Chapter 400: Merge (3)
Chapter 400: Merge (3)
Kwaaaa—!
The dark, crimson divine power of the Evil Gods began to incinerate the Two-headed Giant’s body.
It looked as if they were trying to dye a blank canvas with their own colors.
Naturally, the two Evil Gods weren't trying to burn the giant they had gone through so much trouble to create. It was simply that the energy overflowing from the process of forcing in a massive amount of divine power at high speeds appeared like flames.
Solari’s face contorted into a grimace at the sight.
“Lady Solari? Do you have any idea what that is? From what I can see, it looks like they’re trying to use that giant as a vessel for an Apostle.”
Though it lacked consciousness, the physical specs of that body were absurd. It was only natural, considering it had absorbed all those cultists and monsters.
The defensive power that had allowed it to withstand my full-power Punishment with minimal damage was a problem, but an even bigger issue was its regeneration, which rewound its wounds in an instant.
The reason it’s difficult to create an Apostle is that a mortal’s mind must resemble that of a god.
If it doesn't, the body will explode, unable to withstand the immense divine power. However, the situation was a bit different for that giant.
Its sturdy frame would easily endure the burden of the divine power, and even if it began to break down, its superior regeneration would restore it immediately.
In other words, it was a somewhat forced method, but it would allow them to create an Apostle and project their power directly.
By now, even Cardinal-level cultists or variants of large monsters were no match for me, but an Apostle was a different story.
It probably wouldn't be as powerful as the Ugly Prosperity I faced before its descent, but it would at least be enough to handle me.
However, as always, my prediction missed the mark—and not in a good way.
“You’re half right!”
“Half?”
“It’s true that it’s a vessel for an Apostle, and it’s true they’re in the middle of appointing one… but that body has no consciousness.”
“No consciousness? You mean even Astrid has disappeared, let alone Svid?”
“How could anyone maintain their ego after merging that many living creatures?”
That made sense. No matter how strong Astrid’s obsession was, she was still just a mortal.
“Then are they just taking over an empty shell?”
“They have to fill that empty shell with their own minds and souls.”
“Just in case, when you say ‘their own’…”
“Reckless Roar and Confused Unity. I’m talking about one of those two! No, seeing how both divine powers are being injected simultaneously, it’s probably both!”
“……”
Well, we’re screwed.
In that case, it wasn't an Apostle of the Evil God, but an Avatar of the Evil God. And it would likely possess twice the divine power of a normal Apostle.
I thought those two Evil Gods, who would never normally hold hands, were cooperating, but it seemed they were planning to go as far as merging.
That’s how serious they were about taking me down. They probably calculated that if they could just defeat me, conquering the Eurelia Continent would be a simple matter.
An Apostle alone possesses power comparable to a Sword Master or an Archmage, but an Avatar twice that strong?
Once it reached its complete form, even Havel might find it difficult to fight.
“In the end, it all comes back to one thing. We have to kill that giant no matter what, right?”
“…Yes. If we can do that, it’ll be the same as defeating two Evil Gods. Since they’ve poured their minds and souls into it without any buffer, the shock of the body’s death will be transmitted directly to them.”
It wouldn't mean their true bodies, tucked away somewhere in their seals, would be annihilated. However, the mind and soul that were supposed to dwell within would be shattered, leaving them as empty husks.
And a body that has lost its essence loses the integrity unique to transcendent beings, along with its divinity.
How long could a hunk of meat that is no longer a god and has no consciousness last inside a seal?
As Solari said, it was effectively a death sentence.
“…But how do we defeat it?”
“That’s the problem. Reckless Roar and Confused Unity have staked everything on killing us, but we lack the preparation to face the two of them. The only silver lining is that it will take at least ten more days for it to be fully reborn as an Avatar….”
It was a relief that we had over ten days. We could try most things in that time.
Thinking that the immediate battle was over, I let go of the tension I had been holding onto and began running through various strategies in my head.
As long as the giant was shrouded in the divine power of the two Evil Gods like a protective shield, there was no opening for an attack.
But if we just left it alone, we’d eventually have to fight two Evil Gods who had descended together as an Avatar. That would likely be an even more grueling task.
While the other women were sighing along with me, unable to find a clear solution, Fay suddenly popped out from among the dwarven warriors. She was trailing looks of admiration from them, though I had no idea what she’d done to earn them.
“Junior! I have an idea!”
“You have a way to defeat that giant?”
“Yeah! If the enemy merged, shouldn't we merge to fight back?”
Through her messy bangs, I thought I could see a ghostly glint in Fay’s eyes.
Worried that the divine power of the Evil Gods spreading this far had made her lose her mind, I asked cautiously.
“…Why are you saying such lewd things in front of so many people?”
When I whispered softly so others wouldn't hear, Fay jumped as if I’d said something absurd.
