novelburst
Chapter 104
Chapter 104
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]
Chapter 104
The northeastern region where the dungeon portals had appeared.
The number of portals had decreased significantly compared to when the colonial subjugation first began.
And the number of monsters emerging from the remaining portals was no longer the same as before.
‘It’s coming to an end soon.’
The demon legion commander, floating in the sky, observed the dwindling dungeon portals and thought to himself.
The subjugation of colony [E-12] was directly tied to the demon legion commander’s promotion.
‘Relying solely on the monster wave to clear this region has failed.’
During the colonial subjugation operation, one of the key evaluation criteria for a legion commander was how effectively they utilized the monster wave.
Completely wiping out a colony using only the monster wave would yield the highest evaluation score.
If the commander had to mobilize their personal demon army to clear the colony, they would receive an average score.
And if they failed even with the demon army, they would be stripped of their position as legion commander…
‘Achieving the highest score is impossible. The Black Skull, Bormian’s magical link, has also been severed.’
The Bormian Kingdom.
It was an established human kingdom, so heavy resistance was expected.
However, when a member of the royal family willingly became a demon and turned into a Black Skull—
The legion commander had believed it would be an opportunity to earn a high score in the colonial subjugation.
‘At this rate, I might not even get a mid-tier score. Now that the Celestial’s rats have been dispatched to the kingdom, the demon army will also be restrained.’
If the situation deteriorated further, failure would become highly likely.
Especially because the Bormian Kingdom possessed forces unlike anything seen elsewhere.
‘A Sword Master…’
Through the eyes of the monsters under his control, the demon legion commander could observe the Sword Master’s feats.
Though the information was blurry and incomplete—
The newly emerged Sword Master displayed power even more unique and formidable than those of the past.
‘Because of him, the subjugation is more likely to fail.’
It was this Sword Master who had taken down the Black Skull.
It was also because of him that the demonic followers within the royal capital were eradicated.
He was the greatest obstacle to the colonial subjugation operation.
And yet, the demon legion commander welcomed his existence.
‘With power like that… capturing him is far more valuable than completing the subjugation.’
Ever since Aura Masters disappeared from the middle realm, their worth as experimental subjects in the demon realm had skyrocketed.
And if this particular Sword Master wielded such an unusual power, his rarity would be even greater.
‘I’ll mobilize all my strength to capture him.’
A Sword Master with an extraordinary power.
No matter how insignificant a human might be,
This one could not be underestimated.
To capture him, the legion commander would have to act personally.
Vrrrrr—
The demon legion commander’s massive body glowed red as he slowly began to ascend.
His target: the Sword Master.
To the demon legion commander, capturing the Sword Master had now taken priority over the colonial subjugation itself.
Only three reinforcements had arrived at Viltre Fortress—
But that was more than enough to change the course of the battle.
Among them, the one who drew the most attention was undoubtedly the Sword Master, Stein.
The Sword Throne rose precisely whenever airborne monsters attacked, strengthening the knights in perfect synchronization.
“The blessing of the sword has descended once again!”
“I can’t believe… this is the aura I created…”
“Let’s go!”
No matter what kind of monster charged in, he leaped down from the fortress walls with only a wooden sword in hand, cutting through the enemies.
Alongside him, another Meister moved in perfect coordination, drawing people's attention.
“That’s Kaylen.”
“That man… hasn’t rested all night.”
Srrr—
Avoiding the area where Sword Master Stein fought with uncanny precision, the ground beneath them froze over.
“Ice Field.”
The Ice Field cast by the Water Meister spread from the ground, instantly freezing the advancing monster horde.
No matter how fearless the monsters were, once their feet were bound, they could no longer advance.
“Krgh… Ugh…”
One by one, starting from their toes, they froze solid, transforming into ice statues.
Even the other Meisters were astonished by the sheer scale of the Ice Field, doubting their own eyes.
‘Even if he’s wearing an A-rank mana suit…’
‘Is that even possible?’
Meanwhile, high in the sky, a drake soared freely, suppressing both aerial and ground monsters.
“Kyaaaah!”
Whenever flying monsters approached, it unleashed its breath attack with perfect timing, greatly easing the burden on the fortress defenders.
Fwoooosh—
As harpies, burned black by the drake’s breath, plummeted to the ground, nearby mages whispered among themselves.
“That drake’s breath… The firepower is incredible.”
“I heard magic doesn’t even work on it.”
“Magic doesn’t work? If it were our enemy… I don’t even want to imagine it.”
“The command officer said they thought they were going to be wiped out by their own drake’s breath.”
Watching all of this unfold, Alkas let out a bitter smile.
‘I’m the only one lacking.’
Objectively speaking, Alkas was not underperforming.
Even though he had refused the blessing of the Sword Throne, he was able to resist its Sword Area and extend his own sword domain, even if only slightly…
“Stop.”
Flinch.
Inside his domain, harpies were slowed down—
Slash!
Allowing him to cut through them effortlessly. Among the knights, he stood at the very top in terms of skill.
It was only because Sword Master Stein and Kaylen’s feats were so overwhelming that his efforts went unnoticed.
But those fighting alongside him could feel his strength firsthand.
‘That knight is exceptionally skilled.’
‘He saved my life…’
‘Is he a disciple of the Sword Master?’
Meanwhile, Alkas continued cutting down airborne monsters, lost in thought.
‘It’s only natural that I’m lacking. But… now that the Sword Area has spread, I’ve become more accustomed to it… I must be of use to my lord.’
The reason Alkas, who was not yet a Sword Master, could manifest a sword domain was largely thanks to the Sword Throne.
Whenever the Sword Throne expanded its Sword Area—
If he tried to establish his own domain in response, the Sword Area would yield without resistance, making space for him.
