Chapter 211: CH: 192 The End of Holy
And the only enemies I encounter are mobs from Bayonetta.
The paradox deepens as I continue to receive rewards associated with conventional angels—Michael's Robe, the Fallen Ring, the Feather of the Greatest Fallen, and now, these mystic Crystals.
The question persists: why?
Why haven't I encountered some truly heavenly?
Why does the dungeon just imitate a heaven described in religious taxes?
Why am I only getting things from heavenly figures rather than from Bayonetta?
Who created this place?
Why Bayonetta of all the games that have represented heavenly figures?
And so many more questions were running wild in my mind.
In the vast tapestry of existence, I embraced patience, aware that I was but a fleeting mosquito in the grand scheme. However, reminiscent of those inconspicuous yet relentless insects, my resolve echoed: "In the quiet persistence of time, even the overlooked can weave a narrative of change. "
Even armed with the knowledge that change might elude me, my journey of reincarnation unfolded with a resolute commitment to my choices, wrapped in the mantra of 'No Regret.'
But like mosquitos in my army if you don't notice them at one point they will drain you dry of blood yes it will take time but everything takes time.
****
Two Association Presidents, Goh Gun-Hui and Matsumoto Shigeo, sat down while facing each other.
On either side of the two men, representatives from the Japanese Hunter's Association and their Korean counterparts, as well as higher-ups from various government departments sat in a row.
With the subject matter being what it was, the conference was moving at a brisk pace.
"How do you feel about forming a united assault team of top-ranked Japanese and Korean Hunters?"
This explosive suggestion from Matsumoto Shigeo caused the Koreans present to show much surprise on their faces.
They were all under the impression that today's conference would be to discuss the reparation Japanese would demand for the damage they had suffered.
But then, the Japanese were saying they would voluntarily help with taking care of this headache?
What kind of jackpot was this?
The surprised state of the Korean politicians didn't last long, though, as it was soon replaced by the brightened complexions, instead. With the sole exception of one man, that was.
Only Goh Gun-Hui maintained a sharp glare as he observed Matsumoto Shigeo.
"Are you saying that you wish to attack the nest of the ants by forming an alliance?"
"That is correct."
"We're aware that Japan enjoys an abundance of top-ranked Hunters. However, it is still far too dangerous to invade Jeju Island."
Goh Gun-Hui also added that there were several times more of the monsters to be found on the island compared to two years ago, when the last subjugation effort failed.
It was here that Matsumoto Shigeo formed a rather suspicious smile.
"It'd prove to be dangerous indeed if we rushed into the enemy's main camp without a proper plan."
One of the Korean politicians, utterly hooked by the suggestion from the Japanese that they would help, asked in an expectant manner.
"Do you have a good plan in mind?"
"Yes."
Matsumoto Shigeo gathered everyone's attention to himself with a quick answer, but then, continued on only after taking a bit of time for himself.
"Of course, we have one."
With a single command from him, the prepared files matching the exact number of Korean representatives were placed in front of them.
"These are all the data compiled from our observation of the ants."
While the Koreans attendees of the conference were perusing through the file, Matsumoto Shigeo began his in-depth explanation.
"Each ant may be strong enough to rival a high-rank Hunter, but it also possesses a fatal weakness. And that's their short lifespan."
Ants could only live for around one year at most.
"Which means, if the ant queen is removed from the equation, every ant found on Jeju Island will eventually die out in around one year."
"Indeed…."
The Korean attendees nodded their heads as they read the well-researched data.
Only the queen needed to be eliminated.
That sounded a whole lot more achievable than killing thousands of unrankable monsters that came out of a rank S Gate. However, Goh Gun-Hui's glare remained icy cold.
'What a nonsensical notion that is….'
He knew the truth already.
He knew that the act of killing one queen was no different than actually trying to kill every single one of the thousands of those monsters.
"Are you making this suggestion because you don't know of ants' instincts to sacrifice themselves in order to protect their queen?"
When Goh Gun-Hui pointed this fact out, Matsumoto Shigeo simply smiled and lightly rebutted him.
"Of course I know. If we were to kill the queen, we'd most likely have to break through the defensive wall of thousands of ants."
Goh Gun-Hui's suspicions grew only larger and larger after he saw how relaxed Matsumoto Shigeo's demeanour was.
'Just what are they thinking?'
The corner of Matsumoto Shigeo's lips arched up.
"However, what if all of the ants abandon the ant tunnel for some reason?"
The ant queen lived in the deepest part of the ant tunnel. Why would the ants leave the ant tunnel unguarded, when they were supposed to protect the queen as well as the eggs at all cost?
