level rather than just from hearing it from the information Yue and others told him.
That was why, he had no more hesitation.
He didn't think about the aftermath. Even if it costed him his ability to fight after, he would use up everything that he could at this moment right now.
He flew in gliding trajectory, however, his speed was like the speed of freefalling as he descended. His landing point was on the way of the monster's course. The settlement was located several kilometers behind him.
『Forgive me, sea of trees. And also people of the forest. This will be a bit rough-!!』
Adol landed while mowing down the trees like a cannonball. His visibly powerful limbs were lifted up like a sumo wrestler about to do the ceremonial stomping, and then they thrust to the ground.
A quake shook the sea of trees. The powerful claws were buried on the ground, fixing the huge body like anchor.
『It will be a disgrace to the dragon race's name if we can't even buy time until the reinforcement arrive. Besides, this power I obtained by lashing this old bones is exactly for this kind of time. Here I come, monster from faraway world――"Limit Break"』
*DOOO* A terrific blaze burst up. The blaze didn't affect the trees around――no, it was crimson colored magic power that unleashed pressure so fierce it made it looked like a blaze. The unconceivable drastic increase of power was certainly the proof of "Limit Break".
The same like the gravity magic, this ability was activated without borrowing the power of artifact. Adol activated it with his own strength. Yes, he used soul magic.
Furthermore,
――OOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
A grand roar was let out. It felt as though it was reverberating all over the world. The roar was filled with "might" that was truly suitable for the title of the dragon king.
The monsters and animals who were agitated with terror as they sensed the approach of the monster stopped moving. The birds that used the great tree as their perch also stiffened as though they were holding their breath.
A beat later, the sea of trees was filled with uproar all over. They sensed it. The will inside the "might". The order to run.
Time returned and all of them ran at full speed. Monsters and animals ran at full speed deeper and deeper into the sea of trees without looking anywhere but forward. The birds all took flight.
Naturally, that will was also conveyed to the settlement in question. They didn't know what was going on because they were located in the sticks of the sticks, but there was no way they could mishear that heroic roar that came from several kilometers ahead. There was no way they were unable to realize that some kind of inevitable abnormal situation was occurring. They too left their settlement with only the clothes on their back.
Right after that, the surrounding scenery around Adol distorted.
It was heat. The aberrant quantity of heat radiated from that huge body distorted the scenery like a real mirage. As though to proof that, even steam started to rise up. The ground around the four limbs piercing the ground was turning red.
Soon after, there was a tremor next. The ground was shattered in the radius around. Cracks were spreading as each second passed. Steam burst out from the cracks and finally the surrounding trees and plants started to catch fire all at once.
And yet, the surrounding temperature kept going up. Without stopping, without knowing limit.
It was absorption of geothermal energy.
That was Adol's new technique that made use of gravity magic.
『I wryly thought that you are a complete slavedriver even against an old man like this but……don't tell me, you didn't actually anticipate this kind of situation right? Hajime-kun』
It must be a really heavy burden to his body. Pained voice slipped out of his gritted fangs. Even so a wry smile formed in his eyes.
The grotesque meat lump had closed the distance until half of before. Adol couldn't help but recall even as he glared at it.
――Adol-san, do you want to try challenging the great labyrinth?
Hajime knew that Adol was really busy flying around all over the world for the sake of rebuilding and forming a society of peaceful coexistence. But, when an unexpected situation happened in Tortus that had no Hajime and co, the one who could be relied and trusted the most power-wise was the dragon race, Adol.
Since the "dragon incident", Hajime prepared to an absurd degree with complete focus. In the phase when the method to pass down age-of-god magic by themselves hadn't been established, "strengthening the dragon race" was a logical decision in a sense.
At first, Adol refused.
It was because he thought that at the present time when information about the inside of great dungeons was available, setting aside the youngsters, high-ranked members of dragon race would most likely be able to conquer a dungeon that they had good affinity with.
In fact, there were some of the hotblooded youths that wanted to challenge a dungeon by their own initiative. Or rather, Ristas was at the forefront of those youths. His sense of rivalry toward a certain someone somewhere was burning hot.
But, Adol stopped them. With the same reason of his own refusal.
The dragon race was already more than strong enough in Tortus. Strength that was too powerful would invite fear. It would become the main cause that broke peace.
However, Hajime was persistent. He gave a persuasion that wasunlikehim as though there was desperation somewhere in there.
It was a request from none other than Hajime. There was no way he could refuse him casually from the start. Also, the existence of the "Dragon", the powerful people of other worlds, and most of all, Hajime's state at that time made him got a second thought. At the end Adol accepted though with conditions attached.
First was information sharing with leaders of other countries, and on top of that a permission system based on a conference with them for a member of dragon race to challenge the great dungeons.
Hajime and also the leadership of other countries agreed with those conditions.
As the result, at present Adol had learned gravity magic, metamorphosis magic, and soul magic just like Hajime and Tio recommended to him. Other than him, there were also several other veteran warriors of the dragon race who had learned age of god magic though each of them only learned one.