“It’s not what you’re thinking, Junior! The merging isn't with me, it’s with a Golem!”
“A Golem…? Wait, could it be?”
“That’s right. I’m talking about that giant golem you’ve been having me research, the one you invested a whole wagon of gold into!”
“Is that even possible?!”
My voice rose involuntarily. The surrounding dwarves, however, seemed preoccupied with something else.
“Did you hear that? She said she received gold as sponsorship!”
“What? She didn't have her gold stolen by the dragon, she received it…?”
“That must mean he cherishes Lady Fay that much.”
“Lady Fay? You really…”
“Ahem… Since Lady Astrid and Young Master Svid ended up like that, there’s only one heir left for the headship.”
“Be honest. You don't usually care about politics or power.”
“…What I just saw didn't look like alchemy to me.”
So… did Fay earn the respect of the dwarven engineers while she was reinforcing the artillery shells on the fly?
Dwarves are stubborn, but there are always exceptions. One such exception is when they meet a master craftsman superior to themselves, even in a different field.
Though the other dwarves still sent looks of distrust… it seemed those from the engineering corps had acknowledged Fay.
Fay continued, a hint of pride on her face.
“You saw the prototype before, right? If we just scale it up and change it from remote control to a direct pilot system, it won't take long!”
“Hmm….”
We didn't have any other options anyway. It was worth trying Fay’s method. Even if it failed, we’d just be back at square one.
“Alright. What do I need to do?”
“…Help me treat my father.”
“???”
I don't have any medical knowledge, though?
As I stood there bewildered, Fay spoke with an expression that looked like it pained her to even ask.
“With your horn and Miss Helena’s holy power, we can make it work. I can't make the deadline on my own, so I have no choice.”
“Eh.”
I see. So I wasn't a dragon (Yong), I was just a medicinal antler (Nok-yong).
*
“As I said before, the design for the giant golem is already finished. The cultivation of the artificial muscles is also mostly complete. But the problem is the skeleton to support it all and the armor to cover the surface.”
“Didn't you say you were going to use my scales originally?”
“Right. Dragon scales were perfect because they’re light and hard. But the problem is that mass production failed. I can't exactly go around peeling off your skin every day, can I? So, I did succeed in synthesizing an alloy with similar properties, but…”
“Then can't we just build it?”
“The building part is what’s hard. I make everything in an alchemy cauldron using alchemy, but the bones and armor for a giant golem are too massive. I thought about joining several small pieces together, but that would make it hard to meet the deadline, and the overall strength would drop.”
“I see….”
Fay continued as I looked on, dumbfounded.
“Setting aside personal feelings and looking purely at skill, there’s no one who can match my father. At least not here. So, I need you to help me treat him, even if it’s just for a little while.”
“If you say so, Senior Fay, I’m fine with it. But treatment… do you even know what his illness is before asking for my horn?”
It’s not like I’m a unicorn; my horn can't be a panacea.
Fay hesitated for a moment, but under my steady gaze, she finally confessed the truth.
“…No. Actually, what I’m trying to make with your horn isn't so much a cure as it is a combination of a painkiller and a stimulant to temporarily dull the pain. If Miss Helena’s treatment is added to that, he should be able to return to his prime for a few days.”
“So you’re deceiving him after all.”
“It’s not like that. I was planning to explain it properly to him. The problem is whether he’ll even help me….”
Their history and ill will ran deep; it was only yesterday they had agreed to go their separate ways. It was natural to feel uneasy about asking for help just one day later.
It was at that moment, as the shadow on Fay’s face deepened.
Clack.
A metallic sound echoed from a distance. Its strange clarity caught my attention, and I reflexively turned my head.
Lokan Yarnshard.
The aged dwarf, who wasn't satisfied with just a steel cane and was barely moving with Lubvina’s support, was walking toward us with great effort.
The crowd parted to either side with every step he took. His slow pace carried a heavy sense of intimidation.
I had felt him approaching and had been asking Fay various questions… and he arrived right on cue.
His cloudy, blurred eyes looked down at the ring on his finger, then soon turned to gaze at the Two-headed Giant burning with dark crimson divine power in the distance.
Finally, Lokan fixed his gaze on Fay and spoke.
“There is no need to worry.”
“What?”
“If it is a stimulant, then it is a medicine that brings a corresponding backlash once the effect ends. However, it does not matter. Give me the chance to correct my lack of virtue. Allow this foolish old man, who failed to protect his family once again, to finally make the right choice, even if it is late.”
“……”
His words seemed to refer to Astrid and Svid, but also to Fay and her mother, Laura.
Fay’s gaze wavered several times at this… but in the end, she regained her composure.
Her calm, dark eyes sparkled like those of a master craftsman.
“Thank you. Then I will prepare the medicine. In the meantime, Father, please call the others and command them to assist us.”
“…I shall do so.”
Her eyes truly resembled those of the Meister, Lokan.