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A black tidal wave, which seemed to have originated from the sky, was engulfing the land.
From the perspective of the four major factions, it seemed that the merciless black tidal wave would devastate the entire island and they hastily put up a protective shield.
The heavy pressure of the blue flames was crushing them as if the mountain was weighing down on them.
Squeeze! Squeeze!
Huge cracks form all over the island before the flames even touch down, so the people on the ground couldn't help but think that this would be what the end of the world looked like.
In fact, if the protective shield of the four major factions could not hold up, the flames that Murakan had thrown out had enough power to wipe out the entire island.
This was because a kind of power enhancement had occurred.
In other words, Murakan's shadow force (who had just regained 50% power) was added to Jin's blue flames.
Rather than consuming and neutralizing each other, the blue flames and shadow force were combined as if they had been aiming for it from the beginning, displaying an even more formidable force.
The blue flames that Jin alone had unleashed carried the power to reduce the Guardian Knights who were present in the Garden of Swords to ashes at the time if Luntia hadn't stopped it.
Not to mention now the power of Murakan was added to blue flames.
Of course, it was not yet comparable to what Sarah had executed in her prime, but it had reached a level close to that.
In other words, among the four major factions that visited the Gaifa islands, there was no one who could block the flames of hell alone.
Woosh, Kurararak-!
The blue blames began to ravage the ground.
As soon as the edge of the black tidal wave began to sweep through the protective shields, the people on the ground shuddered in fear and shock.
Even the protective shields that the first divisions of the four major factions had put all their efforts into were breaking as easily as dry leaves.
Boom, creak, puff!
Fragments of the shattered protective shield bounced off and reflected the light. It didn't even take a second for the blue flames to shroud everything in darkness.
"Aaaagh!"
"Ke-heo-eok!"
The screams echoed at the same time.
The blue flames were turning everything it touched into ashes. The whole body was burned to a crisp just by touching the tip of the finger, and it was impossible to escape because of the blue flame pressure. Even if there was a chance to escape, it seemed almost meaningless.
The humans under the black tidal wave felt like they were standing in hell.
And the terrible black dragon Murakan was laughing maniacally while watching humans being burned (actually, he was gazing in another direction) as if the god of that hell.
[Khahaha, hahahaha, kahahahaha haha!]
Murakan was laughing because of uncontrollable joy, but humans on the ground couldn't possibly accept it that way.
A terrifying existence that can slaughter the 1st division of the 4 major forces like trampling on ants.....
"Argh! Bastard, do you really have to fight something like that? If you provoke that black dragon, things could get really bad. I can recommend any other method if you want to be like Myuron Oraeboni."
Sandra shouted as she pushed the blue flames away using ice-type magic. Sweat dripped down her face as if it were raining as she pushed back the black flames.
"Every day, I imagined killing….. that man. They are the enemies of Elder brother Myuron...!"
Midor was protecting himself and the mages around him using spatial explosions and fire-type magic.
"Is that so? The enemies of Myuron Oraeboni, huh? It's hard to find a funny guy like you. You talk as if your elder brother is dead!"
Contrary to what she said, Sandra wasn't sarcastic at all. Instead, she spoke with an oddly cheerful tone.
"Well, do whatever you want! I don't think you can wake up from death with your skills. I also really wanted to meet Jin Runcandel at least once.... Aww!"
Suddenly, Sandra screamed as the flames grew stronger without any warning.
All the elder-level mages, who were not able to respond quickly to the sudden change near Sandra, disappeared as they lost in shadow force.
The Zipfel side lost nearly half of the mages due to a single amplification.
Nevertheless, Sandra merely smiled.
"Heh, I almost went down too. It's fascinating, really!"
The situation on Kinzelo's side was even worse.
Unlike the White wolf warriors, the red tigers did not help in coping with the situation.
In fact, beyond that, there were many red tigers that were not only floundering aimlessly but also dragging the white wolf warriors to death like water ghosts.
"You crazy red bastards! Let them go! Let them go."
"Sa-save me! I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"
"What do you mean you won't do it again!"
"Save me, too, argh!"
"My kin are dying because of you guys…..!"
In the end, the best warriors of the white wolf Tribe had no choice but to use their maces to strike down the red tigers who got in their way.
They would certainly be wiped out if they didn't do that. Occasionally, those at the level of tiger king fought back, but their unbridled nail-swings posed no real threat to the White wolf tribesmen.
Despite the fact that the two races are generally not on good terms, the white wolf warriors had no choice but to regret the deaths of the red tigers.
'Shit! Soldiers meant for a great cause die in vain like this...!'
They don't know about the common red tiger warriors, but losing the tiger king so absurdly was a particularly painful loss. Tiger King is a title given only to those who have fighting power equal to the 'best warriors' of the white wolf tribe.
