章節 288: Chapter 447
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Murakan soared and let out a roaring cry. The demonic energy imbued surroundings tremble unstably, and traces of shadow force seeped through the cracks.
It was as though Murakan had turned into a massive and black fire. His sharp, glowing amber eyes bore the majesty befitting the dragon that had once ruled the sky.
Zephyrin smiled as if she had been waiting for this sight.
"Now you feel a bit more powerful!"
Kwaaaaah...!
Murakan opened his dark maw and exhaled a breath. The shadow force he exuded was incomparably more powerful than what he had released before fully using his strength.
Moreover, black streaks akin to breaths were released from his wings and the shadow force curtain that spread in all directions.
Dozens of dark and shiny streaks were hitting the ground where Zephyrin stood.
These streaks were like swamps, no matter how she cut or slashed them, they ensnared Zephyrin again. It was akin to the pack of dozens of snakes entering a single cave at once.
'This is a true dragon's battle.'
Valkas had seen dragons fight a few times in his life, but he couldn't help but feel that what was unfolding before him was on a completely different level. Just as there was an insurmountable gap between human martial artists and mages, he believed the same applied to the battles between top-tier and ordinary dragons.
But even though he doesn't know much about dragon fights, he can clearly tell that Zephyrin had the power advantage. She had not revealed her true form yet.
"I don't know how long Murakan can hold out. We should prepare for an escape as soon as possible," Jin said, gripping Sigmund.
Jin wanted to join the fight alongside Murakan but it was not possible. Just as Murakan had finally begun to reveal his full strength, both Jin and Valkas were also brimming with untapped power.
Especially for Jin, he had not used some of his cards like Riol's Legacy and Sarah's Magic Sword Secret technique, and the Plutonian Reign sword. These techniques also showed results no matter the circumstances.
Murakan was convinced that he would 'never win,' but if he used all his means, he might be able to defeat that crazy demon dragon.
However, the possibility of that was extremely low, and Jin had no intention of risking his life here.
It was the right choice to save as much power as possible, destroy the subspace, and escape with the Black King mercenaries.
Even if they managed to defeat Zephyrin or inflict significant damage by using all their power, there was a high probability they would die in the process.
They needed to escape by any means. Then they will determine Zephyrin's true affiliation and purpose, and devise a strategy.
'How many opponents of her level could there be?' Jin wondered.
A new era had dawned.
Since meeting Jin, Lata Proch had often talked about such thoughts with him.
Jin suddenly sympathized with that thought. After the Sword Emperor Castle terrorist attack, Jin had the feeling that enemies from a whole different level than he encountered so far are lurking in the shadows.
Kinzelo, Zipfel and Vermont.
Vermont was considered to be clearly inferior to Runcandel among these three. Zipfel was superior to Runcandel, and Kinzelo had revealed its true power during the Terrorist attack on the Sword Emperor Castle.
'Zephyrin is probably affiliated with Kinzelo, and they may not have many dragons or humans with combat abilities at this level, but she likely represents a portion of their strength.'
A candle in the wind.
This phrase perfectly defines Runcandel's current situation.
Jin knew that Runcandel had no "hidden strength" like the other factions. Of course, they had the Chiron and the former Black Knights, but they were all busy with the Black Sea.
'Nevertheless, the reason Runcandel survived is only thanks to the existence of my father, Chiron Runcandel.'
Jin was convinced of this. The moment Chiron disappeared, Runcandel would ultimately follow the path of destruction.
'The reason Mother strongly supports Joshua is likely because she believes he has the means to deal with these formidable enemies in the future.'
Creak! Crash!
Murakan's shadow force and Zephyrin's nails continued to clash and intertwine. The black streaks grew stronger, while the traces of Zephyrin's purple nails faded. It appeared that maintaining human form was becoming increasingly difficult for Zephyrin.
"I will break through the subspace. Sir Valkas, keep an eye on the Black Knight."
"Understood, 12th flagbearer."
Shh...
Bradamante's white blade emerged from its scabbard. The gleaming sword was instantly tainted black by shadow force.
'I didn't expect to have to execute it so quickly. And I won't be able to use it for a while after using it successfully.'
Before breaking through the subspace, Jin intended to open Laprarosa's gate. While Murakan could currently hold his ground on his own, the situation would undoubtedly change once Zephyrin revealed her true form.
As long as this subspace was not a "dead space" like Solderet's, there was no obstacle to execute Black Light Call.
Swish!
The blackened blade slashed through the air.
'Thank goodness...!'
Jin felt it as he swung the sword —the sensation of Laprarosa's gate opening.
If there was anything slightly disappointing, it was that the warrior who emerged from the newly formed black gate was not one of the Battle Kings but an ordinary warrior.
