Power Leveling (3)
“Krimson.”
Wispent extended her long index finger, pointing straight at Krimson.
“You mean me?”
Krimson’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he’d never expected to be called out.
“Yes. There’s something I’d like to ask Krimson.”
“Ask away, anything at all.”
Krimson spread his arms wide with a beaming smile.
He seemed genuinely thrilled to have been chosen by Wispent.
“By any chance, that you showed us last time... Could you use it one more time?”
“Ah!”
Hearing Wispent’s words, I realized what she was thinking of.
“You want to wipe out the legion commanders with the Dimensional Snare?”
“Yes, Master. Exactly.”
p>Wispent nodded with a faint smile at my words.
“Yeah, with that kind of power, it might just sweep them all away in one go.”
The shocking sight of space folding and crumpling.
That authority, reminiscent of a black hole, might make it possible to obliterate them all at once.
But...
To do that, we’d have to stand right in front of them.
The technique’s range was extremely short.
What about using a dimensional gate first, then unleashing the from beyond space?
I’d already asked Krimson about that.
Activating Dimensional Gate and then triggering Dimensional Snare beyond it is somewhat difficult.
Crossing dimensions prevents the authority from manifesting properly.
“So, I was thinking... like in the last battle, we could use the dimensional gate to lure some of them over here first, then deploy it.”
“Ho.”
Indeed.
If it worked, it’d be a solid plan.
No, more than solid—it could be the key to breaking this deadlock.
“You can close the gate right away once some of them cross over, right?”
“Hmm. If there are no variables, yes... but that white lightning interfered with closing it last time, and there’s no guarantee others won’t.”
Krimson stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“If someone acts as bait to prevent them all from crossing and disrupts them... maybe.”
『Keron. I will take that role.』
Archeron, who’d been listening silently, suddenly stepped forward.
“No. Too dangerous.”
I immediately voiced my opposition.
If Archeron got captured even by mistake, he’d be torn apart on the spot.
Not a single legion commander there was below Archeron’s level.
Hell, even among the division commanders, plenty outleveled him.
『Keron. My combat power may be lacking, but I can confidently say my speed rivals Azkai’s. With Combat Stance Lv 6 now unlocked, I’m even more certain I won’t be caught.』
Archeron’s eyes burned with firm resolve as he spoke.
“Hoo.”
He was this insistent, so I hesitated a bit.
But no matter how I thought about it, it was too risky.
“Let’s think it over first.”
The direction was set.
Open the gate, lure in some legion commanders, then hit them with the Dimensional Snare.
That was the framework.
We just needed to decide if Archeron would be the bait.
After a moment’s thought, I opened my mouth.
“Archeron.”
『Yes, Master.』
“For you...”
As I continued, a gleam shone in Archeron’s eyes.
***
Eastern region, Rainbow Forest.
Tiny fairies scurried about, carrying from the seal array at its heart.
“Hurry up, faster.”
“Li-li...!”
The man seated on the jade throne.
Vermith.
His words made the Lili tribe tremble as they moved.
Then!
Thud, splat.
One of the Lili carrying collapsed on the spot.
“Ariel!”
“Oh... what do we do.”
“Li-li!”
The other Lili’s faces turned pale as they stared at the fallen Ariel.
As if they could already picture the horror to come, some squeezed their eyes shut.
“Ah, ah...”
Ariel herself was the same.
Her blue lips quivered.
Terror filled her green pupils.
Vermith had never spared a Lili who erred before him.
He’d chew them alive or tear them to shreds right there.
“S-sorry...”
Ariel stammered, shaking.
It was a pitiful sight that might stir pity in anyone with a shred of mercy.
However,
“I told you never to show such clumsiness before me.”
Only barren fury swirled in Vermith’s eyes.
He was cold-blooded.
“Aah...”
Ariel paled completely.
The Lili squeezed their eyes shut.