When questioning expressions formed on the faces of all the Korean representatives, Matsumoto Shigeo opened his mouth to answer their confusion.
"There have been. A total of three times."
Three times?
There had been three times where such an event occurred?
But, besides all that – how did Japan know so intimately about such things in the first place?
The answer to this question arrived right away.
"The ants emptied out of their tunnel to fight, when the Korean Hunters landed on Jeju Island for the subjugation operations three times in the past."
"Keu-euhk."
Goh Gun-Hui tightly clenched his fists resting on his knees.
While the Hunters of South Korea risked their lives and fought, the Japanese were covertly spying on them. No one here criticised Japan for not helping South Korea out back then.
But regardless, how could they use the misfortune of the neighbouring nation as their research material, and then proudly reveal the results to said neighbour like this?
A rank S lost his life during the third failed attempt. And besides him, countless others also died. The Association President Goh Gun-Hui had to watch them die from a very close vantage point back then.
His clenched fists were trembling hard now.
'Mm…?'
Sensing that the complexion of Goh Gun-Hui was getting rather suspicious, Japan's best Hunter, Goto Ryuji unleashed his own magical energy.
It was a warning – if the other side tried to do something untoward, then this side would also make a move.
Attending the conference as Goh Gun-Hui's bodyguard, Woo Jin-Cheol quickly approached the Association President's side.
"….Sir?"
"….I'm okay now."
Goh Gun-Hui dismissed Woo Jin-Cheol, and the latter quietly stepped back.
Regardless of what the Japanese's attitude was like, this presented a golden opportunity to deal with the ants once and for all if their research data proved to be reliable.
'I can't afford to let such an opportunity slip because of my personal feelings.'
Goh Gun-Hui could only calm his boiling anger inwardly.
Once the threatening tension of the conference room dissipated, Matsumoto Shigeo finally got to the main point.
"The Japanese Hunters will take on that role."
Japan's rank S Hunters would split into several teams and attack Jeju Island from different directions. Ants would rush out to face the intruders, and just like before, the tunnel with the ant queen hiding in it would be emptied out.
"We wish to ask Korea's top Hunters with the killing of the queen."
South Korea's rank S Hunters would sneak into the island using a helicopter, and once they kill off the queen, they escape via a helicopter again.
Noisy, noisy…..
The plan put forward by the Japanese was rather detailed and sounded quite doable, so the Korean representatives began to get heated up from excitement.
"If we follow the Japanese plan, do we get to recover Jeju Island?"
"These Japanese b*stards, they have finally shown their hands now that they too have become victims."
"This is a great chance."
"Let's seize this opportunity and use the Japanese Hunters to reclaim Jeju Island."
Goh Gun-Hui didn't participate in the heated discussion of the Korean representatives, choosing to quietly mull over Matsumoto Shigeo's suggested plan, instead.
'Without a doubt, there is a good chance.'
There were 21 rank S Hunters in Japan. In comparison, there were only nine in South Korea.
But, excluding himself who couldn't move due to health reasons, or the other Hunter who had to retire early, then realistically speaking, there were only seven that could participate.
'It'll be impossible to draw and scatter the attention of thousands of ants with that number.'
In order to do so, they needed Japan and their twenty or so top-ranked Hunters. Even if they were to be split into groups of five, you'd still get four groups, and that would be enough to buy the Koreans time to do their job.
But the real problem was, would South Korea's top Hunters actually be able to kill the boss of a rank S dungeon, the ant queen?
'Is it even possible?'
In a sudden realization, Goh Gun-Hui's memory was jolted, and the name of Esdeath, with whom he had a meeting scheduled just hours later, came rushing back to him.
Easdath who was strong enough to solo clear and kill the boss of a rank A dungeon.
During her inaugural dungeon exploration, she showcased an impressive display of power, etching vivid details in Goh Gun-Hui's memory. Every nuance of her approach was meticulously recounted by Jin-Cheol, who diligently shadowed her within the dungeon. In an elaborate exchange, he provided a comprehensive account, detailing not only her fighting techniques but also the strategic finesse she exhibited. The narrative unfolded like a well-crafted tapestry, with precise numbers and insightful observations, painting a comprehensive picture of her combat prowess..
From the detailed accounts he received, it became evident why an unapproachable air surrounded her. Watching the recorded footage was a surreal experience for Goh Gun-Hui; seeing her effortlessly transform the boss of an A-rank dungeon into a popsicle with a casual wave, followed by shattering it into millions of pieces with a mere tap, left him in awe.