Also, Ristas-kun desperately made a request multiple times and somehow managed to wrench the permission to challenge Raisen Great Dungeon only but……
――Who can possibly conquer it huh-, this Super Miledy G!! Nagumo Hajimeee, as I thought you're unforgivableee-
It could be easily guessed from his figure stamping his feet in frustration while wounded all over his body as witnessed by a lot of people.
Getting back on topic.
『This is a body that won't even last for a hundred more years. I accepted it hoping that it would help the youngsters feel at ease but……to think that a war where I have to put my life on the line once more is really awaiting us all.』
The distance with the grotesque meat lump had been shortened to a kilometer even while he was having that short recollection.
Right now the air was heated by the scorching heat which generated updraft that dragged in the surrounding flame that became a blazing whirlwind that rose to the heaven.
At the center of that tremendous whirling blaze was the gallant figure of the fire dragon. But even facing such obstacle, the monster showed no sign of changing its path.
Faced with that wordless arrogance, Adol laughed.
『I won't let you, go any further than this!!』
Once again, a roar. The air was prickling. And then――the ground erupted.
The underground was heated and transformed into lave. It then burst up here and there like a volcanic eruption.
The red heat underfoot also spread even further instantly. The ground was dyed red and melting. Overwhelming heat completely transformed a part of the sea of trees into a lava zone in an instant.
The ground boiled. The whole surrounding was swallowed by a red land.
Adol's dragonic body had swelled up unnoticed to nearly twenty meters in height as though through thermal expansion. His scales were gleaming as though they were clad in magma.
It was as though he was the embodiment of blazing heat.
The crimson giant dragon clad in flame and magma on a land of lava was like a figure that had been taken out from a page of myth.
――※##※****※ッッ
A black flash shot toward Adol as though to say that he was in the way.
Adol activated the gravity magic "Calamitous Sky". The black flash's trajectory was twisted up to the sky.
Naturally, the monster attempted to dispel it with an imitation of "Calamitous Sky". Just like it did before.
It was a good opening.
While the monster's focus was split to using gravity magic, it carelessly intruded. To a location where its distance with Adol was less than 500 meters.
Right after that, the ground under the monster broke.
『Try to imitate this. If you are able.』
Underneath the thin ground was a sea of lava. It wasn't that deep. At best only half of the monster's body got submerged. But, that was fine. It was just as he planned.
――※※##※***##ッッ!!
The monster shrieked. It was a scream that told it definitely felt agony. The sound of flesh sizzling and thick black smoke swirled up with the monster at the centre.
It was rampaging violently, however, the lava showed no sign of going away.
Because the lava was byproduct of magic in the end. There was no magic that ought to be copied. Adol's theory wasn't wrong.
『The chance of victory is here.』
He knew that the monster was deploying barrier. Furthermore, tentacles were that connected the human shapes' upper bodies were lengthening so it could crawl out from the giant hole.
That ground also melted. The area from Adol until the monster was changing into a sea of scorching heat in the blink of eye. What's more, it contained heat that was impossible for actual lava. And yet, it was still a lava with extremely high viscosity.
In addition, the sea of lava that was spreading in fan shape became tsunami that flooded down to cover the struggling monster.
A sea of lava manifested in fan shape with Adol as the starting point. The surrounding scorching heat sea became a tsunami that swallowed the monster.
Its speed fell drastically. Adol activated "Calamitous Sky" once more there and stopped the monster's movement so it got pushed into the sea of lava.
The barrier vanished. So it could dispel "Calamitous Sky" with copied magic. Naturally, scorching heat enveloped its body.
"Calamitous Sky" was dispelled and the barrier once more――while that happened, another "Calamitous Sky" was generated.
――####****※※!!
That shriek radiated indignation rather than agony.
Inside the boiling giant kettle of lava, the monster was writhing while screaming. The human shapes on its body surface was squirming even more violently which made this sight unnecessarily……yes, it looked like a cauldron of hell. This was truly a hellish picture.
『It's an existence that had endured the so-called "void". From the start I never thought that something like lava can do anything.』
Barrier, or copying gravity magic. It was pressed to choose. Knowing that the monster was unable to think, Adol deliberately forced it to make a choice. It was to make it waste time.
――####****※※!!
An abnormality occurred with the monster. The countless human shapes that grew on its body surface like body hair started detaching like hair falling out.
Perhaps, the monster was truly not a single life form but an aggregation of many.
But, too slow. While it was made to waste time by the ancient dragon, that ancient dragon was finishing his preparation.
『My bad but, from the start that is just for buying time.』
Brilliant radiance was rapidly vanishing from the monster's surrounding. The lava was changing color to black in the blink of eye.
To be the strongest fire dragon meant to be the expert of fire and heat. Not to mention that dragon was an ancient dragon who had lived for a thousand years and the king of the dragon race.
Even though not even one year had passed since he obtained the gravity magic, he had quickly managed to learn "interfering with geothermal energy" which was a part of the magic's essence that was "interfering with the planet's energy". That too was due to his long time diligence and aptitude.
And so, there was no way he was doing something as artless as simply unleashing sweltering heat. On the contrary he was able to steal away heat from the lava.
