Chapter 121: Decisive Battle (2)
“Darn it! I can’t stop!!”
Around me, the snow spirits dance and sing. The incantation is mouthed through me, but amplified through their chorus, resonating with the entire world.
It’s just like how an experienced Knight is capable of performing several tricks through manipulating the movements of his horse whereas a rookie Knight often ends up falling from his horse and then dragged along with it. At this current moment, I am the unlucky rookie Knight who is being dragged along.
Furthermore, the more stubborn the horse, the harder it is to tame. Once you start chanting out a top-tier Forbidden Spell, it’s very difficult to stop, like a rocket that can’t be interrupted once it’s been launched. My previous experiences and the urgency of the present circ.u.mstances caused me to miscalculate the entire situation. The differences between the living and the dead have caused a significant difference in the spell from the very start.
When I started to chant the supreme Forbidden Spell—a spell way beyond my level—and used the black staff as my source of mana, I became that rookie Knight being dragged along by his horse. I became a part of the Forbidden Spell.
The delighted dancing snow spirits are granting me their blessings of the snow. The re-usage of the Forbidden Spell has significantly improved my comprehension towards the Power of Ice and Snow.
And at this moment, the Soul Imprint ‘Ice Treader’ on my System panel is being regenerated at a rapid pace.
“7%…14%…30%, what kind of joke is this! Normally, none of you would be this helpful. Yet, at a crucial period like this, all of you are popping out and bringing me trouble!”
In order to prevent the Forbidden Spell—which I’ve lost control of—from exploding at any moment, I pump all of my skill points into the Ice Magic skill tree without hesitation.
‘Ice Control’, ‘Bone-chilling Freeze’ and other related skills are being enhanced altogether. So long as they were skills that would lead to Ice Aeon in the skill tree, I would frantically pump skill points into them.
Devoting my skill points in such a way resulted in immediate effects. Although my position on the skill tree is still far from reaching Ice Aeon, the control over Ice Magic that I derived from the skill points I pumped in grant me a certain level of control over the Forbidden Spell. At the very least, I don’t have to worry about it exploding all of a sudden.
However, fortune is always paired with misfortune. After I solved the problem of an implosion occurring, a new form of trouble lays itself before me.
In my eyes, the entire world has turned into ice rivers and glaciers. Other than frost, nothing else can be seen on this ice plain. All living beings are asleep under the frost. This isn’t an illusion, but a sign that the Forbidden Spell is about to be released. The snow spirits are jubilantly informing me the beautiful future of their wishes.
However, what the snow spirits like may not be the same for living beings.
Just as the System says, if I were to throw the Forbidden Spell, I could even spare myself the coffin. It is very probable that my body and soul will be frozen here. My endless reincarnations will come to a halt as well.
“Erebella! Knock me out!”
Hearing my orders, my cute Frigid Nightmare Snow Woman turns into a Frost Ghoul. But before she can land a blow, the giant hands of the black skeleton grab her and then hesitates for a moment before throwing her far away.
The divine apparition automatically carries out its defensive mechanism. If it weren’t for the fact that I instinctively view Erebella as a trustworthy companion, that giant hand would have crushed her to death instead of throwing her away.
“82%…89%…91%.”
The reparation of my Soul Imprint is almost at its end. What should have been an event worth celebrating has instead become the countdown to my death. I can vaguely feel the moment the Ice Treader is repaired completely. That would be the moment Ice Aeon will be released, and thus, my life will have come to an end.
Even my life force will be used as a propellant for the release of the Forbidden Spell. It would be unbelievable for me not to die after that.
Just as I await my final judgment in despair, the Nine-headed Dragon actually bites away its other six heads, then changes the target of that deadly Dragon Breath towards me.
In that instant, I am so overjoyed that I almost run up to the ugly dragon head just to hug it and give it two kisses.
Yes, joy—not fear or anger. My Forbidden Spell has already reached the stage where it will automatically release itself. Just like how the spell expelled Erebella from my side, it instinctively makes its own judgments and will try to destroy any obstacle preventing the successful release of the Forbidden Spell.