The sheer display of her physical strength against other dungeon mobs further astounded him. It appeared as though she handled the challenges effortlessly, not exerting herself in the slightest. Her formidable power explained the pride embedded in her personality; with such capabilities, it seemed only fitting.
The revelation that she was Sung Jin-Woo's lover added another layer of shock. It underscored the immense power he must wield to be in a relationship with someone of her caliber. Goh Gun-Hui, observing her demeanor, intuited that she wouldn't settle for anything less than a man who surpassed her strength.
So what if they worked together with other rank S Hunters?
Ba-dump, ba-dump….
Goh Gun-Hui's heart began racing now.
Yes he knew he was missing but he knew Jinwoo had given his words.
'We can't delay this any longer.'
Like creatures with a fleeting lifespan, the Ant monsters undergo rapid evolution, a phenomenon shrouded in uncertainty. The exact moment when the entire ant army might acquire flight capabilities or evolve powers for survival in inhospitable environments remains unpredictable. Whether it unfolds in ten years, five, or perhaps even the coming year, the accelerated evolution, inherent in their monstrous nature, intensifies the pace of this metamorphosis. The unpredictable nature of their evolution adds an air of impending danger to the unknown timeline.
Before something like that happened, the Koreans had to kill off the dastardly ants, and if they had to resort to borrowing another country's strength, then so be it.
But, before that….
"What does Japan want as compensation from this cooperation?"
The Association President Goh Gun-Hui didn't let this important matter slip through.
Matsumoto Shigeo did his best to form the most magnanimous smile he could physically perform.
"When the rest of ants die in a year, we evenly split the magic crystals left behind on the island."
Only that much?
Goh Gun-Hui tilted his head, unconvinced.
"Will you really be happy with only that?"
Goh Gun-Hui's question caused the Korean government officials and politicians near him to frown rather deeply.
'If they are willing to do it for a small asking price, he should just gladly accept it, so why is he questioning them like this?'
'What will he do if the Japanese decide to change their mind all of a sudden…?'
'Association President Goh Gun-Hui, you're still too distrusting, what with your background being a man who used to run a corporation.'
Their hot dagger-like glares stabbed deeply into Goh Gun-Hui. He had no choice but to shut his mouth.
A short discussion took place between the Korean attendees, but no one raised a voice of objection.
In the end, the Japanese's proposal was approved unanimously.
After the conference successfully came to an end, Matsumoto Shigeo approached Goh Gun-Hui with a beaming smile and offered his right hand.
"The future of our two nations depends on this cooperation. Let us combine our resources together and do our best."
***
After returning to his hotel room, Matsumoto Shigeo placed a cigarette in between his lips. Goto Ryuji to his side lit it up for him.
"You worked hard today, sir."
"Mister Goto, it's you who worked hard today."
"You're praising me too much, sir."
"I'm not. Didn't you see Goh Gun-Hui's face back then?"
Matsumoto Shigeo smirked deeply.
The fleeting emotion that flickered in and out momentarily on Goh Gun-Hui's face back then – it was definitely rage. The reason why Matsumoto Shigeo was able to display so much leisure in front of a rank S Hunter who reputedly possessed the greatest strength in South Korea, was simple – because he had a powerful ally standing behind him.
And that was Goto Ryuji, Japan's number one melee-type Hunter. And also, the trustworthy right-hand man of the President of the Japanese Hunter Association, Matsumoto Shigeo.
Recalling Goh Gun-Hui's expression, Matsumoto formed a mocking smile.
"Borrowing the power of someone whom you don't even want to talk to. Now that would be quite intolerable from the perspective of the weak."
Goto Ryuji also smirked as well.
In the end, the Koreans agreed to work with the Japanese, just as Matsumoto Shigeo had predicted. Everything was moving according to plan.
"South Korea is merely the beginning."
Matsumoto Shigeo spoke up.
"Hunters are the new power, the new political influence. With this power given to Japan, I shall create a new empire."
His gaze then shifted over to Goto Ryuji.
"And you shall become its next emperor."
If Matsumoto Shigeo were to be considered the first ruler of the empire founded on his crafty schemes, then Goto Ryuji would be the second by relying on his powers alone. And this was the reason why Goto Ryuji treated Matsumoto Shigeo as his superior all this time.
It was then.
"I almost forgot."
Matsumoto Shigeo, with a flick of his cigarette into the ashtray, queried Goto Ryuji, recalling something significant.
"Do we still not have any information on South Korea's newest rank S Hunters?"
"The knowledge about the couple seems elusive even to the South Koreans, sir."