The lava returned back to be rock. All those masses became a physical barrier as they were. They must have seeped in until every crevice of the monster and now became a binding.
In exchange, the heat that got absorbed all at once gathered at Adol. Heat wave pulsed at the same beat with his heart. The radiance of the scorching heat enveloping Adol was increasing moment by moment in proportion with the cooling ground.
Astonishing amount of energy was clearly being absorbed from the four limbs that were grabbing the earth.
『I put my all into this attack. Try it out.』
*Gaba-* The jaw opened. Unbelievable amount of heat was converging there. It was breath attack with geothermal energy melded in with combined use of gravity magic in the state of "Limit Break".
『――"Scarlet Sun's Roar – Cycle Ban"』
At that moment, sounds vanished. Nothing but brilliant radiance spread out. Everything below the dark cloud was dyed scarlet. The color filled everything.
A beat passed.
Sounds returned. Thunderous sound like the atmosphere was howling resounded, scream was reverberating from the point where the scarlet flash hit.
――******###※※※ッッッ!!?
Something like lava rock that served as binding got reduced to nothingness in an instant. The monster's barrier was smashed like wastepaper. The extra-powerful breath directly hit its body.
If it was said that the scale of the breath was almost the same with the whole surface area of the monster, then perhaps it could be imagined just how large the scale of it was.
The sight was like when Hajime fired the sunlight convergence laser "Burst Hyperion" in maximum setting, furthermore not just one, but multiple of it all at the same time.
The figure of gigantic dragon fixing its huge body to the ground and continuously firing breath attack could also be seen like a gigantic anchored cannon battery that had the shape of a dragon.
The breath suddenly flickered. But, it immediately returned back to normal and burned the human shapes on the monster's surface with terrific force to ash.
There was no sign of the monster copying the attack and dispelling it. Of course it was.
Because this breath was using gravitational field so the target wouldn't get away from the firing line, and soul magic to directly transmit the heat energy to the soul.
"Cycle Ban", that was to say even the soul wasn't permitted to reincarnate. It meant that even the soul would be burnt to nothingness.
The monster could only copy and dispel one magic. And, even when the magic was dispelled Adol was constantly reinvoking it.
Its soul would be burned if it tried to block the physical firepower, but its flesh body would be burned if it tried protecting its soul. And, it was seized by gravitational field like the jaw of Yue's "Lightning Dragon". If it tried to deal with that then both its flesh and soul would be burned.
『Perhaps it would be a different story if it still has the capacity of thinking remaining. But, it won't be able to slip out just by instinctually struggling. No, I shall not allow it to slip away!!』
Perhaps the outcome had been decided by the time it felt pain of its soul burning. Immense confusion and impatience made the monster frantic. The possibility of it escaping its predicament was vanishing moment by moment.
The breath that ought to be called as the final secret move that Adol mastered grew even thicker and brighter.
Finally the monster's physical body, its front part was greatly burned away. The damage had surpassed the maximum amount of its substitution technique and the main body began to crumble.
At the same time, *Bishi- Piki-* Adol's dragon scales were making ominous sounds. The scales started to crack and break. He was reinforcing himself with "Limit Break" and metamorphosis magic, even so there was a limit in how much one could contain a vast amount of geothermal energy that was a fragment of the planet's energy.
From here it was a battle of endurance.
『oOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!』
――※※※##**※※ッッッ!!
War cry and shriek burst out from both sides.
Would Adol run out of strength first? Or would the monster endure to the end……
The result was――
The scarlet flash pierced through. It shot to the far off like a muddy stream that met no more wall.
And then, the breath gradually thinned down, and before long it vanished in a puff.
What was left was the ground that was melted in a straight line, and violent updraft. The sparks, heat, debris, everything was dragged by the wind and vanished to the sky. The dark cloud was also swept away by that wind and the light of the sun shined down.
That sight was like, the dead getting lifted up to heaven.
『……』
At the starting point of that straight line, Adol fell silent while his four limbs were still braced in the ground. Its head hung down with not a single twitch could be seen from him.
*Shuu~* Steam spewed out from his whole body. The heated up air distorted the surrounding scenery like mirage.
*Gashan-Gashan* There was also a hard sound. It was the sound of the cracked dragon scales peeling off and falling on the hardened and cooled ground.
A beat passed and scarlet light enveloped that huge body. The body was quickly growing smaller and at the center the figure of Adol on one knee appeared.
His whole body was bright red. His limbs were burned and inflamed, with keloids covering them.
『――ol-sa……Ado――ma!!』
The unmoving Adol twitched.
『Adol-sama!!』
『Tsu――KAHAH, HAA HAA-, I'm listening』
Apparently he was unconscious for a short time. Adol took a long breath as though he had just remembered to do so. Then he somehow replied to Venri's voice inside his head that was filled with worry.
『You are safe aren't you?』
『Safe……it's hard for me to claim that but there's no danger to my life. Though, I won't be able to move for a while.』
His magic power was completely empty. He smiled wryly after considering his state and put strength into his legs to stand up, but he staggered and almost fell. He hurriedly put his hand on the grand to balance himself. But, even that also almost failed so he resigned himself to fall on his butt and sat cross-legged.