At that moment, an equally threatening offensive magic spell has been thrown its way, and if I’m not wrong, there is only one possible reaction to it.
“…let me bring the living their eternal end! Ice Aeon!”
As expected, the breath of ice is released in advance and collides with the ball of Dragon Breath.
Collisions between two Forbidden Spells are always bizarre. The collision between the ice breath and the Dragon’s Breath whip up a hurricane of death. All living beings caught in the midst of it would first freeze before shattering into fragments.
The river water also falls victim. Presently, the river has been frozen into fragmented ice shards.
The blinding white light robs mortals of their sight. When I finally regain my strength, only rubble remains before me.
Should I be thankful to the flood for evacuating all civilians living in the Pier District? After all, the collision between the two Forbidden Spells has completely wrecked that area. The result of the clash is that I held the upper hand, despite the Forbidden Spell being incomplete.
I am still panting on the mountain cliff, whereas half of the Hydra’s body has been frozen in solid ice. Two of the dragon heads have turned into ice fragments amidst howls of agony. This is the best proof of my victory.
If the Hydra hadn’t used all of its life force to protect the remaining main head, this ancient Magic Beast might have met its end in that previous blow.
The Forbidden Spell didn’t go through the final few stages of suppression, refining, melding, resonating as well as several more processes, and therefore it hadn’t been completed. It was due to its incompleteness that I was spared.
I lie paralyzed on the floor, with my body’s stamina and mana sapped dry. My transformation was released, and I don’t even have the strength to get up.
However, I know that we should have already won.
“…I, in the name of my Lord Wumianzhe, grant you the job of Justice Knight!”
The inheritance ceremony has come to an end. Those difficult four minutes that I had to vie for, finally come to an end.
“AOOOOOOOOOO!”
Even though only one head remains, Fioras still releases furious howls. He is unwilling to fall just like that. He has already noticed the surge of strength within Bastlar and can vaguely guess what is about to happen. The remaining dragon head of the Hydra realizes that the end is ticking closer for him.
However, something occurs that leaves the others speechless. As Bastlar’s strength and power rank furiously increases, his Heroic Spirit body—which can only hold the power of a SemiG.o.d (as written in the Dragon Hunting chapter)—begins to dissipate.
Golden light particles enshroud him as Bastlar calmly watches his body dissolve. He knows that it’s about time for him to return. However, he doesn’t know what will await him, especially after accepting a Law Job.
“Although it’s a pity that I won’t be able to view the end of this little snake with my own eyes, it was worth being able to experience strength at this level, even for just a moment.”
His two legs have already been reduced to golden light. Yet, the Heroic Spirit still calmly draws his sword and spear. After hesitating for a moment, he throws the spear to a young female Knight who has been looking at him with eyes filled with respect.
“Keep it as a souvenir. He’s called ‘Dragon Ma.s.sacre’. I admire the courage you possessed when charging towards an evil Dragon. There should be a day when you will be in need of him.”
Bastlar then takes a longing look at the scenery of the mortal world, before throwing his treasured sword into the air.
This time, his golden sword didn’t change forms or flash bolts of lightning. Even the very hilt starts to dissipate in the golden light. However, in everyone’s eyes, they somehow feel that the sword cannot be blocked, as though fate decreed for it to seal the end of the Dragon.
In fact, Bastlar didn’t even aim properly for this attack. He knew that the sword would land on the Dragon’s body.
In that instant, he touches the boundaries of a true G.o.d and infuses the unique G.o.d Power known as ‘Dragon Death’ within the sword. This is the G.o.d Power which he’s just grasped. However, the price for using such forbidden power: he slowly dissipates into a golden light, to be banished back to the Heavenly Realm.
Just as the disappearing Heroic Spirit Dragon Slayer said, his only remaining regret was not being able to view the end of the Nine-headed Dragon with his own eyes. However, in his mind, he knows that the moment this strike—which has reached the level of a G.o.d—is thrown out, Fioras is bound for death.