"…Is that so?"
They had exhaustive knowledge about all of South Korea's top Hunters, except for two individuals.
Lacking any credible information on the recently registered S-rank Hunters, Matsumoto Shigeo faced a potential disruption to his meticulously laid out plan. With his ambitious intentions exposed through the initiation of the operation, deviations were a luxury he couldn't afford.
Contemplating the potential impact of these unknown figures, he mused, 'Although it is questionable what two individuals could achieve on their own, but, still….'
There were five such people in the entire world.
They were referred to as Hunters on the rank of 'Special Authority', which meant that each one of them possessed power equalling if not more than that of a country's military.
They all shared one common point; each one of them had cleared at least one rank S Gate in the past. A Hunter with that kind of ability could easily disrupt his plan.
'However, the odds of that are just not extremely low but possibly none'
Taking into account that there were eight billion people on Earth, the odds would be less than a billion to one. If someone of that calibre appeared, then there was no way the South Koreans would keep quiet about him. But judging from the current atmosphere, there didn't seem to be any cause for concern on that front.
'I can't ruin everything by being too cautious here.'
Matsumoto Shigeo picked up his phone.
Then, he gave his command to the higher-ups of his own Association, who were all anxiously waiting for his call back home.
"The Koreans have agreed to work with us, so summon all the rank S Hunters as planned."
***
Goh Gun-Hui was also calling the Korean Hunters at that moment.
The first priority was to explain the seriousness of the current situation. He was planning to fine-tune the Association's schedule accordingly, but….
"What did you say??"
A completely unexpected piece of news flew out of nowhere and punched him in the face.
"You can't get in touch with Hunter Sung Jin-Woo at all???"
Once again, as is often the case, Sung Jin-Woo remained elusive and out of reach.
"His phone has been switched off for several days, sir. Similar to the last instance, we are unable to determine his whereabouts."
"…."
Goh Gun-Hui shut his mouth tightly then, before opening his mouth. He sounded exasperated at that moment.
"In that case, summon the other Hunters excluding him and Mrs Esdeath as soon as possible."
"Understood, sir."
The agent of the Association bowed and quickly ran out of the President's office. Goh Gun-Hui's expression hardened as he fell into deep contemplation.
'Now where could he possibly be?'
After hearing the report of Sung Jin-Woo going missing, Goh Gun-Hui suddenly had a foreboding premonition of the future.
****
Just like any game like a dungeon designed with detail the difficulty of the dungeon rose steeply from the 5th layer upwards. The levels and the number of mobs guarding each Layer's each Area and especially the areas where you would get the keys were so much incomparably higher compared to the lower layers.
Following the acquisition of the keys, the relentless waves of spawning not only intensified but persisted far beyond a mere single-digit count.
Monsters were in such quantities that I no longer could enjoy the fruit of my current sky-high Intelligence Stat – my MP used to hover near the max almost all the time, but now, it fluctuated by tens of thousands every time there was a battle around the acquisition of keys the mini-bosses and the waves that soon follow.
That showed just how many of my Shadow Soldiers were destroyed and had to be revived over and over again.
And with the place getting bigger than the biggest city on earth my forces getting stretched thin and because I only have few dozen of truly strong the S-Rank soldiers so so every group could have no more than 3 strong ones in their parties more and more Shadow Soldiers were destroyed as there is a limit of how many monsters that could battle at a single time.
So how much area I had to cover got bigger. I was forced to divide my army into even smaller groups to cover the most land in less time. Without skipping a single piece of land that wasn't mapped.
It wasn't about Exp or monsters no it was about the loot cheats as skipping even a single one of them could cataclysmic for my future like not getting just one of Feather of the Greatest Fallen and who knows maybe even the Divine Iron Ingots are part of some kind of weapon recipe which would require every Divine Iron Ingots in every loot cheats and even missing one meant that weapon now couldn't be made anymore.
Why? Just because I decided to be lazy to finish this faster, losing even a single chance of getting stronger than I don't want it.
Just be extra sure after every clean up on each Layer I will sand my fastest soldiers to cross check that yes we cleared the whole place.
Yes this took even more time but I was a paranoid kind of person and doing this only felt right to me.
On the topic of monsters.
So in every battle my enemies were doing what I was doing up until now 'flooding them with numbers' so now with their numbers that vastly outclass ours, even the weaker, of the truly strong, the S-Rank group were getting destroyed more often than not.