Everyone held their breath, bracing for the gruesome punishment.
Thud!
Suddenly, someone stepped forward, blocking Vermith’s path.
『Vermith. Long time no see.』
“You...!”
Vermith flinched and halted.
Before him stood a small human silhouette, like a dwarf.
The figure rippled like shadow, with eyes gleaming red and gold.
“Entity. Why are you here?”
Evil Entity.
That was the name of the shadowy, wavering being.
Faint fear flickered in Vermith’s eyes, where cold rage had swirled moments ago.
『Did I come somewhere I shouldn’t?』
“......”
Vermith was speechless.
By custom and courtesy among kings, they didn’t trespass each other’s domains.
Even if this was just an avatar, not the true body, it was a clear breach of etiquette for Vermith.
But.
The Evil Entity transcended all that.
Vermith could only stay mute like a dumbstruck fool.
『Don’t you know why I’d expend power to come here?』
As Vermith stood silent, the Entity spoke lowly again.
『Your meddling has accelerated Yongtaerim’s unrest.』
“......!”
『Your influence even woke Luminarc recently.』
“That’s...”
Vermith tried to protest, but the Entity cut in colder.
『Are you even planning to rouse the one in the center now?』
“......”
『Whether it’s your fault or not, the Heavenly Whale has begun moving in earnest.』
“The Heavenly Whale... has emerged?”
『Yes. If you don’t want to ruin the grand plan with your selfishness, stay put here from now on.』
“......Understood.”
『And recall your army. No more incidents.』
Fwoosh!
With that, the Entity vanished.
“Krrrk.”
Vermith ground his teeth in rage.
Nothing went his way.
“You lot. Get out of my sight now.”
Vermith glared and bellowed at the Lili.
“Eek...”
The Lili fled the barrier at top speed.
Ariel, supported by another, escaped too.
Having narrowly saved her life, she glanced back as she exited.
Rooooarrr!!
She shuddered at the outpouring malice and murderous intent.
A demonic aura flooded forth.
***
“I can’t assign you that role.”
『Keron...』
Archeron’s eyes flickered at my words.
“We share the risks together. No one bears it alone.”
“I’m fine with that.”
“Me too, I agree.”
“Same here.”
『I fully support Master’s will!』
The guardians chimed in unison.
They preferred pooling strength over Archeron risking it solo.
『Keron. I shall obey Master’s will.』
Archeron bowed, eyes sparkling.
His tone sounded perkier than usual, somehow.
Moved or something?
I chuckled and snapped my fingers.
『Terrascope.』
Magic manifested via Dragon Words.
A map-drawing spell.
Centered on our position, it depicted the terrain I’d seen and traversed.
“From here to here.”
I traced the path from us to them with my finger.
“Repeat: open gate, strike, close.”
My strategy was simple.
Our near-miss earlier came from greed after the first ambush success—we tried for seconds.
So.
Strike fast, close gate immediately, repeat.
We’d level up plenty, and rile them up too.
“Then, when they lose reason and charge, let half through before closing the gate.”
That’d wipe out half the legion commanders as planned.
Ideally all at once, but doubtful we could handle their full might, and Krimson said his authority couldn’t yet cover everyone.
“With luck, one might rush over early, unable to wait.”
One we could handle quick and bail.
That’d be jackpot.
“Let’s go with the plan.”
We moved out right away.
“First ambush starts here.”
A high ridgeline on the path to the lair.
Over ten kilometers from them now.
Still no slacking.
Those vanguard and scouts were fast—minutes to cover it.
“Dimensional gate ready.”
Krimson finished his gesture in the air.
“Same as before.”
“Got it.”
This time, sharper than last.
Before the gate even opened, Lulumiel cast .
Kirrit-.
Wispent drew her Spirit Bow.
『Rage, thunder.』
Pajit, pajijijijit.
Purple lightning sparked on my hand preemptively.
Prep complete.
“Commence!”