Meanwhile, the savage Hydra is still unable to accept its doom. Even at the very end, he continues to struggle and defy fate.
The temporary disappearance of Great Judgement granted him his freedom. However, his frozen body also sealed his ability to move. He wants to tear apart his main head so that it can survive independently. However, he doesn’t have the strength or a dragon head to carry out the act.
“It’s the end.” Finally, a giant teardrop falls from the despaired Hydra. He knows that his demise is approaching.
“It’s the end! … We’ve finally won! We’ve survived!” This show of delight is from me and the others.
“Hm?”
Suddenly, an inconceivable plot-twist occurs. A red figure crashes violently into the sword in midair.
“AHHHHHHHH! I curse you!! d.a.m.ned Celestial Tower! Darned Lamos’s Eye! I’ll make sure you all accompany me in h.e.l.l!”
Without a doubt, the red figure who ‘sacrificed’ himself to save the Nine-headed Dragon is the Marsolit who had just fallen. Naturally, he isn’t the kind of person who would use his life to save others. He was thrown by someone else to take the bullet!
The Knight who was keeping watch on Marsolit is currently lying unconscious in the water.
Under the guidance of the remaining G.o.d Power, the weakened Dragon Slaying Sword still stabs into the body of the Hydra. However, the SemiG.o.d s.h.i.+eld was exceptionally effective. Although the body of the Nine-headed Dragon has been reduced to ashes, the main dragon head still survives and is now starting to regenerate!
“Ya-ya! Fool, fool!” The crow’s malicious calls echo in midair. Then, with a twist, it turns into a familiar figure—Auland branch head of the Celestial Tower, Lamos’s Eye!
Although colluding with the Seafolk, he has treated their invasion as an opportunity to exact his vengeance. He has been staring outside the Church for a gap in their defenses to appear.
After waiting patiently all this time, he manages to reverse the situation by striking at the crucial moment. Seeing that his vengeance is exacted, Lamos’s Eye laughs happily.
Behind him, the Nine-headed Dragon is already regenerating once more. Without the Dragon Sealing Chains binding him, even if a mere dragon head remains, as long he is granted sufficient time and water, he will be able to recover back to his complete form.
Unless we destroy the main head before his second head is regenerated, we’ll just end up as his food. It’s really disappointing that we were taken advantage of after fighting to this point.
Yet, the s.h.i.+vering Reyne, who was battling with her fear, stood up.
Without a second word, she jumps on Seva, who has transformed into a wild boar and holds up high the ‘Dragon Ma.s.sacre’ she just obtained, charging towards the unbeatable evil Dragon.
“I didn’t expect to use this spear so quickly… Everyone! Now isn’t the time to despair! As long as we do not give up, there is still hope!”
The Frigid Nightmare creates for her a set of standard Knight equipment of the Mist Country. At the very back of the mount, the Mist War Flag unfolds. It stands strong and unwavering in the midst of strong gales to protect their territory. The sight of the King of the Mist Country leading the charge feels reminiscent of the past.
The white-armored Knights charge atop the surface of the ice. Carrying their silver spears and the determination within them to slay the giant Dragon, a silver inferno shrouds their nation-guarding sacred swords. The Silver Princess Knight, just like her ancestors, charges forth towards an insurmountable challenge.
“If I am destined to die, then rather than dying as a coward who doesn’t dare to do anything on her deathbed, I would rather die valiantly in the midst of a charge.”
For the very first time, the Princess seems to understand the seemingly obstinate family motto recorded in her family and clan’s records. Perhaps, her ancestors charged to their own deaths laughing heartily like that as well.
Even if the evil Dragon before them is formidable and the Princess knows that the difference in their strength would be the cause of her death, for the sake of this momentary honor, she had no regrets!
Hopeless situation? That’s probably about right. At this moment, the Hydra is almost done regenerating. By the time he stands up again, it will be doomsday for all life on the surface.
“Hah, interesting. To not know when to give up, you have indeed inherited the nasty temper pa.s.sed down in the Mist Bloodline. Reyne, if you survive this trial, I will acknowledge you as the true King of Mist.”