It's like an all you can eat buffet and I was on the menu. Of course there are still those shadow soldiers who won't budge no matter how many numbers you throw at them but even those are only few and far between and they were only expectations to the norms. And expectations only confines the rules. And more often than not they hunted alone thus few groups when they were divided even more lost their protection of SS-Rankers.
It wasn't some fluke that I managed to clear the 7th Layer however. Just like a hammer shaping the raw iron that had been heated for a long, long time, I had been constantly polishing my skills in magic and physics as I cleared forward from the lowest Layer to get to where I was now.
The clear evidence of that was my current level, which had reached 130 already. And soon be levelling up again. Yes I was getting overleveled as heck.
As the resistance from the Bayonetta monsters grew fiercer, and their numbers increased, the attacks from both myself and my Shadow Soldiers intensified to break through their defenses.
Ding!!
[Level up!]
Approaching the massive iron door, the gateway to the next layer, we had successfully liberated the Boss and guard monsters in this area.
Carrying the three keys destined to open the door, a haze-like gas rose from my body. This steam wasn't mere perspiration; it was the result of my sweat evaporating due to the intense heat. The Guardian Boss being a fire-type monster had elevated the temperature to off-the-charts levels, fueled by the friction generated from moving beyond the physical limits.
The rising steam served as a stark reminder of the immense challenge posed by the colossal fire titan. Its astronomical health points and durability marked it as a formidable tank, making the encounter a considerable pain in the ass.
A smile adorned my face, radiating satisfaction earned through a long-fought victory.
Turning to glance behind me, I witnessed the entire area engulfed in roaring flames. As far as eyes could see only flames could be seen. This somber aftermath of our clash revealed a miscalculation on my part. Despite meticulous preparation, I had underestimated the monster, and the cost emerged in the form of a massive corpse.
In a final act, the monster, drawing its last breath, detonated itself. This unexpected self-destruct not only denied me the chance to retrieve its corpse but also reduced the remains of the accompanying monsters to ash.
In various aspects, it indeed constituted a significant loss, albeit not a colossal one. The missed opportunity to obtain the Boss's corpse meant potential enhancements for Beru, envisioning fire aptitude, fire attacks, and fire immunity upon consumption. The chance for Beru to evolve into formidable fire ants slipped away, amplifying the weight of the loss.
While the prospect of fire ants holding appeal could have looked cool, the missed opportunity was now beyond rectification. Adhering to my mantra of "no regrets," I accepted the outcome with a sense of acceptance.
The rewards from defeating that pain in ass did provided some solace, I mused, glancing at my hand adorned with a now-gleaming Golden Ring. Devoid of diamonds or rubies, it appeared unremarkable unless one scrutinized the peculiar carvings etched upon it.
Upon closer inspection, a detailed stats screen materialized before me.
**Ding!!**
\[Item: Ring of Uriel\]
**Rarity:** S+
**Type:** Accessory/Magic Tool
*Ring created by solidifying Archangel Uriel's blood. The Archangel of Holy Flames, Fire of God, Flame of God, Light of God. Will strengthen all magical Flame and Light and cause greater damage.*
**Effect 'Appetite for Holy Flames':** x30% Flame and Light Damage increase upon wearing it.
The allure of the impressive reward and the aesthetically pleasing design prompted an immediate decision—I wore the Ring of Uriel as soon as I acquired it. Unlike the Demon Monarch's Ring, I opted for an instant, manual attachment rather than relying on the system.
This unassuming single ring lacked the flashy symbols and skull motifs, instead boasting a simple yet finely crafted appearance. Its name relationship added it to my expanding collection of items associated with Holy Archangels of Heaven, even though a direct encounter with one was still pending.
It's intriguing to note that this dungeon comprises more than seven layers, deviating from the common depiction found in various religious texts that often describe only seven layers in Heaven.
Angel's Layer.
***
7, 8, 9….
I've finally secured the elusive 'key' to unlock the gates of the Angel's sanctuary.
[Item: Entry Key]
Rarity: ??
Type: ??
This enigmatic key grants access to the ethereal realm of Rio de Janeiro, the City of God, home to God, angels, and the virtuous dead. Its purpose unfolds solely on the 9th Layer, Can only be used on the 9th Layer, specifically the First Temple..
Oh, the tribulations I weathered to claim this mysterious artifact! Although, truth be told, the real challenge lay in pinpointing the elusive First Temple's location. As I stand on the precipice of entering the City of God, where the ultimate adversary, the final boss, the bug bad awaits, I decide to scrutinize my Status.
