章節 332: Chapter 491
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Jin decided to follow Joshua and his group and slowly head towards the 2nd Magic Tower.
Joshua and his group were moving forward while slaughtering Zipfels and members of Kinzelo in the next sections, so there was no need to get involved in battles or hide.
The scenes of corpses, blood, and destruction continued. From behind, the vibrations and noise of the ongoing battles were still heard, and it seemed like the entire shipyard might collapse at this rate.
I guess it's our turn to be dragged by Joshua.
As they moved, Diphus recalled Jin's last words.
'Yes, even Jin can't perfectly grasp everything.'
That fact didn't disappoint him at all.
'Joshua, that snake is not only skilled in scheming but also has the abilities of the prophet... I can say it is already impressive just by perfectly understanding the flow of events up to now. Honestly, I couldn't have kept up.'
Diphus felt a sense of anguish knowing that he still couldn't be of much help.
-Second eldest brother, honestly, I didn't plan to make this proposal to you. I thought I could kill Joshua on my own. But elder sister Mary asked me to return with you without getting hurt.
He recalled the words Jin had told him just before the operation began.
If things continued this way, even if he succeeded in killing Joshua, he would end up being carried away by Jin. As a fellow flagbearer, and as an elder brother. He couldn't accept such an outcome.
'I need to be of help. Just like during Barton's time, I must not fall into a situation where I have to retreat unless I get help from Jin.'
As Jin had mentioned not knowing why Joshua was confident right now, Diphus also couldn't immediately come up with a solution.
However, the important thing was that he was able to hold on to his spirit and will, which had been momentarily lost in the excitement of being able to kill Joshua.
Diphus had rarely failed to do what he had set his mind to so far.
The group soon crossed into the 20th section after passing through the 19th section.
According to the shipyard's layout, there was an emergency passage closest to the 2nd Magic Tower.
Looking around, they saw signs that Joshua and the Black Knight had forcibly opened the passage and destroyed it.
"Jin, it seems there was no fighting in the passage. Did Kinzelo use a different passage?"
"Or perhaps they used their leader's steel gate."
"That ability he showed during the Sword Emperor Castle's terror attack, damn. Except for Runcandel, they've all exceeded the limits of the transfer gates."
"Vermont hasn't shown such advanced technology or capabilities yet."
"The Empire can't compare to us. That's why those Vermonts haven't shown up here yet. Anyway, I feel sick. Let's move on."
Outside the passage was the Sota Desert.
Whirrrr!
Fierce and thick sandstorms covered the entire desert. The giant sandstorms scattered here and there gave an ominous feeling.
Naturally, from this point on, there were no traces of Joshua and the Black Knight's movements. The footprints didn't last even for a moment and were covered with sand, and it was difficult to breathe without forming a protective shield.
The environment.
Natural disasters and adverse conditions that would be no different from catastrophes to civilians did not have a fatal effect on most trained martial artists.
Even dying a futile death from falling rocks, or getting struck by lightning with astronomical odds, individuals with a power level of 8-star or higher would never die unexpectedly.
Let alone those like Jin or Diphus, who could be called superhumans.
The environment of the Sota Desert that was currently threatening the group far exceeded that normal level.
'It's no joke…'
It was an environment so vicious that a civilian could not survive even for a second. The heavily sand-laden wind sliced through protective shields like a sharp knife.
The entire desert seemed to be infested with terrible destructive magic.
Indeed.
'These are large-scale barriers and chained defense magic being maintained at all times. They are to protect the 2nd Magic Tower from intruders.'
The 2nd Magic Tower was one of Zipfel's most important areas. It was near the center of the Lutero Magic Federation, right next to their headquarters, Drakka.
Such levels of barrier and defense magic were only natural.
Diphus pointed beyond with his hand. The White Night Tower could be seen in the distant hazy sky, obscured by the sandstorm.
The problem was that there was not one tower.
"It is an illusion barrier."
"I never observed this phenomenon during all my scouting before your arrival."
"These defensive magic, including the illusion barrier, are likely to activate when someone deviates from the predefined path or enters a specific area."
There were a total of five towers.
All but one of them were illusions created by the illusion barrier. And as is the case with these types of barriers, another trap would trigger when you reached one of the fakes.
This time, Murakan gestured toward the sky.
"Hey, why is it so dark like this... Kid, Diphus, take a look at that."
Numerous battleships were hovering in the sky.
At first glance, it seemed like there were over a hundred. If Jin, Murakan, and Diphus had a fear of Zipfel, it was a sight that would have made their legs feel weak.
Unlike the towers, they couldn't be sure that the battleships covering the sky like a group of whales were an illusion.
