Chapter 234: Take These Three Strikes (1)
Chapter 234: Take These Three Strikes (1)
She had joined the fray a bit late, but her timing was impeccable.
From the start, she knew exactly how to take down a Hydra. Within the long-standing traditions of the elves, records of the Hydra’s weaknesses had been passed down through generations.
“You have to take off all nine heads and make sure the stumps can’t regenerate. That’s how you kill it.”
“Is that so? April!”
“Yes, sir!”
At Petrick’s command, April lunged forward. She manifested Aura Blades on her twin swords and charged toward a Hydra head that had just finished regenerating.
Twin Dragon Eight Sword Styles.
Third Form.
Flash Dragon Strike.
One head was cleanly severed. Immediately afterward, a fire arrow flew in and struck the stump.
Boom!
—Graaaaaagh!
The Hydra shrieked in agony, thrashing wildly as the searing heat cauterized its neck. But that scream was merely proof that the attack was working.
April leaped through the air repeatedly, steadily lopping off the Hydra’s necks. And each time, a fire arrow followed as if perfectly synchronized with her movements. Their combination steadily pushed the Hydra toward the brink. Finally, after the last head fell...
“It’s done. You should back away now.”
At Elione’s words, Petrick and April retreated a good distance. The headless Hydra thrashed in a frenzy, but without sight or smell, it was nothing more than a death throe.
“...What do we do now?” April asked Elione.
Her breathing was ragged from the exertion, but she acted as though she still had plenty of strength left.
Elione replied, “It’s over. Now, we just leave it be.”
“It still looks pretty lively, though?”
“It won’t be for long. As long as it can’t regenerate its heads, not even a Hydra can survive. Because...”
“Ho, I see.” Petrick let out a small exclamation. He realized the truth as he felt the Hydra’s rampaging energy steadily wither away. “It can’t breathe.”
“Exactly. No living creature can survive without breathing.”
The Hydra was a demonic beast capable of near-infinite regeneration. Its recovery speed was truly horrific. However, if the heads were severed and the stumps burned to prevent that regeneration, the problem became fatal. No matter how great its regenerative powers were, it couldn't live without oxygen. Not if it was a living thing.
“It’s easy once you know the trick.”
“I suppose so.”
Listening to Petrick and April’s conversation, Elione momentarily wore a dazed expression.
Easy?
Severing a Hydra’s neck—though not as tough as its main body—was impossible without a 7-Star Aura Blade. Furthermore, even for one at the 7-Star Realm, diving into the reach of a Hydra that used its nine heads to eliminate all blind spots was no simple feat.
In fact, according to elven legend, it took fifteen Elven Knights fighting with suicidal resolve to defeat a Hydra, and they only succeeded after eight of them had sacrificed their lives.
These two, calling such a feat "easy," were severely lacking in common sense.
And then...
Thump!
Finally, the massive body of the Hydra collapsed onto its side, twitching in its final tremors. Soon, even those tremors ceased.
“Oooooh!”
“We won!”
Cheers erupted. The Schneider territory forces, who had already finished mopping up the other monsters from the stampede, screamed in victory until their throats were raw.
They had overcome a stampede. Not just any stampede, but one led by that horrific monster, the Hydra, as its Alpha. This wasn't just a victory; it was an achievement worthy of being recorded in human history.
Everyone cheered in joy. Everyone, that is, except for one person.
“……”
Petrick Schneider’s face was grimmer than it had ever been.
*
—Impressive.
The voice rang clearly in everyone’s ears. It wasn't particularly loud, yet it reached everyone with strange clarity.
—To suppress the Yamata no Orochi, even if it was an immature specimen... I shall grant you my praise.
Upon hearing that voice, everyone was enveloped in an inexplicable sense of dread. And then...
—In return, I shall grant you the most expensive of deaths. Consider it an honor to fall to the claws of me, Galloping Death.
The moment those words ended, it revealed itself.
Despite its massive frame, its gait was impossibly light. Even though it had approached at high speed, the people only felt a slight tremor in the air. Yet, in the blink of an eye, it was already standing before them.
“Ah...” someone gasped.
White fur that reflected the light, marked with vivid black stripes. Golden eyes that shone as brightly as the sun. Despite it being a massive demonic beast over ten meters long, those who looked upon it gasped in unconscious admiration. Just by existing, the beast radiated a majesty that instilled awe in all who saw it.
“That is... Galloping Death.”
The Sages knew its true identity. An absolute existence that even the superpower of the past, the Roman Empire, could not overcome. That being had now manifested as a reality before their eyes.
They felt a mix of academic curiosity and the awe of facing a legendary being.
Yes... at least until that being lightly lifted its front paw.
—It is the end.
“Noooo!”
With Petrick’s piercing scream, the beast brought its paw down. A terrifying gale of blades swept toward the Schneider territory. The wide-range attack looked ready to wipe out every orc and human standing outside the castle walls.
Rumble, crash!
Terrifying destruction slammed into the Schneider forces. It was a destructive blow that seemed capable of wiping out the army and the territory behind them in a single stroke.