He took a deep breath. And then, although he had known from the presence, he looked forward once more to confirm it.
It was spotless. That black monster was gone. There wasn't even the feeling of revulsion that he felt in his soul.
『It looks like I've defeated it. I hope the people in the settlement are alright but……』
Adol looked back over his shoulder. The ground several hundred meters that way was turned into scorched earth, but that was all. He could see the trees of the sea of trees still firmly standing ahead of there.
But, even the pack of monsters should be running away to the same direction in a pack. If they sensed that the threat of the aberrant monster here had vanished and regained their calm, they might bared their fangs and claws to the preys around them.
『I've sent someone to pick them up but――』
Venri's voice was also radiating concern.
There, an answer was brought to them.
『……Nn, I've confirmed it. It's fine.』
『Yue-kun!』
『Yue-sama!』
It was Yue's "telepathy". It seemed the one who came to reinforce Tortus was Yue.
Adol and Venri found that a bit unexpected. Yue was the commander. They thought that she would be at earth as her base.
A part of it was because the place she wanted to protect the most was Hajime's homeland which was the place for him to return home to, but also because at present earth was connected to the calamity world. In short, earth and the King Tree should be the two things that absolutely mustn't fall no matter what.
But, before he could give words to that question, a vortex that shined gold formed above Adol's head. As soon as he saw it, light that was also shining gold illuminated him from there.
Adol's eyes widened.
『This is……oo, light of healing is it. My thanks.』
The scalds healed before his eyes. Strength welled up in his limbs. It looked like the light also transferred magic power. He was returned to full health in the blink of eye.
『……I've grasped all the locations of the residents of the sea of trees. I've finished forming "gates". They should finish evacuating to Fea Belgen within a few minutes.』
『F-few minutes? Don't tell me……』
Adol was instantly speechless. It was exactly as he thought in disbelief.
『Don't tell me, you simultaneously formed teleportation doors at everywhere the people in the sea of trees are at?』
『……No.』
As expected that's not the case huh, Adol smiled wryly and quickly noticed. The sign of tremendous power at the far distance that surged like tsunami.
He unconsciously held his breath. The vastness of the power made even that monster felt like a baby. And yet, he didn't feel any revulsion at the slightest. There was also no feeling of terror or pressure that made him unable to breath.
He reflexively spread out his wings and flew up. He strengthened his dragon's eyes and looked toward the great tree.
A golden sun was forming at the peak of the great tree.
『……I've opened gates at where everyone is, including the surrounding area of the sea of trees. I've also guided their mind to evacuate to nearby town or city with well-prepared defense.』
『W-what the……how can such thing……』
『A-Adol-sama. Right now, gates are appearing all around Fea Belgen like a rampart. W-with this hundreds or even thousands of people can pass through all at once……』
Venri's voice sounded flustered.
『……Nn. I've also expanded the gate connecting Fea Belgen to the kingdom, so at the very least "people" should be able to escape from the sea of trees in less than a hour.』
If people had expanded to the whole sea of trees, then naturally the same thing was occurring with the surrounding area.
Natural resources and monster materials that could only be procured from sea of trees were truly abundant. There was even trade with official recognition from Fea Belgen right now.
Inevitably it created logistics and economic bloc. People gathered. A lot of new towns and bases were also built around the sea of trees. The population was also increasing exponentially.
The monster appearing from the northern mountain range region was a small mercy. If it appeared from within the continent, a lot of people would have become victim before Adol arrived.
For Yue to grasp all the locations of such colossal number of people who were gathering around the sea of trees, opened gates for all of them, and even guided their mind……
『……Lili has already arrived at the kingdom. There'll be no problem to leave her to take command here so she can coordinate with other countries and also making preparation to receive the refugees.』
『I-I see. As a resident of this world, I'm thankful that you come running here to help us.』
『……That is my line, Adol-dono. Just in case, I was paying attention so I could assist anytime but, thanks to you managing the problem completely by yourself, I was able to focus without any interruption. As expected from the head of the dragon race, to be able to defeat such monster by yourself like that.』
Just as could be felt from her tone of speech, Yue also held great respect and trust toward Adol just like Hajime. A part of it was because he was the grandfather that Tio loved and respected, but even more than that, it was his existence was like the personification of the lofty king of the dragon race just like in legend.
The battle of the gallant dragon king to protect a small settlement.
It must be because she had been watching so she could lend a hand anytime. Some excitement could be sensed from that voice.
『It looks like it's worthwhile for me to fight so hard. It's the greatest honor to be praised so by the strongest vampire princess.』
Adol scratched his cheek. He couldn't stop himself from smiling wryly.
Is she aware that she's doing something far more amazing than me right now?He thought with a complicated feeling.
But, in reality, Adol's astonishment wouldn't stop with just this degree. Adol still hadn't fully realized the full scope of Yue's power.
That fact immediately became known to him. In addition, receiving praise "The legendary dragon king, amazing! Strong!" that could be said as innocent from such person would make him unable to endure it even more. That would happen in sixty more seconds.