Considering the size of the shipyard they had just checked, it was a number that could easily exist if one assumed there were several more shipyards.
In other words, these battleships could be finished products of mass-produced battleships that were deployed to support the shipyard.
"Shall I fly up into the sky and take care of those first? I can also check which one of those towers is real."
"If you start flying up there in your original form, the three of us are as good as dead, Murakan. And by the looks of it, there are over a hundred."
Even if these battleships were illusions like the towers, flying in plain sight above the Lutero Magic Federation was a crazy thing to do. If it were that easy, there would have been no need for the infiltration plan.
"Ah, this is a specialty of that despicable devil."
"Ms. Misha?"
"Yes, that's right. I don't have the skill to discreetly remove these barriers. I might be able to break them with brute force, though."
"I can roughly understand the basis for the confidence Joshua has shown. He has a means to avoid being exposed to the barriers. Unlike me, he probably planned to rob the 2nd Magic tower, not the inside of the shipyard, from the time we set up camp, so he must have prepared the necessary means ahead of time, using the power of the prophet."
Diphus said. Jin had similar thoughts.
"And he probably didn't think we couldn't break through this. He moved as if he wanted us to follow him."
Diphus continued.
As he said, Joshua had an ulterior motive to 'actively use' Jin and his group.
Since Jin and Kinzelo won't be able to break through the barrier as quickly as he can with the key, he naturally wants to use them as bait after breaking the vault.
Even if the vault is opened without a trace using a key, the fact that there was a break-in and theft will soon be revealed.
Naturally, Zipfel would have to track down the culprit.
To do that, all the barriers near the 2nd Magic tower would have to be removed to make it easier for allies to search, and then Jin and his group, along with Kinzelo, who were still wandering within the barriers, would become primary suspects and be subject to intensive pursuit.
This was part of the scenario that Joshua desired.
Crack! Diphus gritted his teeth, vaguely guessing the process. He couldn't just let things continue like this.
"Lord Murakan."
"Yeah."
"What do you think of advancing forward while using my body to shield you? I'll do my best to handle the traps as much as possible in the lead, while Jin and you follow Joshua as quickly as possible."
"Is that so? Are you as sturdy as Runcandel's first or second daughter?"
"I can hold my own to some extent."
"Do you know how destructive these traps can be?"
"Just like Jin said last night, this is just a time to take risks. This kind of risky opportunity may not come again. We're going in, getting real information, and killing Joshua."
"That's bold, I like it. Put your body on the line and let's overcome this crisis."
Murakan, who spoke like he agreed, glanced at Jin for a moment. As always, the decision was for him to make.
Jin flatly refused with the attitude that there was no need to worry.
"No, that's the last resort. If by any chance you are caught in a trap, the losses will be too great, elder brother Diphus, and if our location is exposed due to the activation of the barriers, there will be no way out."
"I knew you'd say that, the youngest. Do you have any other options?"
Srrung!
Bradamante came out of its sheath.
"...I have experienced this terrible desert once before. I have a sword I obtained along with an enlightenment at that time, and I think it might work."
Shadow Sword 1st technique, Soul Slash.
Jin had passed through the final gate of the Great Desert of Mitra with that sword. Even if Zipfel's barrier and magic were formidable, they didn't seem to be superior to Solderets trial.
After forming a blood alliance with Ghost mercenaries, the Soul Slash had also been effective when remnants of the Seygal clan, attempted suicide in the nameless desert in the eastern part of the Empire
Fwoooh...
Bradamante's blade darkened.
"If the Shadow sword doesn't work, then I'll consider using my knowledge to personally unravel the barriers and spells. And if that doesn't work, then I can consider putting you in the forefront, elder brother."
Jin closed his eyes and began to concentrate.
The will to cut, the belief that he can cut, the will to cut and pass. The willpower and insights he gained from the Great Desert of Mitra pierced through his entire body and mind.
Before swinging the sword, a smile appeared on Jin's lips.
This was because a mysterious, indescribable sensation was spreading through the tip of his sword, as if he had already glimpsed the future and the outcome.
The barrier and magic were cut with a gentle strike of the sword.
Each time he swung the sword lightly, the sandstorm abated, and the illusions that covered the tower were gradually washed away.
Jin continued to swing Bradamante until every spell was erased, and it looked as though he was performing a sword dance.
When Jin opened his eyes again, he felt refreshed, as if he had just taken a bath.
The horrific sandstorm and tempest had mysteriously disappeared. In the serene twilight with a gentle breeze blowing, the solitary White Night Tower appeared.
The White Night Tower was much closer than what the illusions had concealed.
"The moment when you must risk your life for the clan won't be due to mere barriers like this, elder brother."