If...
“Guh...”
“Cough...”
If it weren't for them, the Schneider territory truly would have been finished.
“Sixth Sage!”
“Seventh Sage!”
The mages rushed over and shouted. The two Sages, who had saved their allies with defensive magic they had prepared in advance, spoke while blood trickled from their mouths.
“Wh-what a monster...”
“To tear through a Lunatic Shield in a single blow...”
The Sages had been casting defensive magic from the moment Galloping Death appeared. However, even though it was a barrier created by three Sages working together, the mana of two of them had backflowed from just a casual attack by that being.
The Fifth Sage, who had deployed the innermost barrier and was in better physical condition, was also deathly pale.
What kind of monster is this?
He had secretly thought that even if it was an Apostle of Kalaron, they had a chance. The Tower of Truth, the elves of Evergreen, thousands of Orc warriors, and the elite knights trained by the Double Dragon themselves... The force Petrick had gathered to pioneer the Great Forest was no joke.
That was why the Sages had judged this pioneering project to be highly feasible. But that judgment had been a miscalculation. The moment they faced Galloping Death, they realized it instantly.
This was not an existence that humans could do anything about.
—I shall praise you for blocking it once. However, with this—
“Die!”
The moment Galloping Death prepared to attack again, something blurred forward at terrifying speed and swung a sword. Galloping Death vanished just before the attack could touch its body.
—A reckless human.
A flicker of interest appeared in Galloping Death’s eyes. It had certainly dodged. Yet, as if he had accurately tracked its movement, the human was already launching a second attack.
Twin Dragon Eight Sword Styles.
Second Style.
Great Dragon Cross Sword.
Seeing the massive cross-shaped shockwave flying toward it, Galloping Death...
“Roar!”
It released its energy from its entire body with a thunderous roar. Petrick’s massive shockwave couldn't withstand the pressure and shattered instantly. An attack that could cleanly quarter a King Ogre had been dispersed by a mere release of energy.
But that wasn't the end. From the center of the shattering cross-shaped shockwave, a streak of light flashed.
Twin Dragon Eight Sword Styles.
Third Form.
Polar Flash Dragon Strike.
Got you.
Petrick was certain the attack would land. It was a high-speed strike launched to catch the enemy off guard immediately after obscuring their vision with the Great Dragon Cross Sword. It was no exaggeration to say it was the most perfect strike of Petrick Schneider’s life.
And Petrick, having turned into a bolt of light, flew forward...
Whoosh!
He passed right through empty air. And in the next moment...
—Truly impressive.
Goosebumps erupted all over Petrick’s body. He twisted his body with all his might into a defensive posture, and what he saw was Galloping Death, still looking down at him with a noble, composed stance.
—I have never seen a swordsman as fast as you in this world. I shall praise you.
The being evaluated Petrick arrogantly. Normally, Petrick would have flown into a rage, asking who the hell it thought it was to judge him, but...
“……”
In this moment, he couldn't say a word. It had perfectly dodged his Polar Flash Dragon Strike. And that was an attack launched while the enemy was caught off guard.
He had expected this wouldn't be an easy fight. He had expected it, but...
This might be the greatest crisis of my life.
“Phew...”
Petrick took a long, steadying breath, loosening his body which was beginning to stiffen. In a crisis, tension is never helpful. The important thing was to maintain composure and cold-bloodedness.
Seeing Petrick like that, Galloping Death spoke.
—You are a fine martial artist. I have never seen one like you in this world.
Petrick flinched at those words. Currently, Petrick was the only one who could correctly interpret that statement. Even the Sages of the Tower of Truth, who boasted the greatest intellect on the continent, wouldn't be able to grasp the full meaning behind those words.
Perhaps...
Petrick decided to take a gamble.
“Apostle, I have one thing to ask.”
—……!
In an instant, uncontrollable shock exploded in Galloping Death’s eyes. It was only natural, for the words Petrick had just spoken...
“Can you understand me? Galloping Death... no, the White Tiger of the Four Symbols.”
...were in the language of the Central Plains.
—You... you are...
The White Tiger could not hide its agitation. After staring at Petrick for a long time...
—Ah... finally... finally...
Tears began to fall from the eyes of that massive, majestic being. Seeing the thick tears streaming down from those golden eyes, Petrick thought his gamble might actually succeed. And then...
“Let’s move elsewhere for a moment.”
—Very well.
By mutual agreement, the two decided to change locations. As Petrick and the White Tiger blurred away, April’s voice could be heard shouting from behind.
“Young Master! Where are you going?!”
But Petrick ignored her voice and simply ran. After running far away from the territory, Petrick and the White Tiger—or rather, the being that should be called the White Tiger—faced each other.
“White Tiger. What I want to ask is—”
—When is the time of liberation?
“...What are you talking about?”
—When is the time of liberation? Have you not come to liberate us? Are you not the Prophesied Human?