The heads and bodies of the red tigers flew in all directions and were lost in black flames. Even the White wolf warriors, who had relatively weaker combat power, continued to die.
While Kinzelo was wandering through the inferno within the mayhem, the members of Vermont were also going through a terrible time.
'It was ridiculous to fight with Amela the whole time, but it's the black dragon Murakan now...!'
Latz, the Special Forces 3rd Division Leader, gritted his teeth as he thought about it.
Like other factions, the members of Vermont had never imagined such a situation when setting out for Gaifa Archipelago.
Who could have imagined that Amela would engage in battle with all four major factions, even going as far as casting a curse?
He also thought that there wasn't going to be a full-scale war, even if there is a minor conflict between the four major factions.
Because it is clear that everyone was too cautious about provoking one another, as sending many troops to assert dominance was acceptable, but actual combat led to significant losses. No matter who got Amela, they would have preferred to negotiate if possible.
But he never thought there would be such a large-scale attack.
And even though it was only the beginning of the attack, Murakan was already overwhelming the four major factions.
Ratz and other team leaders felt an overwhelming sense of dread as they observed their members dying relentlessly.
It wasn't just a few casualties. It was impossible to estimate how much time and resources it would take to replenish the number of special force members. It was uncertain whether he would be able to survive and return to the Empire.
Zipfel, Kinzelo, and Vermont.
These three factions naturally considered the flame of hell to be Murakan's technique, but Runcandel had a different opinion.
'This is not Lord Murakan's power... It's the power of the youngest!'
Vigo slashed the flames and swallowed dry saliva.
Although it was somewhat different from what he had displayed during the patriarchy declaration, Vigo was well aware that the flame of hell was a magic sword secret technique.
'It has greater power than what elder sister Luntia stopped at that time, but this is definitely the youngest's sword, not Lord Murakan's!'
A shiver ran down his spine, as if a chilling blade had swept across his back.
Vigo also had a strange mixture of emotions such as admiration, shame, self-doubt, and fighting spirit, which made it difficult to describe.
It was because the black tidal wave of flame of hell was spreading particularly weak toward Runcandel.
Of course, it was controlled by Murakan, but Vigo mistakenly believed that Jin was being considerate of him and the clan.
In any case, Runcandel hadn't suffered a single casualty unlike other forces.
In other words, the Runcandel knights believed that their lives depended on Jin. If Jin wanted to kill them, they would die, and if he wanted to spare them, they would live.
[Yes, feel it! You insignificant fools! Feel the power of the mighty Black Dragon and die, for that will be the greatest moment of your worthless lives.]
Murakan momentarily stopped laughing and spoke. He had a look of great satisfaction on his face as he gazed at the chaos unfolding below. He was savoring his enhanced power.
He felt a rush of exhilaration, and laughed uncontrollably. His gaping mouth gave him an undignified appearance, but luckily no one could see his face due to the flame of hell.
Only one person, Jin, looked up at him and sighed in relief.
'He seems to have suddenly become incredibly strong. I wonder what's going on? It feels like some restrictions have disappeared.'
Regardless of the reason, it was a fortunate turn of events.
Amela was saved, Murakan became stronger, and an unexpected situation was created where they overwhelmed the four major factions.
Jin quickly racked his brain about how to gain the most advantage from the situation. He didn't need to think too hard.
"Amela."
[Yes, no. yes. Thank you for saving me.]
"I'll listen to your greetings and details after the situation is over. Instead, I'm going to give you a suggestion."
[Tell me anything! I will no longer be Bubare and Kinzelo's friend, but your friend.]
"It's a matter for a later date. It's also important whether I can accept you as a friend. Anyway, hide yourself."
Hwaaak!
[Mya!]
Jin summoned Shuri from the ruby. As soon as Amela saw Shuri, her eyes sparkled just like when she saw the Proch siblings.
"She will help. Hide yourself as quickly as you can, before this mess is over. Stay close to the battlefield and do not come out until I say it's okay."
Jin intended to treat Amela as a 'dead person'.
Since Amela had already turned her back on 4 major factions, Jin decided it would be better to treat her as deceased and secretly include her in his faction.
Of course, that would be after he was able to trust Amela, but after the blue flames extinguish, there wouldn't be a chance for Amela to hide.
[With this kid? Really? Can I take the cuties with me too?]
"No. And if you just try to deceive me or run away, then no matter where you are or whoever is protecting you, I will surely find and kill you... ."
[No way! See you later.]
[Mya, mya!]
Amela rode on Shuri and departed, Jin could see that the soul of Bubare, who had been tied up with the Proch siblings, was rapidly fading away.
'I'm going to listen to Amela directly about that..... Now, let's clear the place.'
Jin and Murakan's gazes met.
Then Jin conveyed the following message to Murakan as he mouthed the words.
'Prepare your 3rd comment, Murakan.'