『……Just in case I wish to have one more protection for the great tree other than me. Adol-dono, over here.』
『Understood.』
Golden radiance in the shape of rectangle descended in front of Adol. It was a "gate". He obediently passed through and his field of vision changed.
What came into view was the beautiful peak of the great tree that was like a garden. And the familiar sea of trees that stretched until the horizon.
And then, a golden sun. Yue.
She was in her adult mode, with huge three layered halos behind her. She was floating weightlessly in the air while a faint radiance enveloped her whole body. Small triangular barriers that looked like guitar pick were rotating around her in countless number like Saturn's ring.
For her outfit, at the front it had long billowing train that was somewhat short, so to say it was a design that looked like fish tail dress. Her nape of the neck, shoulders, arms, and legs were covered with laces. They were transparent, but the exposure was small after a fashion. From the top she was also wearing a lacy stole so it was even more so. The dress's train was floating lightly and the stole was swaying in the air so it looked like the raiment of a celestial maiden.
The color was fully pure white, so it also looked like a wedding dress. It also looked like out of place in the battlefield. Or normally it would.
(The youngsters shouldn't approach here huh……)
Adol unconsciously smiled wryly.
Something like TPO (time, place, occasion) didn't matter for Yue in her serious mode. Her form would set the standard of appropriateness of that place. No matter what kind of place it was, it would be painted out like that――he couldn't help but thought that from the absoluteness of her beauty that felt like it swallowed everything around.
And most of all, that tremendous aura of power.
It made him understood more than he wanted to after coming this close. The level of Yue's strength that he felt on his skin, in his soul was at a level that he had never felt before.
He could sense some kind of outrageous torrent of power whirling with Yue at the center.
He called her a golden sun not simply referring to the light of magic power that Yue was radiating. In fact, it was because a huge shining sphere that enveloped the whole zenith of the great tree was forming.
He didn't know how to describe it. Looking over once again, he found that a huge stream of magic power was being generated with this great tree as the center. Magic power was overflowing from the sea of trees as far as he could see. That magic power was gathering to her like they were crawling on the ground.
And then, they whirled with the great tree at the center while climbing up. To this peak. Converging at Yue.
There the overflowing magic power became tinged with golden radiance, then they slowly formed the rotating huge spherical space.
Of course, the center of it was Yue.
(She's a powerful existence from the start. That's common knowledge. But, even so it shouldn't be at this level……just what in the world……)
That radiating aura of strength was powerful like sun, and yet it was warm and reassuring like the embrace of mother's arms. Surely anyone who saw it wouldn't be able to stop themselves from getting enchanted.
Even Adol almost kneeled down to show respect instinctually. He got away with only that much exactly because he was an elder dragon at the last phase of his life, possessing an unshakeable mind.
If a youngster was in his place here, surely the sight would be burned into their heart and they would never be able to forget it. They might become a believer who would never dare to think of something like wanting to obtain her, but simply wanting to offer their body and soul wholly just for her. Even someone who had accumulated age would also be in a risk of that to some degree.
Presence of that degree, and phenomenal "beauty" could be found there.
Let's be frank.
Even if someone said that the avatar of this great tree was none other than Yue, nobody would doubt it, definitely.
Looking really closely, the great tree was also growing out luscious leaves, and it was shining although faintly. Like it was rejoicing by its avatar's return. Or perhaps, it was responding to Yue's will.
「……T-this is, a new combat outfit that Hajime prepared for me before the trip……」
「U-umu?」
What cleared up his overwhelmed mind was the existence that caused the overwhelmed feeling. Adol's gaze that was looking at the surrounding with fluster returned toward Yue. Yue-sama, she was fidgeting for some reason.
「……I, I told him that perhaps something that look a bit more combat outfit-like would be better! But, Hajime he……he said that this looks good on me and won't listen……」
Apparently the person herself was the one most concerned about TPO. But, Hajime holding a burning desire to see her in this outfit made her so happy that she wasn't actually that annoyed about it……it felt like something like that. Truly girly. Even if someone called her an avatar of the great tree they would plainly doubt it.
「A-aa, is that so……fufu, fuhahah. It's good that your marital relationship is just like always. Umu, it doesn't look out of place or anything. I think it really looks good on you, Yue-kun.」
「……yes」
Her look was exactly like a goddess. And yet, she was acting like a granddaughter fidgeting while making excuse because her grandfather was looking at her with a warm smile. In a sense, this atmosphere was even more dangerous than a sublime atmosphere from before.
An adorableness that was displayed with the appearance of a bewitching mature woman. This would be far more than enough to completely destroy the emotion of the youngsters.
Elder Adol smiled even while swearing firmly inside his heart. He must never allow the youngsters to get close to Yue-kun when she was in this mode.
A voice that blew away such warming atmosphere came.
『Yue-saaaaan!? Is this the time to act shy like that!? It comes! We can see it already!!』
『Yue-sama! Reporting!! There's abnormal presence around Fea Belgen……the white mist is getting dyed black!!』
The first voice was Liliana. It came from one of the triangles revolving around Yue. The second voice was Venri. Looking closer, certainly the sea of trees was becoming mottle patterned.
