Chapter 335: Evil God Subjugation (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 335: Evil God Subjugation (2)
As the Evil God Nephid beat her wings, blackish-crimson flames rained down like a deluge of meteors, obliterating everything in their path like a relentless midwinter blizzard.
Chararararak!!
The intense cold wielded by Isaac, the 6-star ice magic [Frost Wave], swiftly repelled Nephid’s fiery rain.
As seen during the Trial of Frost, the Evil God could distort space-time and wield world-ending magic with a single movement. No openings could be allowed.
Isaac leaped toward the Evil God. In that instant, ice mana surged around them, carving out a new reality.
Srrrrrrrr!!!
A mysterious barrier of pale blue light expanded outward, attempting to ensnare both the Evil God and the disc of crimson light. However, the blackish-crimson flames unleashed by the Evil God thwarted the barrier’s expansion, preventing it from enclosing the disc.
Ultimately, the barrier only trapped Isaac and the Evil God, rising into the sky as its radius gradually widened.
It was Isaac’s domain: [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace].
Fwoosh!!
Half of the [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace] was instantly engulfed in crimson flames.
The space itself wasn’t merely burning; it was clear the Evil God had unfolded her own domain to counter Isaac’s.
An astronomical amount of mana competed for dominance. Frost and heat clashed relentlessly, unleashing fierce storms and whipping the sea into turbulent waves. The two supreme beings began their battle by slamming their domains against one another.
“First round! The Ice Sovereign has successfully trapped the Evil God!”
The Evil God, the greatest variable in Isaac’s plan, had finally been dragged into a dedicated dueling ground.
“It’s our turn.”
The Imperial Guard, Jacule Calix, infused his sword with mana.
“It’s coming.”
A thunderous roar, Kuuuuuuu, echoed from the disc suspended in the sky.
Suddenly, from the heavens undulating with chilling, blood-red mana, something began to manifest. It was a crimson eye so massive it filled the sky.
When that overwhelmingly majestic eye came into view, the Subjugation Force collectively gasped.
“Angra Mainyu has appeared…!”
Angra Mainyu, the minion of the Evil God. It was one of the most dangerous entities Isaac had mentioned during the strategy meeting.
Its sheer size was beyond estimation; it was impossible to fathom just how far away it truly was. The faces of the Subjugation Force were painted with shock. How could something like that ever be defeated?
In quick succession, blackish-crimson flames cascaded like a waterfall from the Evil God’s disc. The flames coalesced into the shape of a massive dragon. Mana beyond imagination saturated the air, so intense it felt as if it were crushing the very skin of the soldiers.
“The Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka has appeared!”
With each powerful beat of the black fire dragon’s wings, blackish-crimson flames poured down like a torrential rainstorm, setting the academy buildings ablaze one after another.
Isaac had warned them beforehand: any part of the body touched by those flames had to be severed immediately. If they didn’t, the flames would eventually consume them entirely.
[Kihahahaha!!]
Next, figures composed entirely of blackish-crimson flames began to burst forth from the disc. Their chilling laughter echoed far and wide, spreading in all directions.
“What a crazy sight.”
Michelle, the girl in the red cape, lightly tapped her shoulder with the hand axes clenched in both hands, letting out a hollow laugh.
There was no retreat. If they couldn’t stop these fire demons, it would all be over.
“Let’s go,” the Wind Sovereign, Erin Campbell, spoke calmly.
Now was the time.
The vanguards of the Evil God Subjugation Force shouted at the top of their lungs, “Everyone!! FIRE AT WILL!!!”
Kwaaahhh!!!
Kwagagagagang!!!
The wizard legion, aligned in perfect formation in midair, unleashed a synchronized barrage of high-level spells toward the army of black flames pouring from the disc. Among their targets was the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka.