After saying that, Jin waited for Dipus to respond. He feels that he owes him right.
But for some reason, there was no answer even after a few seconds.
Instead, the sound of Murakan clicking his tongue was heard.
"Hmm... Tsk. Well, they were all real after all."
Diphus was momentarily speechless as he realized that all the flying ships filling the sky were indeed "real."
章節 333: Chapter 492
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Jin's eyes widened as he looked back at the sky a beat later.
"This is insane..."
A curse escaped his lips reflexively. Anyone, who does not belong under the Zipfel's flag, would have reacted the same way.
The enormous battleship, over a hundred in number, looked like a dark and vast tumor in the early morning sky.
The battleships blocked the stars, and the gentle serenity of the clear night sky was nowhere to be found, replaced by a gloomy darkness.
There were two fortunate aspects to the situation.
First, the fleet appeared close due to the illusion barrier, but they were actually quite far apart.
Second, there was not a single battleship emitting light. The ships remained parked in the sky, not in motion.
For a few moments, the three couldn't tear their eyes away from the sky.
'Mirror.'
Jin immediately thought of Colon's divine artifact.
'To operate that many ships, you'd need at least 7- or 8-star mages numbering in the tens of thousands. You'd need even more to maximize the power of the battleships.'
If there is an artifact like the Mirror, that provides infinite mana, so many mages wouldn't be needed.
If Jin hadn't obtained the Mirror from Colon during reserve flagbearer days, they would have felt a much greater sense of despair when seeing the battleships now.
However, even without the Mirror, there were means like living golems and Demon God's Orb. Jin had already confirmed in the Gaifa Archipelago that they could operate and produce battleships by reviving the deceased.
Of course, Demon God's Orb was not yet complete.
But for how much longer?
'When the Demon God's Orb is completed, and the mass-produced battleships are put into full operation. If even the cube is used together…'
Runcandel, or rather, the world, is over.
It was impossible to predict when the Demon God's Orb would be completed. However, one thing was certain: the most crucial material for the Demon God's Orb was Jin himself.
'I need to focus more on escaping. And... I must secure the battleship's blueprints.'
Having the blueprints was essential to effectively deal with the mass-produced battleships. The blueprints were the most important means to identify the weaknesses of the battleships and the most critical resources required for production.
'Furthermore, Sondra Zipfel's right arm and spatial-time device must also have something in common with the blueprints. Since they all utilize the power of the Demon God's Orb, it should be helpful for research.'
Jin remembered that he was of the core of the Demon God's Orb, so a renewed tension swept through his body and mind, making him more alert to the fact that this was Zipfel's headquarters.
Murakan spat out roughly.
"Tsk! These crazy Zipfels, when did they make and park something like that? Approximately a hundred ships... hmm, I can shoot down one battleship with one breath, so I guess hundred breaths would do the trick."
Contrary to the content, there was a hint of bewilderment in his words. This time, even Murakan was properly shocked.
"Damn it."
Diphus spoke as if chewing on the words.
The moment he saw the fleet, he couldn't help but think this for the first time in his life.
'Is it possible for our clan to win in a war against Zipfel?'
He had never once doubted or suspected it. He believed that someday, Runcandel would surpass Zipfel and become the true victor of the world.
But as he faced the fleet that filled the sky, it seemed like such a thing would never happen.
Moreover, this fleet might not be all there was. There could be another fleet hidden somewhere else, not in the Sota Desert.
Born in Runcandel, he had finally seen the enemy's true identity today and his vision became distant.
Still, he quickly pushed aside his sense of frustration and regained his composure, thanks to one fact that had come to his mind.
'Even with a fleet like that, Zipfel can't conquer Runcandel. They could not attack my father's Runcandel.'
Jin knew this because he heard it directly from Chiron, but Diphus had been vaguely guessing it for some time. The fact that his father, Chiron Runcandel, does not have much time left.
'My father will disappear from our clan in the not-so-distant future... Before that happens, I must prepare for any contingencies, whatever it takes. My mother's favoritism toward Joshua must be for that reason, although it's hard to accept.'
Diphus's gaze fell on Jin. Jin, who stood still, reminded him of the day when he turned the garden of swords into a battlefield.
Magic Sword.
The legacy of the ancient Runcandel.
To contend with Zipfel's power, he must regain that power.
'Jin's strength and ability are desperately needed.'
Aside from the Magic Sword, he had just used Solderet's divine power to instantly destroy barriers and defensive magic and he also had the Plutonian Swordsmanship.
He needs to purify the clan as soon as possible.
Diphus made up his mind and turned around.
"Yes, just as you say, Jin... I guess the reason I risk my life for our clan is not just because of the barrier."