The white mist enveloping the sea of trees started to become tainted black as though to surround the great tree and Fea Belgen. Furthermore the trees were knocked down. There were also trees sinking as though the ground was transformed into a bottomless swamp.
Just from a glance they could see ten-odd spots going through such change. That sense of revulsion could be felt from all those places.
No doubt about it. It looked like there was variety in strength between them but, more than ten "void gods" were appearing just in the sea of trees here.
Furthermore,
『Ou, young missy Yue. Something dangerous is also approaching Erisen right now. As expected, it feels like something different from the one Inaba and I ran into when we got dragged away by the so-called Traveller.』
Lee-san's voice came. Then following him, reports of "a black monster we've never seen before appeared" also came from the empire, the demon kingdom, even the neutral commercial city and also the dukedom one after another.
Somehow, apparently the method for important people of various countries to be able to have telepathic communication with each other without going through communicator had been established.
But, this wasn't the time to feel impressed about that.
「How can this be. All over the world? As expected they're targeting the cities for energy source!」
Adol's expression showed anxiety that couldn't be hidden.
As expected there wasn't just one "void god" lurking in this world. In addition, the situation they feared――the start of indiscriminate attack toward population centers so they could solve their lack of energy to cross to a parallel world――had come to be.
If, they were as strong or even stronger than the monster he had just fought……
There wouldn't be enough manpower at all. Even if they focused on buying time until Adol or Yue could arrive there would be a limit. Other places would fall while they were saving somewhere else.
「Yue-kun. I know that what I'm going to ask is unreasonable but, are you the only one here as our reinforcement?」
「……Yes. Only I, Lily, and Lee-san came to Tortus.」
It was Yue's decision after she proclaimed that she was in command. Adol was the one who agreed with that.
In that case, saying anything more would be a waste of time. He didn't ask for more reinforcement.
Adol let out a deep breath. And then, his gaze became determined. Yes, he opened his mouth with the eyes of the leader of the virtuous dragon race.
「Understood. Then, we the dragon race shall protect each city with everything we have to the death.」
Buying time with their lives on the line. Considering that the enemy would use them as energy source, it was unimaginable that they would be in a state that could be resurrected if they died. He was truly resolved to die.
But, toward such Adol,
「……No, there's no need.」
Yue who was staring at empty air with her atmosphere became aloof before he knew it declared that.
And then, she slowly raised one hand.
「……Icame for this.」
That hand was leisurely swung down.
Following that hand movement, pillars of light poured down from the sky.
It looked just like, numerous sunlight shining down from the gaps of thick clouds――aka "angel's ladder". It looked just like such natural phenomenon.
However, anyone could say that it was definitely different. All the pillars were tinged with golden radiance. Furthermore they also weren't as faint as sunlight. Rather they even looked like they had physical texture.
Multiple vortexes of light were formed high in the sky of the sea of trees. Pillars of golden light were shining down from there and hit various spots of the sea of trees.
The places that got hit were spots where the abnormalities were detected just now. The places where the monsters appeared from.
「……It's fine. I got them all.」
Yue spoke softly in reassurance. Rather than speaking to Adol, that voice felt like it was directed toward the ears of the people all over the world, or perhaps toward their minds.
No, her voice actually reached them all.
The objects that looked like triangle barriers revolving around Yue――most likely they were small windows made from spatial magic that were connecting to the key people of each country――were conveying the signs of people holding their breath one after another.
Yes, the scenery of countless golden "angel's ladders" pouring down from the sky was being witnessed all over the world.
The citizens of each city were in an uproar by the suddenly announced emergency situation.
They could only feel bewildered even after getting told that unknown threat was approaching. Not only that, they were all at a loss because "gates" appeared out of nowhere and they were in a different place after passing through it.
And, the leaderships of various countries including Liliana.
All of those people, millions, tens of millions of people were all looking at the sky with dumbfounded faces. They were all entranced by the sight that was just too divine.
「Don't tell me……don't tell me, through the whole continent?」
Adol's eyes widened in disbelief. Yue nodded briskly. She narrowed her eyes and looked not at here but at the far away. Her gaze looked as though she saw through everything.
Right after that, screams reverberated from various places in the continent.
「――Tsu!? This is!」
Screaming voices that made him reflexively wanted to cover his ears overlapped many times over. The voices were clearly in agony――the "void gods" were letting out their voices like they were yelling their death throes.
「……As expected from the powerful beings from parallel worlds. They won't die so easily. But it's working. If it works then……」
Yue's usually sleepy looking eyes snapped wide open. The golden celestial spheres surrounding Yue shined even brighter. Magic power of terrible amount was flowing in like great waterfall.
「……I only need to confine and kill you until death.」
The golden angel's ladders also brightened even more in respond.
「I see. Those pillars of light……I saw them in the past replay. That's the technique Ehito used on you in the demon king castle in the past!」
Adol's realization was correct.
The pillar's principle was the same with the light pillar that Ehito used when he possessed Yue. However, the output, intensity, and effect were practically a different thing.