[Level: 132]
My level had already reached the precipice of 140. I could keenly perceive the surge in my Stats coursing through every fiber of my being. Strength permeated every nook and cranny of my physique, and my senses had attained a level of acuity beyond any conceivable comparison. My physical condition had reached its zenith, and I harbored the conviction that this peak would not only endure but expand and ascend to greater heights with time.
'Very good.'
"Now, let's unveil the type of Bayonetta-esque abomination, monstrosity, or deity I'm about to confront."
"Fuu…."
I inhaled and exhaled a big chunk of air, before stepping into the white void of First Temple and soon I felt space fluctuation.
By the time I blinked, the surroundings had already changed. I surveyed my new surroundings.
'Is there no city here?'
The once-beautiful scenery, intricately designed based on regions described in the Bible and Quran, in the lower layers was now replaced by the desolation of a ruined city. Looking up, I saw the remnants of what was once a thriving metropolis, now reduced to crumbling structures. Above, a bright white dwarf star pierced through the dusty sky.
The air was thick with debris, making it challenging to discern the white dwarf if not for my enhanced eyesight. It was as if a recent volcanic eruption had erased the city's former splendor, leaving behind only ruins against a now ominously darkened sky.
'…Snow?'
At first glance, the falling particles seemed like snow, but upon closer inspection, I extended my hand to catch some. To my surprise, the flakes didn't melt; they were ash. The ash fell like a macabre parody of snow from the darkened heavens.
It was then.
Ding!!
I heard the familiar mechanical beep. My sharpened glare was directed to the distant skies above.
'So, it's above me….'
Soon, the System alerted me to the entrance of the enemy via its trusty messages.
[Jubileus the Creator has discovered the intruder!]
A black dot that wandered in the drak sky….
That black dot gradually got closer to the ground, before settling down on a spot pretty far away.
After successfully landing on the ground, I saw her in all her holy form, with a certain blue aura oozing out from her. A Female creature She resembles a woman with long strands of "hair" with faces adorned on the top portion of her "hair". Her "hair" is gold and her eyes are white. She has a red scarf around her arms and a halo showing her rank as a Dea.
Jubileus resembles a woman with a white, metallic body and gold "hair". Her body is adorned with red and gold marks, jewelry, and gems, including gold feathers on her upper arms. She wears a red and gold mask covering her white eyes, similar to Rosa's mask (also Bayonetta's mask in the past). She sports six long strands of "hair" made of a black stone-like material, each covered with gold feathers. Her hair is adorned with numerous faces of different sizes, her hair strands having the biggest, each with a gem embedded on their foreheads. Jubileus also wears a long red scarf around her arms, an Umbran Watch-like formation on her chest, and a colossal halo behind her, showing her rank as a Dea.
Sigh…
A profound exhale escaped my lips. Even in her colossal size, where her pinky finger dwarfed me, I couldn't help but release a heavy sigh as I beheld the enormity of my newfound foe.
[Jubileus the Creator]
A palpable aura of grandeur enveloped the colossal boss, a guardian befitting the apex layer of this sprawling dungeon. Its very presence staged a spectacle of otherworldly magnificence.
"One more Bayonetta knock-off. The strongest boss, at that. You do realize this is blatant copyright infringement?"
"You could end up in court for messing with copyrighted material."
I could have unleashed a scream, my frustration soaring as I glared at the sky, my resentment aimed at whoever concocted this entire dungeon. It's not that fear eluded me; it's just that annoyance had now taken over.
Yet again, a sigh escaped my lips. Truth be told, I was yearning for a showdown with a god, angel, or at least a minor deity. Instead, I'm faced with another Bayonetta-inspired boss. Sure, she's touted as the strongest, but in the face of my current over-leveled might, she's nothing but a shadow.
"Well, with an excess of levels to grind, might as well get this over with."
"In this grand spectacle of disappointment, let's cut through the shadows and find our own light. It's not the boss we wanted, but it's the boss we have. Time to turn this letdown into a victory dance." I said the thoughts out loud as I turned to look at my army.
"Typhoon!" The resonance of my command cut through the battlefield like a war cry, summoning the behemoth from the depths of my formidable army. He emerged, colossal wings outstretched, a dark silhouette against the backdrop of soldiers. The response was immediate and eloquent. "Orders, my Monarch," he thundered, materializing at the forefront with an agility defying his immense size.
A blink of an eye—such was his speed that disbelief would be a common reaction. From the rear to the front, faster than the normal mind could comprehend, Typhoon stood poised for my next directive.
"Go restrain her and let her kiss the floor," I declared. His wings, an embodiment of power, unfurled with a mighty flap that conjured gusts creating enough force to plung a skyscraper. With another majestic sweep, he vanished into the sky, a dark comet hurtling toward the distant location of our colossal foe at breakneck speeds.