"Oh, this time it's me!"
Shaku exclaimed brightly.
The Plutonian Tribesmen with whom Jin sparred the most until he gained the recognition of both Battle Kings and became their brethren. Shaku was the one who had fought Jin more than fifty times until Jin finally emerged victorious.
"I am sorry for calling you out, Brother Shaku."
"No, it's an honor to fight for you, my brother. What do you want me to do!"
Shaku slung his lightning-imbued long sword over his back and spoke. Shaku of the thunderbolt, he had borne such a title before the demise of the Plutonian Tribe.
"Help him."
"I understand. I have a rough idea of the situation. Do you need to break through here and escape?"
"That's right."
Shaku's gaze fell upon Zephyrin, who was ensnared by the black streaks.
"A Demon Dragon, I suppose? It's been a while since I've seen such dreadful demonic energy. This situation should have called for the Brethren Battle Kings, not me. Hurry and escape; I'll do my best to hold the Demon Dragon back with the Black Dragon."
Shaku joined the battle. The demonic energy and shadow force mixed again in a storm. Shaku did not feel discouraged even in the midst of the chaotic clash between demonic energy and shadow force.
Although Shaku was an ordinary warrior, he was still a member of the Plutonian Tribe. The inherent strength of his body shone brightly in such a chaotic battle.
Watching this scene, Valkas couldn't help but be amazed once more. He had already witnessed how Jin summoned ancient beastmen spirits in the Sword Emperor Castle, but seeing it again was both unfamiliar and fascinating.
Moreover, it made him think of Lata Proch's words.
'Regardless of Zephyrin's affiliation and reasons, causing such chaos within the Black King Mountain Hideout... it could mean that there is no longer a place for neutrality in the world.'
From the current situation, it was evident that Zephyrin had reacted because of Jin and Murakan, but Valkas couldn't blame Jin for that.
The flagbearer and Black Knight of Runcandel had come to the Black King Mountain Hideout seeking a meeting with him. They had been unexpectedly caught up in this danger. So, ultimately Jin and Joshua were in a position to hold him responsible.
'First, I need to escape with the 12th flagbearer and my subordinates, no matter what. Even if we have to abandon the Black King Mountain Hideout!'
Valkas thought this with a determined expression.
Strangely, he felt a sense of trust.The 12th flagbearer, Jin Runcandel, will achieve what he wants this time, just as he always has.
'After reaching the 10-star level, this is the first time I feel this kind of trust in someone who is weaker than me.'
Swish!
The blade of Bradamante, which had turned black, was now surrounded by blue flames.
Tess was still in the process of recovering and couldn't directly respond to the summon call, but the overwhelming pressure of blue flames etched into Bradamante was growing stronger along with Jin.
The blue flames emanating from the sword began to press the subspace imbued with demonic energy.
The subspace trembled under the pressure and seemed as if it was scared, like people. The blade, without even the slightest tremor, was slowly preparing to cut the subspace.
Up to this point, Zephyrin had merely been defending against Murakan and Shaku's attacks. But she showed emotions for the first time.
"Blue flames! Using such transcendental power against those beneath you is unfair, 12th flagbearer."
Just as Murakan and Cuicantelle had felt when Tess first confronted them, Zephyrin was also afraid of Tess's power. She, too, knew the majesty of Tess's power within the Flame World.
This fear was only something that those who had directly faced the "Master of the Flame World" could experience.
Roar, crack!
Perhaps because her attention had momentarily focused on blue flames, or perhaps because she had reached the limit of what she could do in her human form.
Zephyrin's formidable shield had been breached. Murakan's shadow force and Shaku's lightning onslaught tore through her body as it was being disassembled.
Despite the relentless assault, Zephyrin did not scream once. The purple demonic energy particles scattered in all directions instead of blood. It was followed by a long, eerie laughter.
Ahaha... Haha, ha...!
The sinister laughter suddenly ceased, and a massive purple smoke formed out of thin air. It was many times larger than Murakan. He looks small in comparison.
Zephyrin's true form was concealed within the swirling smoke. It resembled a serpent more than the typical dragons known to the public.
[Oh, really. These blue flames give me an uncomfortable feeling for no reason just by looking at them. You should put them out before I get angry and my patience runs out.]
Zephyrin revealed her head outside the smoke as she spoke.
Jin didn't react to her words and continued to concentrate. He needed to simultaneously execute the First Technique of the Shadow Sword and Tess's power to open the subspace in a single blow just like how he cut the Myuron's Hell gate.
Zwick!
Zephyrin seemed about to say more, but Murakan shot forward like an arrow, and used his claws to pierce her eyes. However, her eyes remained unharmed, and it was Murakan who was repelled by that counterforce.