――All Age-of-God Magic Combination Sealing Magic Angel's Golden Ladder
It was a barrier that used multiple layers of spatial isolation barrier as the base, with each layer enchanted with different traits of reflection – dispersion – absorption, and furthermore the barrier was continuously regenerated in real time.
While the inside the target would be exposed to the full course of tyranny that was disintegration bombardment, with the side complements of highest class magic of all elements, super gravitational field, spatial quake, regeneration of past injuries, forced alteration of flesh body using creation magic and metamorphosis magic, mind disturbance with soul magic, and obstruction of magic usage.
Naturally, all of those were strengthened further with sublimation magic. To be thorough, it also affected the soul with soul magic.
This magic was to be used only against an opponent that Yue decided to "absolutely kill".
This was the newest and undoubtedly the strongest magic for the current Yue that she created with such restriction imposed on herself.
「You connected to the spaces all over the continent with space magic, and launched the attacks with spatial jump……is it. But……the "void gods" should be undetectable even by the compass……」
「……Magic power emission. I'm continuously emitting magic power through the "gates" opened at a thousand spots at all parts of the continent.」
Yue answered him even while concentrating. However, Adol could only return a bewildered gaze at her.
"Void god" couldn't be detected. So what if she was emitting magic power……
「No, don't tell me……」
「……Yes. If "void god" can't be detected, you can instead just detect everything else other than "void god". The "blank zones" in the detection, those are the place where the "void gods" are located.」
「Unbelievable……」
It was an outrageous feat.
And also, an impossible technique.
Right now, in this moment, just how many magic she was using in concurrence? Even though just doing that was already beyond human's mind, she was also sensing the whole continent?
That wasn't something human at all.
Although, if sublimation magic and soul magic were used together to their culmination, perhaps that would be possible if it was Yue. Adol was able to concede that for the sake of argument.
But, but still.
In the first place, emitting magic power to cover the whole continent? Impossible. Of course, if it was just for a short period then it should be manageable somehow using the savings from unlimited magic power. But, doing that continuously?
Just how much magic power would be required to enable something like that?
Magic power supply that was truly in infinite amount would be necessary.
But, from what he heard in the information sharing before, the source of unlimited magic power should be with Hajime right now. Yue shouldn't be able to receive supply while the connection with the calamity world was cut off.
Or else, the connection with Hajime had been restored……
「No, I see, so that's how……this immense torrent of magic power……the sensation like it's welling up from all over the sea of trees, and gathering here……」
「As expected from Adol-dono. It's exactly as you think.」
Yue's lips formed a small smile.
Adol couldn't hide his astonishment even after reaching the conclusion and he spoke the correct answer.
「The essence of gravity magic――"interference to the planet's energy"……Yue-kun, right now you are, interfering witht this world's magic power itself and make use of it. Yes, just like how Hajime-kun is in commnad of earth's willpower..」
However, Hajime accomplished that with the full cooperation of the King Tree's avatar which was Laila. In contrast Yue was under the condition of using only her own strength which was hard to believe.
That was the culmination of gravity magic that surpassed the secret technique "Black Sky Destitution".
The person who left behind gravity magic for mankind.
The person who kept waiting for thousands of years without losing heart.
The protector of mankind. Its leader.
The heaven-sent child and strongest user of gravity magic――Miledy Raisen.
Even god's apostle was unable to drive her away from her mind. Feeling that was similar to fear was engraved to her and it never faded no matter how many years passed. And the root of such person's power was this.
――Gathering and unrestricted usage of nature's magic power
Yes, it was practically unlimited magic power.
The reason why Miledy Raisen was the strongest. At her prime, she obtained power that was no different from unlimited by her own strength.
Perhaps……
In the battle against the Liberators in the past, the reason why Ehito chose to take mankind hostage at the end stage wasn't just to obtain joy from trampling on the will of Miledy and others.
Perhaps, he had imagined a future of his defeat in case he got into a head-on fight with them?
In any case.
From the knowledge she obtained after learning all the age of god magic, she understood that it was possible but, in the end, even Yue was unable to arrive at that level.
The battle had ended. So she thought there was also no need to reach it, that level.
「……Because, Hajime was working that hard.」
Yue reached it.
Yue and others were watching their beloved from closer than anybody else. There was no way all they did was simply consoling him that his worry was ungrounded. That was unimaginable.
If Hajime felt concern, then let's become so strong that concern would be blown away.
If Hajime became desperate in order to protect everyone, let's become desperate too in order to protect that Hajime.
There was no way, they didn't become desperate too.
Of course, so it wouldn't cause Hajime anxiety, she discussed it with Shia and others so they could cover for each other skillfully. They all enjoyed their everyday life properly, while hiding their effort out of everyone's eye.
「……Yue-san too, had worked a bit harder♪」
Is this something someone can do with just a bit of hard work?Adol thought with a wry smile.The power of love……I guess that can explain it,he somehow convinced himself like that.
「I see. ……This world, it's literally "your world" like this.」
A type of irregular who was born in this world.
The existence that in the past was feared by the world, sought by the world, and desired even by the god.
If it was in this world, no, if it was a world that had magic power as its inherent energy.