As Typhoon embarked on his mission, I turned my gaze to the army, a force of unparalleled might at my disposal. With nonchalance in my voice, I issued a succinct yet potent command: "I don't feel like lifting a finger. All of you, swarm her and clap her cheeks as hard as you could. and give her the beating of a lifetime."
My formidable army, consisting of 400 elite warriors spanning Knights to Mages, Beasts to Monsters, Mechs to Gun Wielders, Fighters to Killers, Mortals to Creatures of Nightmares, and everything in between, surged forward with unwavering determination.
The ground trembled beneath their collective might, and the air resonated with the thunderous roar of their impending assault. It was a celestial clash of forces, setting the stage for an epochal beating.
Wuuoooohhh!! Kkkrrroar!!
The battlefield echoed with the primal sounds of battle as my soldiers pressed forward, a relentless tide of power converging upon the enemy. As they all rushed past me, I casually pulled out a bag of Cheetos, indifferent to the chaos unfolding. I knew, with certainty, that this spectacular show of force would soon culminate in victory. And, as it turned out, I wasn't mistaken.
With a resounding boom, she was forcefully brought to the ground. Typhoon, with unmatched strength and control, held Jubileus by the neck, restricting her windpipe. Standing her in front of my army, he had her in a chokehold, rendering all her attempts to free herself futile. Despite her desperate struggles, in all her power she was entirely at Typhoon's mercy.
Immediately seizing upon the huge opportunity that was open, the fastest 'Speed' type soldiers, Akame, Susanoo, Gold, Swift, Buster, Gorr, Igris, and Crock, ran forward with everything they had and crashed into the enemy with their strongest attacks.
Kaboom!!
"Kuwaahk!!"
"Kehgehk!!"
The airborne battalion of formidable creatures, including the Bloodthirsty Bats, Marg Falcon, Vampire Mosquitoes, Pterodactyl, King Gappi, Wyvern, and the formidable Kaisel, converged with collective wisdom and collided with her massive eyes. In a gruesome onslaught, they seized her eyes and began to gouge them out of their sockets.
"Kiieeehhk!!"
"Keuhark!!"
She cried out in pain while using her elemental attacks to target them. Right behind them, over four hundred soldiers rushed forward like a black tidal wave.
My battalion of fierce Beast soldiers, including the powerful Ice Bears with Tanks, towering Mammoths, elusive Yetis, menacing Chenoos, colossal Ice Giants, Poison-fanged Giant Sand Centipedes, agile Primate Long Arm Apes, majestic Lynx Lions, enormous Huge Apes, swift Huge Wolves, ferocious Dire Saber Tooth Tigers, massive Giant Rats, along with formidable creatures like Casaka, Grimhand, Spider Queen, Cerberus, Hobgoblins, Goblin Shamans, Bumble Bee, Vazl, Kluh, Zink, Denk, Alpha, Beta, Death Tagool, Apeman, Jackaleos, Land Tigers, Tree Beasts, Springers, Nubis, Torikupusu, and Mutated Cosmina, surged forward with a bestial fervor, their eyes ablaze with an insatiable desire to tear her apart, shaking the very ground beneath them.
Amidst the formidable Beast soldiers, a contingent of human soldiers joined the onslaught. Among them were the relentless Shadow Infantry, High Orc Infantry skilled warriors like Igris, Najenda, Lubbock, Telo, Leone, Chelsea, Zero, Sheele, Run, Squirtle, Mez, Dr. Stylish, Ibara, Zank, Gozuki, Rokugou, Dorothea, Cosmina, Sabatini, Dangan, Nouken, Shihandai, Cornelia, Poney, Tsukushi, and Wave. Together, they charged forward, contributing to the overwhelming assault, clapping her cheeks with sheer strength and power.
A mere minute had elapsed since my shadow army initiated their ruthless assault on the boss, Jubileus the Creator. She convulsed in agony, her once-formidable demeanor reduced to gasps for breath, yet we persisted, continuing the one-sided onslaught. Amidst the chaotic beating, a subtle tingling sensation coursed through my head—a signal from my keen skill warning of imminent danger. I couldn't afford to overlook it this time, having paid dearly for such oversight before, losing a valuable opportunity.
Gaaaaaahk!!
Jubileus spat out more of her blue blood from her mouth.
Clang!! Claaaank!! Clang, clunk!!
Craaaackle!! Crack!!
Countless cracks spread all over her body as rays of high-speed attacks crashed down on her.