Dozens of mana cannons—masterpieces of the Magic Towers—fired simultaneously, while the Elemental Kings unleashed their formidable elemental magic. Legendary magic beasts like the Thunderbird Galia and the Nine-Tailed Fox Mae poured out their own powerful elemental attacks.
“Ian!!”
At the shout of the Imperial Knight, Ian Fairytale raised his Luminous Sword skyward. The Divine Power imbued in the blade emitted an intense light.
“Haaahp!!”
Ian let out a fierce battle cry as he brandished the Luminous Sword. The surging Divine Power transformed into a radiant bird that soared toward the disc.
It was the 5-star light spell, [Apostle of Light].
With a resounding chaeng, an iridescent light source erupted. A flood of radiance, accompanied by countless elemental spells, engulfed the disc.
Kwaaaaaaang!!!!
A fierce explosion followed. A deafening roar and massive shockwaves swept across the island and sea, threatening to rupture eardrums.
Fwoooosh!!!
[Kaaaah!!]
Defying the onslaught, the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka soared into the sky, letting out an eerie cry that scraped against the ears of everyone below. The dragon radiated powerful flames from its entire body.
The Elemental Kings simultaneously deployed defensive spells to protect the Subjugation Force, but they barely managed to withstand the shockwaves. Their defensive spells shattered, and they were forced to the ground, narrowly avoiding the subsequent superheated firestorm.
However, the attack wasn't without results. The rain of fire that poured down with each flap of the dragon’s wings had significantly weakened.
— If Azhi Dahāka can no longer rain fire, that’s proof it has been damaged.
This was something Isaac had emphasized during the strategy meeting. The joint attack had undoubtedly inflicted a decisive blow.
[Kihahahaha!]
Although a considerable number of the black flames were eliminated, the few that survived managed to reach the ground. The disc continued to release the fire demons incessantly, as if a faucet had been left running.
As the thunderous noise subsided, the laughter of the black flames once again sent chills through the Subjugation Force. The Elemental Kings ascended into the air once more, shrouded in elemental mana.
The Fire Sovereign, Andersen Versando, shouted, “Do not stop attacking!!”
As the Subjugation Force unleashed a series of large-scale attacks, the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka began gathering a mass of blackish-crimson flames in its maw. At the same time, Angra Mainyu’s crimson eyes suddenly turned pitch black.
A catastrophic attack was coming.
Fwoooosh!!!!
From Angra Mainyu’s eyes, massive streams of flame shot out like meteors, crossing the vast distance at supersonic speeds. It was a terrifying storm of flames, clearly visible even from the ground.
The flames of destruction, poised to engulf the entire area, filled the Subjugation Force’s field of vision. Facing the onslaught of heat, Archwizard Charlotte shouted, “Deploy Aegis!!”
A thick barrier, built with enormous resources from around the world, enveloped the island and the land bridge. It was a sacred barrier of blue light infused with Ian’s Divine Power—a masterpiece brought to life by the exalted Magic Towers. It was the strongest barrier in the world, unparalleled in its sturdiness.
During the strategy meeting, it had been named Aegis.
— When Angra Mainyu’s eyes turn black, that’s the signal for an attack. From then on, flames will pour out to engulf the island and sea. The Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka will likely do the same. Activate Aegis at that moment.
That was Isaac’s directive. In ❰Magic Knight of Märchen❱, it was a one-hit kill pattern, but Ian could block it by deploying the barrier of light.
…However, that was only true if Ian was as strong as he was in the game. For everyone to survive, there was no other option.
Finally, Angra Mainyu’s flames reached the island, and the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka unleashed its mass of annihilating fire.
Fwoooosh!!!!
Kwaaaang!!!!
A massive scale of flames, spreading beyond the island to the surrounding sea, poured down like a waterfall. The flames slowly gnawed at the barrier. Cracks appeared, but fortunately, Aegis held until the flames subsided.
However, the firestorm evaporated the surrounding sea with ease.
