Chapter 117: Dragon Hunting
A sacred silver light engulfs the entire city. In the Great Judgement, the Seafolk who are busy annihilating the remaining Auland forces finally meet with trouble.
Along with Krose’s declaration to judge, a silver pillar of light emits rays of light that represent Order. Every invader who had turned red from the Judgement would be struck by a ray of light and restrictions would be forced upon them by the Power of Law.
Depending on their crimes, some of them would have their area of movement restricted, some of them would have their weapons confiscated, some of them would be shackled and some of them would find themselves sanctioned by all three.
There are multiple kinds of shackles. The most commonly seen one is the handcuffs. For those whose crimes are severe, leg irons would be added. For those who went too far, it isn’t impossible for their entire body to be laden with heavy metal b.a.l.l.s.
As this is an AOE Judgement by a replica SemiG.o.d Equipment and the only thing that is expended is the stored up Faith in it, the restraints on each individual target isn’t really drastic. Also, the material for the handcuffs isn’t not stronger than unrefined iron, so any Beastman Warrior should be able to break out of it easily.
Perhaps, to true experts, this may not mean much. However, to the low-tier Fishmen, this could prove to be deadly. In every army, the p.a.w.ns always number the most. In the invading army of the Seafolk, there is an astronomical number of low-tier Fishmen. In this kind of situation, they are the main power that causes the greatest destruction to the city. However, when their weak bodies are bound by metal chains, handcuffs and metal b.a.l.l.s, not many of them retain the ability to move.
An estimation after the event shows that the hour of restraint allowed at least seventy to eighty thousand civilians to escape. To the Warriors, the significance of the Great Judgement is even greater.
In the crossing of blows between two Warriors, if one of them were to be restrained suddenly, even just for 0.1 of a second, it could be a determining factor to their duel.
This is the might of an army-level strategic Forbidden Spell (The spell contains both Magic and Divine Arts). Perhaps, it might be completely ineffective against SemiG.o.d and Myth experts. However, if it were to appear on a battlefield, it would be able to turn the tides of it. What the two Chaos G.o.ds did was a country-level (permanent type) strategic Forbidden Spell —— The Blessing of the Sea G.o.d: City of Rain Feloci.
Army-level and country-level are just a type of cla.s.sification towards extreme magic, it doesn’t show which is superior to which. For example, the ‘Ice Aeon’ of Emperor Yongye might only be army-level, but it is capable of wiping away an entire city and convert the land a hundreds of miles around the city into an ice field. This is much stronger than most of the country-level Forbidden Spells.
The greatest difference between the two is probably its duration and AOE. An army-level Forbidden Spell normally has a short period of effectiveness. On the other hand, the ‘City of Rain’, despite only changing the environment and not causing any direct damage, its duration of effectiveness is probably eternal. However, this is also the reason why heavy prices and sacrifices has to be made to cast a country-level Forbidden Spell, thus causing it to not be commonly seen in history.
This time, the Seafolk and the G.o.ds have put so much on stake, so their ultimate goal definitely won’t just be a plot of land. The dark clouds in the sky will slowly spread and the City of Rain will gradually expand as time pa.s.ses. In the area under the effects of the Forbidden Spell, other than the dry areas designated by the caster of the spell, all land will become new territory for the City of Rain.
Although the rate of expansion is slow, as long as the spellcaster and the source of power for the spell, the Water Elemental G.o.ddess, doesn’t die, the expansion will not stop. This will prove to be a major source of trouble for Auland.
It is very probable that countless Seafolk are on their way here now. As their territory continues to expand and new tribes settle here, the City of Rain will eventually become the country of the Seafolk. This is just like the cancer cells on a cancer patient. The longer you wait, the more deadly it would be when it strikes.