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-Halo? You mean to use this body as a halo?
-Yes. All four forces will be gathered in the Gaifa Archipelago. Big figures will come as representatives.
-So you don't want to be overshadowed among them, is that what you're saying?
-Right. It's also important to be prepared for any unexpected situations.
- Well, I guess I can do that.
-Anyway, are you ready to go? Come back after helping Gilly, I'll prepare some comments for you to use according to various situations in the Gaifa Archipelago.
-Comment? What's the comment?
-I will tell you later.
A conversation they had just before departing from Tikan for the Gaifa Archipelago.
The reason for preparing the comments in advance was because this place, where the four major factions gathered to compete, was the perfect opportunity to create favorable rumors.
Rumor has it that the 12th flagbearer and his guardian dragon already have great power to the extent that they can be said to have reached the throne of Runcandel.
The need for a halo was not just a word thrown out to please Murakan.
Murakan already possessed every necessary aspect: legitimacy and symbolism that he has been revered as the guardian deity of Runcandel, past grandeur that no one could surpass, and the uniqueness of being the Black Dragon.
There is only one thing that Murakan lacks, the 'present dignity'.
However, even that had been unintentionally hyped by the recent "Black Dragon Incident," so it was necessary to continue with the same momentum.
If he shows his battle prowess a few more times, Murakan will become a halo that shines brighter than anyone else, and Jin is very satisfied that the situation has turned out this way.
'The situation has deviated somewhat from what I expected because Amela was already engaged in battle with the four major factions, and due to the blue flames unintentionally became more fierce, but it's better. To the point where I wonder if there could have been any better situation.'
Just like the Black King incident, it's a perfect stage to spread rumors with a touch of deception. The time Jin had spent considering the phrases to use while holding onto the disobedient Black Dragon suddenly felt rewarding.
'3rd comment?'
Murakan raised an eyebrow.
'Yes, 3rd comment!'
Jin raised his three fingers and squinted his eyes, to which Murakan vigorously nodded. It was as if he understood perfectly.
Then he said in a majestic tone and a low voice.
[Insignificant humans, do you... desire power...]
As soon as Murakan opened his mouth, Jin had no choice but to grab the back of his neck for the first time in a long time.
That was the 33rd comment, not the 3rd.
'Murakan, not 33rd, but the 3rd! 3rd!'
The 33rd comment was meant to be used when the enemies clearly declared their surrender and swore loyalty. Naturally, it did not fit the current situation at all.
Swish, whoosh!
The flame of hell were now at their peak, and the last flames were ferociously burning.
The black tidal wave, the desperate screams of those who wanted to survive, and the destruction of humans, objects, and nature had all reached their peaks.
Therefore, Murakan's mistake was covered up in the deafening noise. Jin was glad that the 33rd comment wasn't meant to say out loud.
'Fortunately, it seems like no one heard it.'
Speaking irrelevant nonsense in such a solemn situation actually diminished one's dignity.
Jin stroked his chest. Murakan seemed to realize something was amiss as he blinked at Jin.
Murakan looked at Jin's three raised fingers again and, soon enough, he seemed to realize his mistake and opened his mouth once more.
[As of this moment, the Gaifa Archipelago is the land of this Murakan.]
Unlike the solemn and low voice, this time it was dignified and full of strength.
Everyone could hear Murakan's voice clearly even in the terrible mess.
'His land? Could it be that the youngest killed Amela, the great mercenary?'
Vigo had no choice but to interpret the situation in this way.
If he merely 'subdued' Amela, he would have to show the badly wounded Amela or at least her corpse.
'As expected, Amela was beaten by the 12th flagbearer and Murakan!'
Latz made the same conclusion.
He also thought that he would have killed Amela if he had been in Jin's place. If he keeps Amela alive and she doesn't show her will to be loyal like the ghost mercenaries or the Black kings, then she would inevitably join another faction and become an enemy.
No one can touch Amela recklessly after she belongs to another major faction. In Latz's view, now was the best time for Jin to kill Amela 'without burden'.
'Also, it's the best time to kill all the witnesses... !'
A scary future flashed through Latz's mind in an instant.
What if only the knights of Runcandel, Jin, Murakan, and Vigo survive in the Gaifa Islands, and all the others die?
So, what choice Amela made, what kind of death she met, and how the four major factions that had been seeking her ended up, were questions that had to be answered.
Even if Runcandel published an article as they wished, the other factions had no means to refute it. Unless there is any witness left who witnessed the fighting in the Gaifa Islands.
'Unlike other Runcandels, the 12th flagbearer is particularly good at public opinion warfare. We have to prevent that from happening!'
In other words, he must survive. He had to somehow survive and tell the emperor what he had seen and experienced today.
[And since you have invaded my land, not a single person will survive.]