“This can’t be…”
The Subjugation Force was horrified. In an instant, the outskirts of the island had turned into barren cliffs, and the surrounding sea had become a desolate void. The sea rushed back in with terrifying force to fill the vacuum, and the ensuing tsunami was blocked by the Aegis barrier.
The remnants of the black flames that had survived and entered the barrier were slaughtered by the Elemental Kings, while the unceasing stream of fire demons continued to be repelled by the shield.
Kwagak!!
However, the falling black flames concentrated their attacks on a weakened point of Aegis, eventually managing to create a breach.
Angra Mainyu’s eyes turned crimson once again. According to Isaac’s information, the next attack was expected within a specific time interval.
[Deactivate Aegis!]
The battered Aegis began to dissipate. Wizards bustled around the large-scale facilities equipped on the outskirts.
“Hurry and reverse-calculate it! Convert it into mana and use it to reinforce the second Aegis! We’re out of time! Quickly!”
Elena Woodline, the headmistress of Märchen Academy, projected her voice to all the wizards through countless messengers.
A total of three Aegis barriers had been prepared. The damaged Aegis was repurposed as reinforcement material for the next—an ultimate defense brought to life through astronomical funding and the expertise of high-ranking wizards.
Even so, the process required time. It had to be completed before Angra Mainyu unleashed its next flames of annihilation. Meanwhile, the crimson disc of light ceaselessly poured out black flame entities.
— As long as the Evil God exists, the black flames will keep emerging. Their numbers will decrease as the Evil God tires. Focus on eliminating as many as possible when they pour out. This will lessen the burden on the ground.
The Subjugation Force recalled Isaac’s instructions.
Charrarang!!
Suddenly, a colorful magic circle unfolded in midair. A radiant explosion of starlight engulfed the black flames, serenely shattering them as if singing a song of destruction.
Dorothy Heartnova. Beneath her witch’s hat, pulled low over her face, her shadowed eyes glimmered with fierce resolve. She flew through the air, mercilessly casting her starlight magic.
Kwaggagagagang!!
Dozens of massive lightning strikes extended like chains, rushing toward the black flames. Luce Eltania, aboard the Thunderbird, stretched out her left arm. The mana stone from the Ring of the Abyssal Queen on her finger radiated a dazzling light.
The black flames unleashed blackish-crimson fire magic indiscriminately, forcing Luce and Dorothy to retreat. Taking advantage of the gap, the giant killer whale magic beast, White Thunder Whale - Bello, rose into the air and fired a lightning-charged water cannon.
The wave of lightning swept through the black flames. Seizing the opportunity, reddish-purple flames targeted the demons.
Fwoooosh!!
The power of nightmare. The flames were unleashed by the Nightmare Dragon Jabberwock.
On the black dragon sat Alice Carroll, her light gold hair catching the light, partially clad in mana armor and wielding the Vorpal Sword. The Paladins of the Heart Kingdom and Trump soldiers on winged horses followed Alice and the Nightmare Dragon.
[Meow!!]
The Phantom Cat Cheshire enlarged its body, glaring at the black flames with sharp eyes and a chilling smile. When the Phantom Cat swung its sharp claws, numerous mana blades extended outward, slicing the black flames indiscriminately.
Even so, some black flames managed to evade the aerial assault and land on the ground. The Subjugation Force charged. Knights engaged the demons, dodging fire magic, while the wizard legion intercepted from the rear. When blackish-crimson flames pierced through the gaps in their armor, the knights fought on, cutting away the burning parts of their own flesh.
Kaya Astrea focused on healing the knights’ wounds from the rear with plant magic. In the skies, the Elemental Kings were engaged in a fierce struggle against the Apocalypse Dragon Azhi Dahāka.
“Angra Mainyu’s second attack is coming! Deploy Aegis!!” Archwizard Charlotte shouted as Angra Mainyu’s eyes turned black once more.
The blue light of the Aegis barrier unfolded over the island, and the blackish-crimson flames once again engulfed the barrier and the surrounding sea.