Thus, when I noticed the interference from G.o.ds and the effects of the Forbidden Spell/Divine Art, I immediately gave up on the idea of turning the tables against them. The only way to turn the tables right now is to kill the spellcaster of the Forbidden Spell. Not mentioning how the spellcaster wouldn’t be so silly as to not escape to a location where she would be absolutely safe, even if she were to appear before us now, the G.o.ddess spellcaster is not someone I could deal with now.
The ‘Great Judgement’ of the Law Faction may be powerful, but it is more of a support army-level Forbidden Spell. Its effects against the enemies aren’t really considerable. Rather, its most powerful effect is its ability to pull up the strength of Law Enforcers by one power rank as well as multiplying the effectiveness of Law Incantations. However, without sufficient Law Jobs here, the true might of the Forbidden Spell cannot be displayed.
This was also the main model in mind when it was being designed. Perhaps, it might mean nothing now, but the fact that this Forbidden Spell, which has strict requirements for usage, could be activated through a replica of the G.o.d Equipment means that as long as every city has some Law Jobs in the future, all empires and races would have to re-evaluate the risks and losses they would incur before starting a war.
When this fact becomes acknowledged by the world, there would be a surge in Law Jobs in small and weak countries, thus propagating the rise of the Law Faction from another direction. When the Law Faction finally rises up and the fact that it is effective on Order lifeforms who have overstepped the boundaries of law and that Chaos lifeforms are capable of wielding the Power of Law are revealed, perhaps it would be time for this new rising power in the Order Faction to reveal its intention to become a neutral faction.
Due to this, in order to obtain the best results in my ‘advertis.e.m.e.nt’, I have intended to find an ideal opportunity for it to display its might rather than using it on this battlefield on the faction which is destined for loss, turning it into an additional glory on the crown of the victors.
However, I didn’t expect that the usage of the Forbidden Spell, which is fated to contribute little to our goal, would bring about unexpected gains.
“AOOOOOOOOOO!”
The nine heads of the roaring SemiG.o.d Hydra roars. He is frenziedly spitting venom, flames, ice and lightning but yet, he is unable to strike the agile opponent before him.
The ‘Dragon Slayer’ Bastlar flits in and out of existence in midair. Every time he appears, the floating Dragon Slaying Spear would crush one of the Dragon heads. Even though a new one would quickly grow out due to the Hydra’s incredible regeneration ability, the blind spot created by the loss of a head allows the Dragon Slaying Sword to destroy another one.
Even though the the Hydra would regenerate a new one within seconds as well, Bastlar would seek his next target without second thoughts. He knows that when his Dragon Sealing abilities take effect, the Hydra’s regeneration ability will no longer be limitless.
The Hydra roars angrily, but he is unable to escape from his shackles. That bizarre shackles that tightens around him prevents him from transmogrifying and severs the connection between him and the river water. If he were to expend himself at this rate, his regeneration ability would be sapped dry in a matter of time.
The Hydra roars angrily, as well as fearfully. As an Ancient Sea Monster, he could vaguely see his end.
For the scale of the battle between two equal opponents to fall towards one side, credit has to be attributed to the Great Judgement which was activated forty to fifty minutes ago.
Actually, at the start of the battle, the Hydra held the upper hand. Due to the activation of the Forbidden Spell by the Malevolent G.o.ds of Chaos, Bastlar was forced to strike in advance, thus losing the advantage to initiate a sneak attack on his prey. Naturally, he fell into a disadvantageous position.
However, when that silver light of Order descends, the situation reverses.
Currently, ma.s.sive chains bind the body of the Nine-headed Dragon. Surprisingly, its gigantic body is unable to break through those chains which are supposed to be incredibly weak. The chains are radiating a dark gold light. Runes and magic formations that repress Dragons could be be seen vaguely appearing on it. It is clear that the chains have become a top-tier Dragon Slaying tool.
Looking at that bizarre sight before me, I was stunned for a moment before coming to a realisation. I coincidentally discovered the reason why ‘Dragon Slayer’ Bastlar is nearly invincible against Dragons.