Right now, Yue was unrivaled.
Unlimited magic power made her genuinely immortal. Her godly magical skill and talent reached the whole continent.
The current Yue was entering the same level like Ehito in the past.
That was why, Yue came to Tortus.
Because she alone was sufficient for Tortus's protection.
Because if the planet that was her homeland lent her strength, she could reach even the other worlds.
This was the demon god's first wife.
The strongest vampire princess who was fully entrusted with everything in her husband's absent.
「……Everyone, I'll say this, once more. I'm here. That's why, it's absolutely fine.」
Most likely it wasn't just in Tortus. Those words were also sent for her friends who was scattered at other worlds, and the people who must be starting to fight in those worlds.
The overwhelming presence and torrent of power were surely reaching them too.
They should be feeling the same sense of relief and reliability from her just like from Hajime.
「Absolutely magnificent.」
Unbidden, a praise without any exaggeration came out of Adol's mouth.
Yue waved her fingertip. Surely, a new "void god" had appeared somewhere in the continent. Another golden light pillar had definitely illuminated the surrounding with divine radiance while piercing the ground.
At the same time, Liliana and others, the leaderships of each place who were rendered speechless also seemed to have regained their wit and expressed their words of praise and gratitude.
Yue pointed the fingertip that she was waving around like baton to above while for some reason pointing the finger of her other hand to below.
And then, in honest delight from the praise of the legendary dragon king and Liliana and others, she puffed out her chest a little (especially when someone said "As expected from the demon god's first wife!", it made her small nose twitched), and said proudly.
With a photogenic expression.
「……Nn! Truly, throughout heaven and earth, Yue alone is the honored one!」
Perhaps it was because unlimited magic power was constantly flowing in. Could it be, it caused her to be a bit high? It couldn't be helped for such thought to cross the mind. Her expression right now was the very picture of smugness.
Adol thought. Which he then said out loud.
「Hm? Throughout heaven and……pardon me, Yue-kun. Are you making a reference to "Tenjou Tenge Yuiga Dokuson(天上天下唯我独尊)"?」(TN: That's the original wording of Throughout heaven and earth, I alone am the honored one. Btw, Yue made a word play in the raw by changing the Yui part with Yue when saying it)
「……EH?」
Yue-san turned toward Adol with a snap. She looked like she never expected anyone to point that out even in her wildest dream.
「Forgive me if I'm wrong. If I remember correctly, the meaning of those words is that all lives are equal, everyone is valuable isn't it?」
「……Eh, eh? Everyone, valuable? Eh……?」
「Before, Karm-dono gifted me a t-shirt as a souvenir that he bought at earth. It was written on that T-shirt. He said that those are fitting words to be worn by the dragon king.」
「……」
「Why, did you those words in this situation? It sounded to me you changed a part of the wording into "Yue ga dokuson" though……」
「……No, umm, that……」
「Those are words that you went out of your way to utter in this situation. I don't dare to have any misunderstanding. My apologies for my lack of study but, just in case please I ask you to teach me the correct meaning――」
『Stooopp! Adol-donoo! The HP of Yue-san's heart is going down to zerooo!』
It was Liliana's voice that interrupted.
『Certainly that's the original meaning but, Yue-san simply used it to mean "I'm, strongest"! That isn't an incorrect usage by all means, the words were used in that way in a certain creative work with proper circumstances behind it. Yue-san too watched that work and got influenced by it, and I think she has been waiting for a chance to use it somewhere! Because, when Myuu-chan and I watched the anime together, Yue-san, she secretly posed behind us and had fun copying the character! The TV's screen reflected her at that time so there's no way I'm mistaken! By the way, it felt like she only took a liking at how the words sound so she shouldn't know the actual meaning of it! That's why don't ask her so seriously like that! Please don't hound her any further than this while the whole world is listening!』
Adol-san gasped. He had the expression that clearly said 「I've done it now!」.
「M-my apologies, Yue-kun. I'm truly ashamed by my lack of wisdom. I didn't know that this phrase also has that kind of profound use.」
Adol-san looked apologetic from the bottom of his heart. He also put a vague smile in apology.
It hurt the heart even more deeply.
Yue-sama covered her bright red face with both hands.
And then,
「……Uu, Lily, punishment later.」
『EH!!?』
She made a proclamation of taking out her anger to other.
It seemed that Liliana would be the only one who was in danger in this world.
.
AN: Thank you very much for reading this every time.
Thank you very much too for the thoughts, opinions, and reports about misspelling and omitted words.
I'm sorry that I'm late. Originally I wrote Adol-san's battle so that he couldn't win but still hang in there until Yue saved him in a pinch, but Adol-san's losing scene just makes me feel murky that I rewrote that part until the last minute.
※Meme introduction
– Adol's strongest breath
The image came from Godzilla VS Gidora in [King of Monsters]. The scene when Godzilla's whole body became bright red from heat.
– Tenjou Tenge Yue ga Dokuson
It went without saying, this is from Gojo-sensei of [Jujutsu Kaisen]. I super love the awakening scene. I might love it the most. I super look forward to the battle after awakening in the anime.
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