Murakan finished his 3rd comment. Latz gritted his teeth, and Jin let out a sigh of relief.
I will kill everyone without exception.
That's exactly what the 3rd comment meant, but in fact, Jin didn't intend to kill everyone.
A few people would have to return alive for the rumors to spread properly.
'However, I can't spare individuals like Midor Elner.'
Excluding Runcandel, he will spare 5 people per faction, not the key figures. That was the amount of mercy Jin wanted to bestow.
The black tidal wave was fading. The flame of hell was nearing its end.
Eventually, the energy of the flame of hell was gradually dissipated, and what was visible on the ground was a devastated landscape of ashes and death.
No cries and screams could be heard. Jin couldn't even hear the painful sound of someone leaning against someone.
All that could be heard was the sound of burning corpses and the sound of the survivors gasping for breath.
In other words, there were no wounded survivors. Those who couldn't hold out were all dead.
'The 6th comment.'
When Jin gave a new signal, Murakan looked down at the ground.
[Ho, I didn't know there were so many bugs that wouldn't die even though I stepped on them seriously. It's pretty unpleasant.]
The 6th Comment was not all about words.
Whoops-!
As soon as the comment was over, Murakan let out his black breath. The breath was shot towards Kinzelo, and one of the best warriors of the White wolf tribe was hit by it and died instantly.
Murakan's strength reached 50%, and White wolfs' stamina was consumed like crazy trying to block the flames, so he couldn't respond.
Of course, even considering those factors, there were not many beings in the world who could defeat the best warrior of the White wolf tribe with such ease.
"Hee!"
The tiger king, the lucky survivor of the red tiger tribe, panicked and stepped back. He was terrified once more when he saw only the remaining ankles of the dead White wolf tribe best warrior on the ground.
Now, not only the red tigers, but even the white wolf warriors had a hard time suppressing their fear.
Gulp...!
Others who were watching involuntarily swallowed dry spit repeatedly.
'The 7th comment.'
At Jin's signal, Murakan turned his head towards Vigo and Runcandel.
[And Runcandels, leave the island as soon as possible and return to the clan. And tell Rosa Runcandel: I will question her for daring to send clan knights to my land without permission. She must have a proper explanation.]
The eyes of Vigo and the Guardian Knights widened. They could hardly believe their ears.
'No, you just said that this land now belongs to you as of this moment. And you're going to question my mother for sending us to your land without permission? We came here first. What kind of bullshit is this?'
As Vugo thought, Murakan's words didn't seem to make sense, and it was clear that he was blatantly disregarding the acting matriarch.
But Vigo couldn't argue with him.
It was because he did not know what would happen if he dared to fight in this situation. Moreover, opposing Murakan would only worsen the situation.
"... I understand, Lord Murakan. I will deliver your message. But may I ask one question?"
Murakan sneakily lowered his eyes to look at Jin. And Jin nodded his head.
[Speak freely, Vigo Runcandel.]
"What happened to the great mercenary Amela?"
Murakan lowered his eyes again, and Jin showed a gesture of slitting the throat.
[I killed her.]
They had all expected this outcome, but hearing Murakan say it directly left them feeling empty.
They had rushed here to capture Amela, but there were nothing but significant losses.
She was even killed by a black dragon that they didn't expect, and now the black dragon was saying that he would kill them all.
At least, no one died in Runcandel, and it wasn't bad because Vigo and his knights just struggled in vain.
[You might find the ashes of that stupid mercenary if you look carefully at the offshore over there on the way back.]
"...Thanks for letting me know, Lord Murakan."
[Now go.]
"Lord Murakan, can't you give us another chance?"
Murakan narrowed his brows at Vigo's words.
[What are you talking about all of a sudden?]
"There won't be any problems if Lord Murakan slaughters the imperial family and Kinzelo. However, soon, Zipfel will receive reinforcements from the Magic Tower. It's because there is a magic tower master here. So we will help you."
The Magic tower master's staff.
Vigo is the flagbearer of Runcandel, so he was reading information about the magic tower master's staff that had put Jin in danger in Colon in the past.
The ability to call the main division in case of emergency.
Jin shook his head and crumpled his face as much as he could, and Murakan put on the most menacing expression he could manage.
[Vigo Runcandel, you seem to think very lightly of me. You're gonna help me? Just to deal with Zipfel's main division?]
"Lord Murakan, I have no other intentions..."
[If you say one more word, I will kill you too. Get out of here.....]
"I didn't call them!"
Suddenly, someone interrupted Murakan and shouted in a bright voice.
It was Sandra Zipfel. Everyone's eyes, including Murakan, were focused on her.
"I didn't activate the magic tower master's staff. So, the great Black Dragon, please stop playing the puppet. The hidden puppet master, Jin Runcandel. How about you come forward for once?"
I really wanted to meet you once.
Sandra continued with a smile.
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