Night of Despair
Black smoke erupted from Irmela’s body, unleashing countless threads and tentacles that swallowed the colosseum in an instant.
“What the hell is that?!”
“Kyaaaaah!!!”
“Why is Medea doing this?!”
The dark-purple mass rained down like a storm, piercing and binding not only the audience but also the performers watching from backstage. My position was no exception.
Shwaaak— Chwararak!!
“Everyone, get down! Lumia!!”
I shouted desperately as the tentacles surged toward us in slowed time, but Lumia only stared with wide, blank eyes. Most of the nearby spectators simply stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening.
Shouting warnings was useless. I couldn’t shield everyone like Yeriel could. I grabbed Lumia by the scruff of her neck and twisted away into a blind spot.
Thud!!
The tentacle that missed us smashed into the stone seats, sending shards flying. Other tentacles seized people, crushing them or burrowing into their bodies with threads.
“Kuhk.”
“Daddy!!! Open your eyes, please! Please!!”
‘Damn it. If I’d noticed sooner, if I’d thought instead of just yelling…’
I nearly spiraled into self-blame, but I clenched my teeth and cleared my mind. This was the time for action, not regret.
Fortunately, not everyone was helpless.
“Protect us from evil, we beseech Thee!”
Holy Protect
“Freeze the enemy in place! Breath of Frost!”
Crack!!
This was the 5th district of Labyrinth City. Adventurers and capable individuals were as numerous as ordinary citizens. While many were struck, others managed to block or dodge with barriers of light, elemental magic, and various activated traits.
“Everyone, get down here! We need to group up or we’ll all die!!!”
A burly barbarian-like man near the front of the stage bellowed as he descended, urging everyone to gather.
“Sorry, but that won’t do.”
Irmela casts 'Tehelum's Leg'
The repulsive, writhing tentacles modeled after the evil god’s limbs struck again. Even a single volley had caused catastrophic damage, and the same nightmare was repeating.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but we can’t let the one who ruined our circus run free any longer!”
The circus director, a mage, appeared on stage and unleashed magic at Irmela. Wind bullets fired without incantation tore through the tentacles emerging from her back.
“Director!”
At the same time, performers who had survived the attack leapt onto the stage one by one.
“Where did you take the real Medea?! Tell me you didn’t kill her!”
The twins charged forward, their bodies blazing with brown mana. Their clenched fists and bulging veins showed how much they cherished Medea—and how furious they were.
Irmela took a blow that could shatter a boulder yet remained unfazed. Following the barbarian’s advice, Lumia and I quickly descended toward the front of the stage while I assessed the situation.
‘She isn’t enduring with physical stats. That barrier powered by A+ mana is the problem. We need to regroup and find a way.’
“We gathered like you said! Now what?!”
“My daughter! Her arm’s been pierced by those threads! Is there a priest here?! I’ll pay anything for potions or healing!!”
Hundreds of voices overlapped in chaotic panic, making things worse than before. Then a man in white armor—clearly a holy knight—stepped forward.
“Everyone, quiet! While the circus troupe holds that monster at bay, we must combine our strength and join the fight!”
He pointed at me.
“You. You shouted about the vessel and the evil god’s servant earlier. I won’t ask how you knew. Do you have any more information on that vile creature?”
“That’s right! I remember—he stood up and yelled right before Medea attacked us!”
There was no time to weigh every word. I claimed an observation-type trait and revealed everything: Irmela’s true name, her unredacted stats—especially her A+ mana—and every trait name that had appeared.
‘The barrier must be blocking detailed trait information. At least I learned Chaos Eye isn’t omnipotent… but why now of all times?!’
“A+ mana? Don’t joke around!!”
“I’d rather not have heard that. Someone with that level of mana is basically a Magic Tower elder or guild master! …Someone like me would die in seconds. How are we supposed to beat that?!”
“Wait—she’s an Arar, isn’t she?! Damn it! It’s all her fault! She’s bringing misfortune and killing everyone in here!!”
Lumia trembled. Even she, who rarely showed emotion, couldn’t hold back the tears welling in her eyes.
“It’s… really my fault again…? Because I wanted to see the circus…? Sob…”
These ungrateful bastards. I gave them information to help us survive, and they turn on Lumia instead?
‘Fine. I’ll grant your wish and kill you.’
Thud!!!
“Kuhk.”
I ignored the shouts of “That crazy bastard killed someone!” and slit the throats and vital points of the instigator and those who had joined in glaring at her.
The barbarian stomped the ground and clapped his fists together, silencing everyone.
“Shut the hell up, all of you! You too, swordsman!”
“You asked for information and he gave it honestly—now you’re spouting loser talk?! Who cares if she’s an Arar?! The monster spewing evil god nonsense is the one you should hate, not your own side!”
He pointed at the wounded still clinging to life and their desperate families.
“Shut your mouths, you worthless scum!!! Instead of blaming innocents, priests—start healing the living! Anyone with potions, stop hoarding them and hand them over now!!”
“You idiots. Even a dumb barbarian like me knows what to do. Are you really that panicked, or are you just looking for a scapegoat?!”
Under his murderous glare, the crowd fell silent. Priests began casting heals while adventurers distributed potions.
I grabbed Lumia’s face and forced her to meet my eyes.
“Lumia, look at me. Even if everyone else doubts and blames you, I’ll always be by your side. I’ll cut down anyone who tries to hurt you without hesitation.”
I wiped the tears from her cheeks with my thumb.
“If it really is your fault, I’ll stand in front of you and take all the blame myself!”
“So don’t let lies like that wound you. You didn’t survive this long just to be hated by worthless insects. If it hurts, hide behind me instead of crying. Got it?”
“…Okay. I won’t cry. I’m sorry.”
I gently took her hand.
“No. Don’t apologize.”
“…Thank you.”
I smiled and patted her head.
“I’ll go hand out some potions. Stay here.”
“Mm. Don’t worry about me. If anyone picks a fight again, I won’t just stand there shaking.”
I nodded at her determined gaze and headed toward the wounded.