[Damn! Why is she so tough?]
Murakan regained his balance in mid-air and yelled.
Rather than responding to Murakan, Zephyrin was preparing to let out powerful breath at Jin.
章節 289: Chapter 448
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Woosh!
Zephyrin had an ominous demonic energy swelling around her neck.
Shaku fired lightning at her other eyeball, but they couldn't slow down the gathering breath.
She was merely taking a breath, but it contained an incredible power, enough to astonish both Murakan and Valkas.
However, Jin could remain calm even though Zephyrin's breath was clearly directed at him.
It was because he had confidence.
'Zephyrin won't kill me.'
Or, she couldn't.
Whether it was because of Demon God's Orb or something even more terrible, Jin's power of Soldelet was the most crucial element.
As he deduced during his time as a reserve flagbearer, both Zipfel and Kinzelo knew a way to transfer the God's contract.
However, Jin believed that the means might not be as straightforward for him. If it were easy, Zipfel, Kinzelo, and Joshua all would have been more proactive in trying to kill him.
'If her goal was to annihilate us, she would have shown her power from the start.'
The power of Zephyrin's breath was certainly shocking, but considering the transcendent battle prowess she showed, it was nothing strange.
Also, it was not at a level that Jin and others could not handle. In other words, Zephyrin has no choice but to forcibly control her strength in order not to kill Jin.
Kwaaaah!
Zephyrin opened her huge mouth, and the winds of subspace swirled like crazy along with the demonic energy, as if a storm had begun.
A surge force of attraction and repulsion emerged from the breath, and a purple beam of breath was headed towards Jin.
[Ugh, how annoying!]
Murakan quickly descended, and blocked Zephyrin's breath. The breath first touched the shadow force curtain alongside Murakan's wings before hitting the ground.
Most of the demonic energy was sucked into the shadow force curtain, and remaining fragments and other beams had to be pushed back by Shaku and Valkas.
The entire subspace trembled precariously due to the combined power of the dragon and the humans.
It would be difficult for ordinary warriors to even withstand the pressure of this battlefield. Every time force collided, their ears and bones would ring and a thrilling sensation surge throughout their body.
Perhaps because the group handled it well, Zephyrin released a second breath infused with even more potent demonic energy.
Although she had lived for many years longer than Murakan, but like most of them, she had never experienced a battle like this before.
Kill, crush thoroughly, or annihilate without a trace.
Such battles were not difficult, but Zephyrin found it annoying to kill Shaku and Valkas, and attack Murakan just enough not to kill him, and capture Jin alive.
Furthermore, it was aggravating.
Murakan's resistance exceeded Zephyrin's expectations by far. She had heard rumors that he had partially regained his strength, but she had no idea it would be this intense.
Zephyrin was also starting to see Jin's intentions.
'You cunning bastard... you are quite convinced that I won't kill you, Jin Runcandel.'
The blue flames enveloping Jin sent chills down her spine.
What's more, it seemed like these flames would soon tear apart a portion of the subspace.
Suddenly, she thought that it might have been better to wait for another day and for a better opportunity. It may be a somewhat impulsive decision.
'I think I know why my master is paying attention to you.'
Boom! Pshh...
The second breath collided with the shadow force curtain and was neutralized.
Although he appeared to be struggling to maintain the defense, Murakan was slowly preparing to counterattack.
[It seems like you shot quite well, and the power is quite decent.]
[Compliments don't sweeten the deal, haha.]
[Well, that's true. And this won't be sweet either.]
As soon as Murakan finished speaking, the massive curtain split into three pieces like shadows moving with the light.
One remained behind Murakan for his defense, while the other two took positions on either side of Zephyrin.
Due to the nature of shadow force, Zephyrin was unaware of the fact that the curtain had been extended to her sides. It is nearly impossible to sense shadows, no matter how vast they were.
The huge body, which was several times larger than Murakan's, also contributed to the inability to check the left and right shadow force curtains.
If you cannot feel the flow of power, you can only confirm it with your eyesight.
However, Zephyrin's vision was limited, combined with her body still being mostly hidden by the purple smoke, also played a role in her inability to perceive it clearly. She couldn't even see her own body, let alone the surroundings.
[What kind of bluff are you putting on now…..? Ah!]
Zephyrin realized that something was wrong when she saw "demonic energy" starting to seep out from the shadow force curtains that Murakan had extended to her sides.
He was trying to shoot the absorbed breath at her through the curtains.
The shadow force, or rather, shadows.
This power had not only an efficiency at least 2-stars higher than aura or mana, but it also possessed another unique characteristic that normal powers could never mimic.
It was imitating or mimicking something as if shadows were being cast.
