Chapter 285
Chapter 285
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 285
Chapter Title: Advance (3)
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"Come on in, everyone. You've probably been briefed on the situation by now, right?"
"Yes, sir! We've brought all the spare blood as instructed!"
The soldiers responded loudly to Rorhon's question. Behind the dimensional gate they'd emerged from stretched a vast snowy plain battered by blizzards.
It was the allied forces' 2nd Legion, which had been striking at Nebula Klazie's northern branches. Rorhon chuckled heartily and beckoned them inside.
"Good. It's cold out there—hurry in and warm up. Kratir, looks like the southern forces are mostly assembled too?"
"Yes, Master. Almost everyone's here now."
Kratir nodded. The three dimensional gates before him all connected to sweltering jungles.
This time, the allied forces assigned to the southern branches were streaming out in an endless line. The southern legion's commander saluted.
"Reporting back as ordered."
"You've done well. Thank you for responding to this sudden summons."
Kratir bowed deeply. His face was noticeably pale from the heavy mana expenditure after so long.
Rorhon and Kratir—the continent's only two spatial mages—were relentlessly twisting and tearing space itself, gathering scattered troops from across the land. This was what "linked" truly meant.
"Still the same old place... Hm?"
Naviroje, who had been admiring her homeland's scenery after so long, raised an eyebrow. A familiar man was emerging from the rear of the procession.
"Jarodin?"
"It's been a while."
The man raised a hand in greeting. Sunken cheeks, a gaunt frame that suited his nickname "Wear Jaguar" perfectly. It was Jarodin, a top-tier earth mage and her old rival. He trudged up and stopped before her.
"You look fine. That brutish sword of yours hasn't changed either."
"...Where's Sunya? You came alone?"
Naviroje narrowed her eyes. His wife, who was always by his side, was nowhere to be seen. She'd heard Sunya had revived but still needed assistance.
"I requested protection from the Full Moon Tower. In exchange, she'll return to being a tower mage once this is over."
"Didn't you say you'd never work with those thick-headed fools again? Quite the bold decision. Confident you won't regret it this time?"
"Just a more rational choice. If we lose here, it's all over anyway. Might as well fight to save a world where my wife can live."
Jarodin said. Naviroje smirked instead of replying. His face was as resolute as it had been during their fierce duel in the great jungle long ago.
"Look at you, spouting such noble words."
"Took me too long to wise up. Anyway, I'm off to see Balzac."
"Hm?"
"Never gave him a second thought while he was alive, but hearing he'd died... it doesn't sit right. Don't you die too."
With that, Jarodin abruptly turned away. Naviroje suddenly recalled his relationship with the fallen Balzac. Rivals who'd never settled the score, huh. The impact seemed greater than expected.
Come to think of it, she too was tangled in a similar bond. Though theirs had already been resolved.
As Naviroje pondered this, watching Jarodin's retreating back, a massive shadow fell over her head.
"Well, this is unexpected. I figured you for the type who claims to be married to her sword, but you've been hiding a scrawny lover like that?"
"Keep talking nonsense, and I'll skin you alive for a fur coat."
Naviroje growled, whipping her head around. Sure enough, Zaifa stood there with hands clasped behind his back. The pitch-black crescent blade in his grip was still drenched in giant blood.
His face, on the eve of the final battle, was serene—contrary to expectations of venomous rage. Naviroje asked.
"You seem relaxed. Forgotten your hatred?"
"Just decided not to waste anger on the obvious. Makes killing the bugs easier. You don't get mad swatting cockroaches or mosquitoes, do you?"
Zaifa replied flatly. It revealed his attitude toward Nebula Klazie. Precarious, but understandable. Naviroje gave a wry smile.
"...I see. Fair enough."
"I saw you earlier. Your skills have grown sharper—no predicting the winner now."
Zaifa chuckled. He meant her fight with Giant Basagia. Indeed, Naviroje's swordsmanship had leaped forward compared to during the Second Sword Saint Tournament.
"Stating the obvious. Enjoy that top spot while it lasts—until this battle ends."
"A third challenger... First time for that. I never refuse a proper duel. But you'd better hurry."
"Why?"
"Got a prior engagement. Might lose there if I'm not careful."
Zaifa suddenly pointed toward the heart of the battlefield. Naviroje followed his gaze. Schlieffen sat meditating atop a lone boulder.
"......"
He was calming his mind before rescuing Iril. Beside him lay Pale Lord, the Grancia family's treasured sword, as if asleep. Naviroje's eyes narrowed.
"That prior engagement is...?"
"Yeah. The kid."
Zaifa snorted. Schlieffen sat still, but it was anything but stillness. Even from afar, his chilling killing intent prickled the skin.
Was cold fury like this? North winds seemed to whirl around his form. Zaifa shook his head as if daunted.
"Watched him up close these past months—a total monster. Bet no talent like that emerges for a thousand years."
"How's he stack up to Ronan?"
"Ah... right, that kid too. Tough call."
Zaifa snapped his fingers, pondering. Naviroje sighed and glanced skyward. Worry he might be consumed by rage, yet pride swelled too.