Ironically, when the Sword Throne disappeared, Alkas could no longer manifest a Sword Area.
It was because the mana in the atmosphere refused to be dominated by him.
‘I have to take advantage of this opportunity.’
Every time the Sword Throne manifested, Alkas desperately swung his sword.
The knights, noticing that he wore a mana suit similar to a Sword Master’s, gradually began paying attention.
“That knight… His skills are exceptional. And his mana suit looks high-performance too.”
“Now that you mention it, that mana suit looks similar to the one worn by the Sword Master.”
“His aura… It doesn’t seem like he’s a Knight Meister. There’s no distinct attribute to it.”
“Then does that mean even a regular Sword Expert can wear a mana suit…?”
The fortress knights, who were unaware of what had transpired in the capital, speculated based on what they saw, their curiosity growing.
If someone who wasn’t a Knight Meister could still wear a mana suit—
It would be a revolutionary development.
“Myorn Workshop…”
The keen-eyed knights spotted the emblem engraved on the gauntlet of the mana suit, their eyes gleaming.
But there was no time for further discussion.
The monsters continued their relentless assault.
Even the command headquarters had no time to establish contact with Kaylen’s group.
Another night passed.
A brief moment of respite only came when Lioness needed to recharge the mana of his A-rank mana suit, Inferno.
“Kaylen, I’m truly grateful you came. Brother, this is my junior, Kaylen. He’s famous for his talent as a 6th-Circle mage.”
Guntrian, who had arrived with Lioness, clasped Kaylen’s hand tightly, his expression filled with admiration.
“A 6th-Circle talent…! That’s incredible. Thanks to you and that Sword Master, we survived. If not for your intervention, this fortress would have fallen. On behalf of House Oblaine, I will never forget this debt.”
“I only did what was necessary.”
“Even so, I am truly grateful. Has your mana suit run out of mana? We can provide mana stones immediately. If it’s depleted, we’ll guide you to the recharging magic circle as soon as a spot opens.”
“I still have some reserve. Once Lord Lioness finishes recharging, I’ll switch out then.”
Hearing that, Guntrian couldn’t hide the emotion in his expression.
“You’ve been fighting for two days without rest… I wish I could tell you to take a break, but given the situation in the fortress, I can only apologize. The moment Lion— I mean, Lioness is ready, we’ll rotate you out.”
“I understand.”
“But… is that Sword Master really fine staying below the fortress walls for so long? Shouldn’t he take some rest…?”
Every time aerial monsters approached, the Sword Throne was summoned—
Then, descending from his throne of swords, the Sword Master slaughtered the monsters.
Thanks to his overwhelming strength, the fortress had been able to hold out—
“But even if he’s a Sword Master, summoning that colossal Sword Throne multiple times while constantly fighting… It’s worrying. If he collapses, the fortress won’t last.”
“He’s still fine. He said he would rest once the Second Prince and Princess Violet arrive.”
“Ah, Sir Stein, I heard you played a significant role in the royal capital as well… Our kingdom truly owes you a great debt. Then, though it may be shameless of me to ask, I must request just a little more of your strength.”
Guntrian once again expressed his gratitude to Kaylen before returning to his command duties.
“Lion, let’s go.”
“Wait a moment, brother. I have something to discuss with Kaylen.”
“…Alright. But finish your conversation quickly and return to rest. You need to recharge your Inferno as well.”
“Yes.”
Lioness, his face gaunt, looked at Kaylen.
Even after two nights without rest, Kaylen’s face still radiated with an unnatural glow.
Lioness, who had always prided himself on his looks, now appeared visibly haggard from prolonged battle, while Kaylen still maintained his brilliance.
‘Why did he look like a sword?’
It wasn’t the first time Kaylen had appeared as a sword to him.
If it had only happened once or twice, he might have dismissed it as a mistake.
But during this fortress defense battle, every time the Sword Throne was summoned and then disappeared, Kaylen appeared as a sword in his eyes.
‘I can’t help but be curious.’
Why was it only him?
Even the Sword Master, who was decapitating ogres over there, didn’t appear that way.
Lioness, unable to suppress his curiosity, asked directly.
“Kaylen.”
“Yes.”
“Why do you look like a sword every time that Sword Throne disappears?”
“…You see me as a sword?”
“Yes. At first, I thought I was mistaken. But after this battle, I’m sure of it. This isn’t just my imagination.”
Lioness alternated his gaze between the Sword Throne and Kaylen.
“Do you have any idea why you appear as a sword when that thing vanishes?”
‘Right, Lioness is said to have Sword Insight.’
The condition for Sword Insight was recognizing Kaylen as a ‘sword’ upon the release of the Six Swords.
Only those with exceptional talent in aura could achieve such a perception.
‘Sword Insight is always an enviable trait, but…’
Even Kaylen, who had once been a Grand Sword Master, acknowledged its overwhelming potential.
Alkas, despite the severe lack of mana in the atmosphere, had relentlessly trained in the way of the sword. As a result, even though it was only when the Sword Throne was manifested, he had managed to project a Sword Area.
‘It was a shame he was a Meister.’
If Lioness hadn’t been a noble of a ducal house—
And if he wasn’t already on a successful path as a Meister, Kaylen would have wanted to teach him immediately.
But his position was far too established, so the thought of instructing him had never even crossed Kaylen’s mind.
‘But if he’s showing interest on his own, I might as well give him a push.’
More than a 4th-Circle Meister, what humanity truly needed now was a Sword Master.
With that in mind, Kaylen slowly opened his mouth to speak.
“Yes, I have an idea.”
[Translator - Kiteretsu]
[Proofreader - Kyros]