Light leaked from Krimson’s .
“Room Darkanadamas.”
Creeeak, creeeeak!!
Space tore open.
Creeeeeeong!!!
An ancient rune-bordered frame appeared, completing the gate.
Kiiiiik!
As it opened,
“Kiriririt-”
“Kiriririkrik!”
“Karararot!”
Giant insects screeched toward it.
I unleashed the purple lightning in my hand without delay.
“Thunder Tempest———!”
Kwarrrrrrung!!!
The area flashed purple as Thunder Tempest engulfed the giants.
“Kiriririt!”
“Karararara-!!”
“Krrruk!”
Their cries rang out, and simultaneously—
Tung-!
“Rain of Souls.”
Kiaaaaaaaa!!!
Wispent released her arrow.
One, two, four, eight, sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four, 128, 256, 512, 1024.
Souls split exponentially, just like before.
“Kak!”
“Krrruk...!”
“Kirik!”
The giants screamed horrifically, collapsing one by one.
Identical to last time.
But the speed? Undeniably faster now.
Blink-of-an-eye combo.
“How dare you...!”
“Again...!”
Legion commanders bellowed from afar.
By the time they sensed and turned—
The gate was already closing.
“Block—...!”
“Kraaaaa...!”
Furious roars echoed.
Unlike before, giants flew in to jam the closing.
But.
『Annihilation Beam locked.』
Kwaaaaaaaa!!!
Archeron’s cannon fired, sweeping them away.
Creeeong!!
Gate sealed.
Perfect combo.
“Ahh.”
Wispent sighed as souls returned to her bow.
“Kuh.”
I shuddered under surging growth.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Three levels at once.
Last time five, now only three.
Why?
Daily growth cap hit already.
Max ten today reached.
My level now 120.
Insane pace.
Lulumiel’s level has increased.
Wispent’s level has increased.
Archeron’s level has increased.
All three who fought leveled up too.
“Jealous.”
Azkai smacked his lips muttering.
“Master. Even with Azkai or Krimson joining, soul capture should be fine.”
Hearing Azkai? Wispent suggested.
Originally, only her for max capture rate.
Now, seemed no issue even with more.
“Good. Next, full team combo.”
“Krr! Fine by me!”
“Heh, been itching watching. Perfect.”
We prepped another combo.
At dawn next day, ambushes began.
Creeeong!
Gate open.
“Thunder Tempest-!”
“Lava Command: Barrier-!”
“Rain of Souls.”
『Annihilation Beam.』
“Blood Thornfield!”
Kwagagagaga!!
Blast, then bail.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Your level has increased.
Lulumiel’s level has increased.
Wispent’s level has increased.
Archeron’s level has increased.
Azkai’s level has increased.
Krimson’s level has increased.
A mad leveling party!
Ours was just ramping up.
“Kraaaak!”
“You bastards, I’ll...!”
“Krrrk!”
Legion commanders’ frustrated roars each ambush.
We repeated for a week.
By then.
Creeeong!
Gate opens.
“Ka, karrruk!”
“Kirrrrrr-”
“Kararara...!”
Giant insects panicked, fleeing in fear.
We’d exploded in levels over the week.
Theirs? Morale in the gutter.
And that.
Brought the hoped-for luck.
“You bastards——! I’ll kill you all.——!”
Bam!!!
Just before gate closed.
A being crossed over.
The Emperor King Vanguard, Zephyrus.
A legion commander.
During our week of hits, they’d scattered among troops, not massed upfront.
Still couldn’t stop the gate, but this speedy one dove straight in.
“Didn’t think one’d actually bite.”
“Insects gonna insect. Heh.”
『Unexpected luck!』
“Idiot.”
As our eyes turned to Zephyrus,
He finally clocked it, blinked, and backed away.
“Cowardly...!”
“Grab him!”
At my shout, guardians lunged.
Zephyrus’s face drained to black despair.