"Oh, Diphus, are you thinking of dying to destroy all those things right now?"
"If destroying those battleships and dismantling them fundamentally could deliver a significant blow, I would do it. Damaging the material wouldn't be meaningless either, but our first priority is to secure the blueprints. We need to either reproduce them or identify their weaknesses. That's what we should do moving forward."
After pushing away the frustration, Diphus's unique tenacity throbbed in his heart. Now he felt like he had to grit my teeth and fight against Zipfels, not his siblings.
This didn't mean giving up on patriarchy, but it seemed necessary to minimize unnecessary conflicts.
'We reproduce them…'
Jin mulled over that part of Diphus's recent statement.
He hadn't considered this idea before, although it wasn't entirely foreign to him. Jin wasn't in favor of living golems, but spatial-time devices and battleships were definitely valuable if they could be produced.
Since all of these were based on magical engineering and research, there had never been high expectations for Runcandel and Huphester to keep up with the Lutero Magic Federation.
But all of a sudden...
Jin remembered a conversation he had with his brother Tantel just before leaving Laprarosa.
-After our time stopped, we can never return to that world. This is a replica of Laprarosa, where we used to live, but it's actually a kind of afterlife.
-Then wouldn't the outside world be more interesting?
-What's the point in desiring something we can't have, brother? Also, you should know that none of the brethren we loved were there. However! I once heard this story from sister Battle god.
-What is it?
-5000 years have passed outside, so there might be magic spells or devices developed that could bring us out. So, if you don't mind. I wish you would find that out, brother.
The reason Jin recalled this conversation was simple.
-We didn't have the concept of mages like other races, hehe. Instead, those who could manipulate mana all became blacksmiths, like me.
The words spoken by 5th battle king Boras as he implanted a new 'molar' in Jin's mouth.
At that time, Jin had experienced the 'Memory Transfer Magic' through the molar, and it had been an incredible shock to him. The magical civilization established by the Plutonian tribe had some remarkable aspects, even when compared to the present.
Jin placed his hand on his chest.
A solid illuminating heart was felt beneath the infiltration suit. The illuminating heart was formed from the blood of battle god Vahn, but it could be made in a different form if not transplanted into a person.
It felt like an artist suddenly exposed to an intense wave of inspiration.
Thoughts like these were crossing Jin's mind.
'If we could create battleships powered by illuminating hearts using the technology of the Plutonian tribe...'
This might just be an extravagant dream, but he wouldn't until he tried.
'I need to meet my brethren again. I have to prepare for my third journey to Laprarosa and find a way to bring my brethren back to this world…'
Calling the real brethren back to the human world, not in the form of guardians of the black light call.
This had always been one of Jin's most important concerns since the first trip to Laprarosa. It was not only a means to repay his brethren but also a heartfelt desire to be with them once again.
'I don't know yet what the principle of the cube is, but it is an object that can also summon the resurrected dead. If I study and analyze it properly, it may be helpful in calling my brethren back.'
Even after seeing Zipfel's cutting-edge technology and fleet of over 100 battleships, Jin suddenly felt grateful that he could have such deep hopes.
"Let's follow Joshua again. Just as he had the means to bypass the barrier, it is highly likely that he also knew the exact location of the blueprint. He didn't expect us to break through the barrier like this, so the faster we get there, the more likely we will be able to catch him off guard."
Silently and swiftly, they began their run towards the White Night Tower.
The White Night Tower exuded a gentle glow, quite different from the fleet hovering behind.
A tower that truly lived up to its name of the white night.
Even after running for a while and getting quite close, the party somehow realized that there was no additional defensive magic or barriers near the Tower of the White Night.
Jin naturally assumed that there would be additional traps and magic around the tower.
Jin thought there would be some types that couldn't be easily disarmed even with the shadow sword, but even when they reached a distance of only a few hundred steps from the tower, nothing had been triggered yet.
"This can't be. Was the barrier we encountered earlier the only one?"
"It's like someone deliberately blocked all barriers and defensive magic spells. There's no sign of the mages who should be monitoring the defenses, and not a single guard in sight."
"Kid, ever since you broke the barrier, something has felt suspiciously lax. Hmmm."
".... Could it be a trap?"
Jin's eyes narrowed at Diphus' words, and at that moment.
Rumble, rumble, boom!
The ground beneath them began to shake and tremble, as if it were an earthquake. It wasn't caused by a trap triggered underfoot or the initiation of a barrier. The entire area around the White Night Tower was shaking.
And the group immediately realized the source of this tremor.
'Aura...!?'
This phenomenon occurred when an enormous scale battle took place, or when overwhelmingly powerful beings unleashed their energy.
The epicenter was none other than the White Night Tower.
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