Angra Mainyu’s eyes returned to their crimson color.
[Deactivate Aegis! We must hunt down Angra Mainyu and Azhi Dahāka before their power runs out!!]
Archwizard Charlotte’s voice resonated in the minds of the wizard legion. The mages racked their brains furiously, calculating and recalculating high-level spells.
— Azhi Dahāka and Angra Mainyu show their true power when cornered. That’s when you need to use [Expelled from Paradise]. It’s the only way to win. Especially with Azhi Dahāka—its intelligence is remarkable. Once it learns how to move its body, it won’t fall for the same attack twice. So, even if [Expelled from Paradise] deals significant damage, it will adapt. You must wait for the perfect moment to end it in a single blow.
According to Isaac’s instructions, they needed to corner the Apocalypse Dragon first.
— Angra Mainyu will remain stationary in the outer skies. While it can unleash massive attacks, it cannot dodge. As a massive eye, it’s particularly vulnerable. Therefore, approaching it is critical. However, anyone who attempts to get close will be burned to nothingness. Ian is the only one who can do it, but he must first envelop himself in Divine Power.
From that point on, facing Angra Mainyu was to be Ian’s solo task. Ian infused the Luminous Sword with Divine Power, ready to use the 8-star power of light, [Expelled from Paradise], at any moment.
With Ian’s current capabilities, he could use [Expelled from Paradise] only twice. It had to be saved for the moment victory was assured.
“…What’s this?”
“New dark mana detected! A new source of dark mana has been detected!”
In the midst of the fierce battle, the Elemental Kings, Archwizard Charlotte, and those with keen mana perception all felt a chilling mana emanating from the direction of the land bridge. The mana detection devices set up by the wizard legion had also been signaling for some time.
“What? Is something coming from behind?”
“It seems so,” Noah Bartin answered, standing beside Ian with his sword drawn.
Gradually, a demon took shape in midair. It was a grotesque female demon enveloped in blackish-crimson mana. She sat on a chair made of numerous entwined black arms, observing the war from above. A black light illuminated her, surrounding her like a majestic halo.
[Hello, everyone. This looks fun.]
Mephisto the Contractor. This was her true and original form. Her voice echoed in the minds of the Subjugation Force. Those who spotted her showed deep wariness.
“That’s…”
“Mephisto the Contractor. If the Ice Sovereign’s words are correct, it must be that demon.”
The Imperial Knights glared at Mephisto as they exchanged words.
[Have you all been well?]
Kwagagagagang!!!
The Subjugation Force’s elemental magic struck Mephisto, but she casually deployed a barrier of darkness to block the attacks.
[Hehe, how impatient you all are. Rejoice, everyone—I’ve brought you a gift, haven’t I?]
The familiars of the Imperial Wizards, who were observing outside the academy, looked toward the land bridge and reported the situation through messengers.
[Reporting! Something is coming this way! Dead humans… no, corpses!]
“What?”
The sinister mana wasn’t just Mephisto’s.
[Reinforcements from the demon side…! Estimated to be at least 500 or more!]
All the humans bound by Mephisto’s contracts, stripped of their bodies and souls, were flying in while shrouded in dark mana. Their numbers were too overwhelming to count. The wizard legion broke into a cold sweat.
“That damn demon…!”
[But wouldn’t it be unfair to give a gift only to all of you?]
“What?”
[The truth is, I hold quite the grudge against the Ice Sovereign.]
Mephisto sneered as she watched the fierce clash between the [Realm of the Eternal Glacial Palace] and the Evil God’s domain.
[Ice Sovereign, the people you hold dear at the academy… I’ve sent them the same gift! I do hope they enjoy it!]
Mephisto’s mocking, laughter-filled voice echoed in their minds. The Subjugation Force was horrified.
At Märchen Academy’s second campus, another of Mephisto’s zombie armies was descending.