Even the tallest buildings are built from the lowest foundations. Before Bastlar became a Heroic Spirit, he was a normal Wood Elf Ranger, but he advanced to become a ‘Nightfall Blader’. Nightfall Bladers are adept at enchanting their equipment to counteract their opponent’s strengths and attribute.
It seems that even now, Bastlar still remains as a Nightfall Blader. He still specialises in enchanting his own equipment, just that the enchantment he uses possesses Dragon Slaying effects, an enchantment normal Nightfall Bladers are unable to wield. That is also the reason why he always has a large bunch of Dragon Slaying equipment with him.
If so, the reason why the situation developed to its current state is apparent.
When the giant chains and shackles fall from the sky, Bastlar, who has overcame innumerable hopeless situations, didn’t let this golden opportunity slip by. He immediately used his abilities to enchant ‘Dragon Sealing’, ‘Dragon Binding’ and ‘Dragon Slaying’ effects on it, thus forcibly converting the giant chains which the Hydra could easily disintegrate into a G.o.dly weapon that could bind a SemiG.o.d Dragon, not to mention the fact that the chains are already around the Hydra’s ma.s.sive body.
“No matter who he is, I, Bastlar, thank him.”
The scales of the battle falls completely towards one side. Bastlar made use of this opportunity to conduct a series of savage a.s.saults against him and it seems that the Hydra is already on the verge of dying. Charging all the way here, our group managed to witness such an incredible sight.
Even when bound tightly, the savage Nine-headed Dragon before us should not be underestimated. This mountain-like giant beast occupies half of the entire river by himself. Every time a Dragon head fails to break free of its shackles and crashes onto the ground, a powerful shockwave would cause the surroundings to tremor. Also, the Dragon Breaths from the Dragon heads travel far and wide, easily devastating the green mountains in the distance.
Bastlar, who holds the upper hand, is even more impressive. With a casual wave of his hand, the sword by his waist floats in midair for a moment before enlarging into a ma.s.sive Dragon Slaying Blade. Magic runes that represent ‘Dragon Slaying’ flash on the sword. As the gigantic blade comes surging down, venomous blood spurts out of the gigantic Dragon head as it falls into the river.
Honestly, in the face of such a battle, I really want to just turn around and leave. Given our current strength, if we were thrown into such a fight between top-tier powers, we would end up dead from from the shockwaves alone. However, the Hydra’s gigantic body is blocking the road to the underwater base. There is nowhere we could retreat to now.
Wait for Bastlar to emerge victorious? It is too hard to tell who would win. There are only 20 minutes left to the Great Judgement and when the time runs out, all of the ‘sinner-binding shackles’ will disappear immediately. Regardless of what Bastlar does, when the enchanted weapon disappears, the effects of the enchantment will also dissipate. Thus, the Hydra would regain his freedom.
Hope that 20 minutes would be sufficient for him to end this battle? For a battle between SemiG.o.ds, if their strength are around the same level, it is possible for them to fight for several years straight. If the Hydra was so easy to deal with, forty to fifty minutes should have been more than sufficient for Bastlar to kill him. Due to his powerful regeneration Race Talent, the Nine-headed Dragon Emperor had been dubbed by many as the Master of Prolonged Battle.
Staring at the carts behind, I silently pull out my sword. However, I didn’t have the intention of allowing any of the others to join in the battle.
Under such circ.u.mstances, even though the cla.s.sical saying depicts that the brave one would emerge victorious when two people meet on a narrow path, in reality, the both of them have to be at least around the same strength. Otherwise, the sacrifice of the brave would just end up meaningless.
Getting involved in a battle of this level would mean certain death. Thus, I could only think of a way to avoid it. This is a demanding trial on my eye for discernment, battle experience and flexibility. Currently, our strongest fighting force is Krose, who is Saint-rank under the augmentation of the Forbidden Spell. However, this isn’t something he, who has never undergone a fight between SemiG.o.ds, can interfere in.