"...When did he grow so much?"
The melting sun cast its glow over the wasteland. An unseasonably cool evening. Voices preparing for the final battle echoed everywhere.
"Be careful not to spill a single drop!"
"Even if dawn breaks, no time to make more!"
The existing soldiers were busily transporting the diluted Ronan blood serum. No spares for this decisive battle. The transport carts for the main headquarters assault were being reinforced with black steel or mithril plating, transformed into veritable tanks.
Clang! Clang! Clang! The sound of metal on metal rang out everywhere. Amid fervent hammering, blacksmith Doron extended a hand without looking.
"Didikan. Pass me that steel plate."
"Here. Never thought I'd live to see you doing grunt work, old man."
"You work hard too. This might be our last hammering."
"Hah, don't jinx it. Can't die till I surpass you."
Didikan chuckled, handing over the plate. But the laughter wasn't as carefree as usual. Doron ignored the underlying fear and took it.
"Yeah. Here's hoping."
"It'll work out this time too... Huh? Haven't seen those folks in ages."
"Hm?"
"Y'know, Ronan's friends. They look all grown up."
Didikan's lips quirked up. His gaze lingered on Marya and Asel, reuniting. Marya, emerging from the gate, waved wildly.
"Asel!"
"M-Marya?!"
Asel gasped in surprise. The lion-mane blonde charging over was unmistakably Marya. Come to think of it, she'd been supporting the northern front with supplies.
First sighting since the full Nebula Klazie extermination began. She closed the gap in an instant and crushed him in a hug.
"Eep! C-Can't... breathe..."
Asel flailed helplessly. Her hair from the north was dusted with white snowflakes. Marya pinched his cheeks with both hands and grinned.
"Heard all about your exploits. Amazing! Not the time to celebrate, but still—amazing!"
"Ow, ow...!"
"You're joining this fight too, right?"
She'd somehow heard of his Basagia battle feats too. Asel nodded amid pained whimpers and laughter.
"Y-Yeah."
"Don't worry—I'll protect you! No one'll mess with your magic!"
Marya nuzzled his nose. Asel's face stiffened briefly. Her smile didn't match the fear and anxiety dripping from her eyes.
"It'll be fine, really. We're almost there—what could go wrong?"
"Marya..."
Anyone knowing the giants' dangers would be scared—that'd be weirder not to be. Asel had been trembling in terror moments ago.
Yet oddly, seeing her face eased his shakes. He couldn't say why. Clasping her hands, Asel smiled brightly.
"Thanks. I'll protect you too."
"Wha...?"
Asel's voice didn't tremble—unlike usual. Marya, stunned, turned away.
"W-What was that?"
Her ears peeked red through her hair. Realizing his bold words, Asel yanked his hands back. Suddenly, hearty laughter boomed nearby.
"Wahaha! Splendid! Love blooms brightest in desperate times!"
"Braum?"
Asel and Marya whipped around. A mustached bald man guffawed. Armed in plate armor and greatshield, Braum now looked every bit the knight.
"What, you're fighting too?"
"Harsh words from a fellow union member. Saving the world from doom—what greater honor for a knight!"
Braum thumped his chest. Then a girl with deep purple hair landed lightly from the air. Erzsebet de Acalusia, the Acalusia lady. Their eyes widened.
"Erzsebet?"
"Long time no see, everyone. Glad you all look well."
She curtsied gracefully. The skilled mage had been dispatched to Dawn Tower like Marya and Braum, aiding the union with its mages. Asel asked.
"W-What about Dawn Tower? They okay without you?"
"Of course not. I'll head back as soon as the offensive starts. Brought scrolls too."
"Why do something like...?"
"Argh, why do you keep asking that?!"
"Eek!"
Erzsebet snapped irritably, like a hissing cat. Asel recoiled. She shot back.
"Just came to check on you all 'cause I was worried! Friends do that, right? Or do you not see me as a friend?!"
"N-No...! You're a friend! Yes!"
"Hmph. Good."
Erzsebet smiled smugly. First time hearing "friend" from her lips. Was terminal honesty spreading as the end neared? Glancing around, she continued.
"That thief... er, Lord Ronan hasn't returned yet... What about Lady Adeshan?"
"O-Over there, in a meeting with Navardoje. Running long."
Asel pointed to a tent corner of the battlefield. Inside the makeshift canopy, key commanders conferred.
The union forces were nearly ready for the final push. Gates linking continent-wide had all closed.
Only Kratir remained at the center, eyes shut, murmuring an incantation. Sweat beaded his brow—something serious. As Asel opened his mouth to speak.
"Huuuup!"
Kratir's eyes snapped open. Inhaling deeply, he spread his arms wide and clapped. Clap! The crisp sound echoed across the field. Sensing massive mana flux, Erzsebet whipped around.
"Th-That's...?!"
Space warped. The scenery before them tore vertically, revealing a forest and lake. It wasn't hard to guess. Asel gasped.
"N-No way—the 'linked' meant...!"
The dense canopy below was unmistakably Paradise Forest. The vast lake from above mirrored the cloudy white sky.