Hearing the urgency in the White Tiger’s voice, Petrick bit his lower lip and said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
—What? That cannot be. Did you not come across the wall of the world to liberate us?
“...First, I should tell you my story.”
Petrick explained who he was and the details of his past and present lives as thoroughly as possible. And the more the White Tiger listened to Petrick’s explanation, the more its disappointment became blatant.
—How can this be... How is it still... Kalaron! Do you still intend to keep us bound? Still?!
The White Tiger’s thunderous lament made even the great Petrick’s hair stand on end.
This guy is seriously strong.
He had encountered information about the Black Tortoise at the Tower of Truth, but the Black Tortoise he felt in his memories then wasn't this overwhelming. Then again, memories were just memories. The real power experienced firsthand was on a different dimension.
He’s not someone I can beat by fighting. I have to coax him.
The one saving grace was that this guy was someone he could talk to.
“There are a few things I’d like to ask.”
—...Speak.
“Why are you beings, who are worshipped as the Four Symbols of the Central Plains, here?”
—That is, urgh...
Zap, crackle!
In that moment, black lightning coiled around the White Tiger’s body and struck its head. The White Tiger grimaced, clearly in significant pain. Petrick hadn't known a tiger’s face could express such blatant agony.
After suffering for a long while, the White Tiger finally spoke in resignation.
—I understand. I will not reveal it. So stop.
Only when the White Tiger pleaded desperately did the black lightning vanish. The White Tiger let out a sigh and said, “I want to tell you, but I cannot. Just know that there are circumstances.”
“Then can you at least answer what you can tell me?”
—Fine.
Since the White Tiger was being cooperative, Petrick made up his mind to extract as much information as possible.
“What does the 'time of liberation' you mentioned mean?”
—I cannot say.
“What is the 'Prophesied Human' you called me?”
—I cannot say.
Look at this guy...
Petrick felt a surge of annoyance but calmed himself. In this situation, it seemed better to stop asking blindly and instead deduce answers from what had already been said.
“Wishing for the time of liberation means you are currently in a state of restraint, right?”
—That is correct.
“Is the one restraining you Kalaron, the God of Destruction?”
—Yes. The Four Symbols, including myself, have now become his Apostles.
As expected. He had already been certain of it, but it seemed all of Kalaron’s Apostles were the Four Symbols from the myths of the Central Plains.
“Then, is the Prophesied Human the one who will liberate you from being Kalaron’s Apostles?”
—...It is so, and yet it is not.
“What does that mean?”
—Result-wise, yes. However, the Prophesied Human is not such a simple existence. It is—
Crackle.
As the black lightning began to spark again, the White Tiger hurriedly changed its words.
—I cannot say.
“Dammit, are you the same type as the World Tree?”
This habit of consistently making excuses about why they couldn't explain things had recently been registered as the seventy-sixth thing Petrick hated most.
When Petrick grumbled, the White Tiger was greatly surprised.
—You met the World Tree? You met that primordial tree?
“I did. And I even received a seed.”
—You received a seed? Is that true?
“It’s inside me.”
At that, the golden radiance in the White Tiger’s eyes intensified. Looking at Petrick with eyes like burning suns, the White Tiger spoke with faint admiration.
—It is true. You truly are... Then that means the World Tree was certain you are the Prophesied Human. On what grounds did that cautious woman decide?
The White Tiger shook its head. After a moment of deep contemplation, it asked, “What did the World Tree say to you?”
Petrick momentarily wondered if he should say it, but looking into the White Tiger’s eyes that were boring into him, he felt like lies wouldn't work.
“She told me to defeat Kalaron’s Apostles.”
—And?
Surprisingly, the White Tiger didn't get angry. Petrick let out a sigh and continued.
“The World Tree hides a lot too, so I don't know everything. She just said it was my destiny to defeat you all.”
—……
“She said I’d find out what I’m curious about once I’ve defeated everyone. Oh, and...” Petrick frowned as he continued. “She said something about 'when the time of choice comes, blah blah blah.' To be precise, she stopped mid-sentence.”
—I see. It seems she is certain.
“Of what?”
—How can that be? Is there something we do not know?
“No, I’m asking, of what?”
—I do not understand. Does simply crossing the wall serve as proof? No, that shouldn't be the case. Then why are we...
“……”
Is this oversized cat seriously ignoring the Lord of All Creation?
If he were even a little weaker than me, I’d...
No, should I just go for it?
Since when did I wait to see how things would go before attacking?
Should I try observing the law of 'First Strike Wins'?
Petrick began to move stealthily. And then...
—I understand the general situation. I do not comprehend it, but even if there is a one-in-a-million chance that you... What are you doing?
“Ah... well, you see...”
Petrick looked awkwardly at the sword he had drawn and said, “This spot looked itchy.”
And he used the sword to scratch the White Tiger’s front paw.
“Hahaha. Feels good, right? Doesn't it?”
—……
The White Tiger looked up at the sky with a piteous expression and muttered to itself.
—Is it really this human? Truly?
“……”
Man, you’re making me feel really awkward.