“Charge! Let’s get rid of that evil Dragon! That enemy is worthy of a battle!”
Just when I was still thinking of a solution, someone seems to have misunderstood my action of drawing my sword. The action seems to have given her courage. Reyne smacks her horse and rushes forward!
“d.a.m.n it! Stop creating death flags! Hurry up and return!”
There is a reason for Reyne’s overconfidence. Reyne has risen to Silver-rank under the effects of the System’s gold fingers. After receiving her Frigid Nightmare, she barely crosses the boundaries to become a Gold-rank. Then, under the Forbidden Spell, she gains the strength of a Legend and the overwhelming power within her that she has never felt before made her feel invincible. Not to mention, slaughtering those powerful Seafolk on the way here built up her confidence.
However, in my opinion, any Silver veteran would be capable to dealing with this inexperienced ‘Legend’ easily.
Just as I rush forward to stop her, a blood-red figure blocks my path. He is a red-robed Mage. Despite the silver hair, his face is red like an infant’s. There is a kind and warm smile on his face and he looks like an amiable elderly.
“A courageous and mighty Legend Aurora Knight, as expected of the great Knight Princess! I am Auland Empire Advisor Marsolit. Under the orders of the Emperor, I have came to protect the Princess. Allow me to lend her my strength! Also, I could make use of this opportunity to avenge Deimos!”
Raising his staff, crimson-red light s.h.i.+nes on both us and the enemy. Under the effects of ‘Bloodthirst’, Reyne charges with greater speed and might towards the Nine-headed Dragon. On the other hand, the attack directed towards the Nine-headed Dragon is a vile Blood Drain Curse. The Dragon head which the Hydra is trying to regrow spurts out a large amount of blood and the regeneration fails.
“Blood Mage Emperor Marsolit? Why would he be here?”
Any other person would think that he is a kind person. However, I instinctively felt guarded and alarmed by his actions. This Auland Empire Advisor has always kept a low profile and maintained the image of a good person before others. However, ‘history’ has exposed his true face as an uncontrollable bloodthirsty maniac.
Just as mentioned previously, Mages who train in the art of unorthodox Water Magic, Blood Magic, would become bloodthirsty. Marsolit is already at the stage of viewing other lifeforms as living mobile blood bank. Personally, he favors the blood of females and infants. The crimes he has committed are innumerable and unpardonable, even sentencing him to death a hundred times would be insufficient for him to pay for his sins.
As for his claim to avenge Deimos, that is even greater bulls.h.i.+t. Indeed, when the Hydra first appeared here, he killed the ‘Dragon Hunter’ Deimos and severely wounded Marsolit, who was attacking the Seafolk from the fleet. However, in ‘history, they were both mortal enemies. The reason why Marsolit was willing to cultivate in the art of the depraved Blood Magic was to exact vengeance on Deimos. He should have been happy over his demise.
For a bloodthirsty demon to suddenly spout a bunch of lies, it immediately heightens my wariness against him. At this moment, Reyne is already at the edge of the battlefield between the SemiG.o.ds.
“Darn it! Scram!”
PS: Previously, when he said he is using close-combat Magic Sword as his primary choice of offense, it doesn’t mean that he is giving up on the others. The King of Undead Lich, the Envoy of the G.o.d of Law, the Winter Knight of the Northern Country and the legendary Holy Knight Prince Roland. Every one of these jobs are a source of power, his ident.i.ty as well as the companions beside him. In order to realise their ultimate aim of reversing fate, every single one of this ident.i.ty is important, so naturally, he cannot give up on any one of them.
Really sorry for changing the terminologies now and there (caps)I know I keep saying that I would go back and edit the previous ones to standardise. Even though I haven’t got to doing it yet, I really intend to do so but I have been a bit busy recently (a bit of procrastination as well)
Well, if anyone is interested in doing it feel free to apply and look for me ?