What Murakan was doing by shooting Zephyrin's breath at her with the curtains was based on that principle.
'I really didn't like using this kind of method, but I have no choice.'
It wasn't the method that Murakan preferred. In the past, he had enough power to subdue someone like Zephyrin using the characteristics of shadow force.
On the other hand, Misha was good at handling the infinite excessive shadow force as she showed from her first meeting with Jin.
'I never thought the day would come when I'd put to use what I learned from that bully. This wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't regained at least forty percent of my strength.'
Hmph! Murakan let out a derisive snort as he remembered Misha's insidious grin.
Cheee!
The curtains on either side made a sharp noise as they released the demonic energy.
This demonic energy was more potent than Zephyrin's exhaled breath combined with shadow force. With Zephyrin's massive body, avoiding the demonic energy was impossible.
[Hah! Where did you learn such nasty tricks...?]
There was no time to deploy a protective shield.
Her colossal body was an advantage in most battles, but in the face of such an unexpected attack, it was uncomfortable to respond.
When the demonic energy struck Zephyrin's torso, it produced a thunderous crash that was reminiscent of a castle collapsing. Scales and bones within her massive body crunched and twisted, and created a horrifying noise that sent shivers down the spine.
Aaargh!
A scream that seemed impossible to hear resounded.
[Receiving your own breath must be a first for you, right? Yes?]
Murakan spoke with a wicked tone full of amusement, and Zephyrin writhed in agony for a while.
Zephyrin swung her tail around reflexively, and exhaled her breath in all directions. She released demonic energy wildly into the air. It dyed the subspace with poison.
Murakan and Shaku raised their senses to their limits while avoiding Zephyrin's rampage. Even in Zephyrin's simple thrashing, they could suffer fatal injuries if they made a mistake.
The two people, who were leaping and flying between Zephyrin's flailing tail and demonic energy, had the same thought in their minds: this might be her best, or perhaps their last chance in this battle.
Valkas, who had been protecting the Black Knight, couldn't afford to miss this moment. The three of them searched for the wounds that Zephyrin had suffered before she could recover, and tried to inflict more damage.
Shaku screamed and cast thunderbolts, while Valkas gathered all his might and struck a punch.
The lightning and fist struck in the place where scales had been torn apart. What appeared before their eyes was a terrifying gush of blood that was enough to make them all pale even for those who had overturned bloodshed in the battlefield their whole lives.
Uuaaargh!
Blood poured like a waterfall from Zephyrin's torn flesh. The blood contained the poison that had put the Black Knight into a coma.
Finally, Murakan flew through the poison, and reached the wound inflicted by Valkas and Shaku.
It was located around the middle part of the body, which could be likened to the abdomen in humans. In other words, it was a vital point that anyone would consider a vulnerable spot.
Murakan breathed out all his strength into the wound, which was so deep that it looked like a cave.
Soon, a streak of shadow force pierced Zephyrin's body.
It would be appropriate to say that her back was severed. Everyone felt that Zephyrin's spine was about to break under Murakan's breath.
Ha, Ha, Ha….!
Afterward, Murakan grasped for a breath and stood in the air, and Valkas and Shaku stood below him, catching their breath.
The battlefield, which had been incredibly noisy, had become so quiet that the rough breathing of the group was audible.
It was an extremely brief silence. Zephyrin, who had been motionless with her torso bent backwards, let out a sigh and slowly lifted her head.
[...Wow, this is really surprising, isn't it?]
Demonic energy scattered throughout the surroundings began to gather and fill the gaping hole in her abdomen. Her regenerative capabilities were so fast that there was hardly any way to intervene.
[It's hard to remember the last time I felt this much pain.]
She wasn't entirely unscathed, Murakan was convinced of that. It was impossible even for his prime self.
However, he judged that the damage she had suffered wasn't enough to hinder Zephyrin from continuing the battle.
'It seems we caught quite a troublesome one.'
What could be considered fortunate was that Jin's will to cut through the spatial rift had just completed.
Zephyrin had been momentarily distracted by the unexpected blows and pain. Zephyrin's eyes darkened as she saw the blue flame burning brightly in Bradamante along with the shadow force.
Swish!
Bradamante's blade created a bright and sharp trajectory in the dark subspace.
Then, as if a dimensional portal opened, the subspace expanded and revealed the outside.
On the other side of that portal, they found themselves back in the reception room where they had started, with no items destroyed and everything intact.
And in the next moment...
The group discovered something they hadn't expected: one of Zephyrin's weaknesses.
'Her size decreased as soon as I cut through the subspace...!'
They could sense it intuitively.
The fact is that Zephyrin can transform into her true form only in this subspace.
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