At this moment, I can’t allow the younger generations to look down on me. Thus, using my sword as a crutch, I stand up once more and stagger to Irene, who charges forth alongside me as my wings.
“What? I will lead the charge!”
At my side, there is only myself, whereas following behind Princess Reyne is a group of the Mist Country’s Royal Knights.
They know that they collectively don’t mean a thing to the Nine-headed Dragon Emperor who is about to recover his full strength. However, isn’t a valiant charge in the midst of despair the kind of glorious death that every Knight seeks?
“No wonder my Lord always says that Knights are a bunch of fools. They are truly a bunch of cute fools… Then, we, as the Law Faction, mustn’t allow others to underestimate us as well!”
Behind the group of Knights, Krose, who is already fatigued from casting consecutive spells, is charging along on a streak of lightning, whereas her two ‘Flower Guardians’—Diyer and Muse—aren’t lagging far behind. One of them stands on her left, while the other stands behind her to guard her.
“In the end, Lord Krose, there are a few words which we’ve suppressed within our hearts for a long time. If we don’t say them now, we might never get a chance.”
“Then, continue suppressing those words! Cough, Lord Archbishop, I also have some words that I would like to say…”
Let us forget those living treasures, who are still pulling each other back even at the very last moment. At the very least, they fulfilled the vow they made to their comrades and are using their very lives to protect the most beautiful ‘fresh flower’ in their minds.
However, from the look of astonishment on the face of the flower, she isn’t aware of it. It might be better for them to be unable to speak of their intentions. After all, it would definitely end with rejection.
Shaking my head, my mind whirls about to generate ideas on how I could block their advances. Suddenly, a voice sounds by my ear.
“Niang niang, preparation for Plan C is ready. Do we activate it now?”
TL: The way concubines address the queen.
Do you still need to ask! This is regarding the world, what are you playing at! Quickly do it!
“I am waiting for you to save me! Why the h.e.l.l are you asking for permission? Quickly activate it!”
“Save you? Then my tidbits for the year…”
“I will be paying for your tidbits next year, as well! No matter what conditions you have, I accept them all!!”
Alright, motivation indeed comes with potential profits. The next moment, I hear the sound that I had been waiting for a long time.
“Deng deng deng!”
“Kacha kacha!”
That is the sound of the lock mechanism being unlocked and a gate being opened The stone wall suddenly splits apart, revealing the secret base hidden within. The wars.h.i.+ps are floating in mid-air, well-prepared and ready to strike at any time. When their bombardment begins, he has already begun his charge.
The supposed Plan C is actually very simple. It only requires Harloys to bring the key down to the underwater base and open it during the crucial moment to launch a two-p.r.o.nged attack.
Without a doubt, this is the crucial moment. The next moment, under the encirclement of three parties, is a besieging battle of the majority against the minority.
In the secret base, the remaining Mage Tower shoots a dazzling Fireball. In just the first encounter and already the foolishly dozing-away-Lamos’s Eye is shot down.
After which, the Mage Tower shoots multiple Fireb.a.l.l.s consecutively, whereas the defensive cannons of the secret base blasts over lethal lead cannonb.a.l.l.s! At the same moment, the rapid Eagle a.s.sault Wars.h.i.+p has already begun its a.s.sault on the enemy.
“Shoot the enemy’s dragon head! That’s its only weakness!!”
My reminder didn’t go to waste. In the next moment, after the hoa.r.s.e shouting of a few Dwarves, the main cannons of all the s.h.i.+ps are s.h.i.+fted accordingly.
“Ha? I found some prey!”
After hearing the familiar catchphrase, the main cannon on the wars.h.i.+p shoots a perfect arc towards the unguarded final dragon head, exploding it.
Just like in the legends, as long as all of the dragon heads are destroyed at the same moment, the Nine-headed Dragon would truly die for good. Seeing his body, which had regenerated by more than half, dissipating into ashes, I feel the burden in my heart has lifted.
“We’ve won! We’ve finally won!”