Slam!!
Boom!!
Slam!
!
Kaboom!!
The terrifying physical power from the Strength Stat of many soldiers rapidly shaved away the boss monster's HP.
Their weapons and claws swished and swung and clashed against her bare metal skin countless times, leaving behind several wounds on Jubileus's body.
While the damage she did to the shadow soldier was healed instantly.
Every time their blades collided with her body, the ground around them caved in by the shock waves emanating from the collision of the magic energy.
Anticipating Jubileus entering her second phase, my focus shifted to the other side—the strategic part of my plan unfolding.
The atmosphere crackled with palpable anticipation as Tusk completed his gigantification, resonating seismic thuds with each colossal step. A formidable assembly of long-range specialists—Shadow Mages, Zelos, Mine, Aella, Dawn, Ice Elf Archers, and the monumental Guardian—stood charged with potent energies.
With a content expression, I keenly observed their preparations, feeling the air thicken with impending power.
Fuu-wuu-wuheup.
Tusk and Mine inhaled deeply, their energies escalating. Mine's luminous pumpkin projected a burgeoning energy beam, mirroring the expanding size of Guardian, the colossal entity of destruction, loomed over the battlefield, ready to unleash havoc. Its preparations were a symphony of devastation—charging a colossal ray of energy from its chest-plate, discharging mortars with thunderous force from shoulder pads, launching explosive cores from a menacing mouthpiece, and firing multiple homing missiles with deadly precision from an arsenal embedded across its back and lower torso. Each component, supercharged with energy, added to the impending cataclysm, making Guardian a harbinger of relentless, calculated obliteration.
Simultaneously,
Zelos poised for a maximum-power ice breath, Aella charged four elemental arrows, and the Ice Elf readied an onslaught of ice-based fury. The Shadow Mages, displaying their mastery, combined fifteen FireBalls into a singular, growing inferno.
Tusk's chest swelled noticeably, signifying the climax of their preparations. In response, I promptly directed my soldiers, excluding Typhoon, to fall back. So the giants could unleash their attacks without restraint, prompting the soldiers to revert to shadows and shift to the designated location I indicated with a pointed finger.
I understood that this unleashing would bring about a cataclysmic explosion, sufficient to obliterate nations.
Feeling the urgency to conclude the battle before Jubileus transitioned into her second phase, I couldn't afford to lose the opportunity her corpse presented. A potential boon for Beru and his army of ants, it promised improvements, especially in the realm of enhanced carapace strength. With a decisive signal, I commanded my troops to initiate the next phase of the assault.
"Rain Fire," I declared aloud, setting into motion the devastating onslaught.
In line with my expectations, reality unfolded in sync with anticipation, validating my foresight.
"Swiss…"
"Kuwuuuuuuu...."
"Kuwuuuuuu...."
"SWISS..... "
"SWISS..."
The air resonated with the deafening roar as a colossal pillar of ferocious flames erupted from Tusk's mouth, merging with the massive red beams released from the Pumpkin and Guardian. The spectacle continued with the launch of multiple homing missiles, a massive ice breath, elemental arrows, and an inferno resembling a small sun.
Jubileus, constrained by Typhoon, had no means of evasion or escape, becoming the unwilling recipient of this orchestrated assault.
"BOOOOOOOM."
Thud!
'….??'
"Ka-boom!!"
An intense explosion ensued, transforming the area into a blinding inferno. The combined beams created a mushroom cloud, piercing the darkened sky. Shockwaves rippled through the surroundings, obliterating everything in their path.
To shield myself and my shadow army from the impending shockwaves, I hastily cast barriers, while my troops took cover to avoid being swept away. Amidst the chaos, the boss emitted painful cries, her roars echoing against the mushroom cloud, a stark contrast to the path of light it left in its wake.
As the pandemonium settled, only remnants remained; everything in its trajectory had been vaporized, leaving neither ground nor air untouched.
As I was just examining the destruction that the beams and the rays last in its wake Her poor Angelic soul swallowed up by the flames couldn't even leak out a scream.
Many of the Shadow Soldiers were sucked into the attack in the process as well, but as long as they were under the influence of their Sovereign, it was possible to infinitely revive them.
'Very good!'
As I looked in front and saw Typhoon landed the final hit against the 'owner' of this Angel's Layer.
KABOOM!!
And then, I was greeted by the sound of 'Ding!' as well as several messages that made me feel even better.
[You killed the Jubileus the Creator.]
[You have acquired the Right Eye of Light.]
[Level up!]
[Level up!]
"So she did have them, the eyes of the world."
******
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