Chapter 99: The Unexpected Attacker
In the dark veil of the night, a silhouette was running.
Sometimes, he is climbing up walls using ropes. Sometimes, he is leaping from roof to roof. Sometimes, he is darting through dark sewers. Whenever a pa.s.sers-by turns towards the origin of a sound, most would only see the aftershadow of a black cape.
The sentries that appear every 10 steps are meaningless to him. The life-threatening traps and spikes only make him laugh. The patrols who watch to and fro are only decorations in his eyes. As for the hounds who were equipped with steel braces… Un, they attracted his attention. Looking at their figures, he was stunned and almost forgot about his mission.
Un, he is the justice of the night, the bane of sinners, the undying hero — Batman… Cough, I almost misspoke. Un, that’s right, he is the legendary hero of wild animals, Beifeng.Herault.
At this moment, after reaching the interiors of the jail, he immediately puts on the Sewage Cloak and turns into a little rat. Then, he struts proudly into the jail.
The Auland royal family jail is well-protected. An Eye of Truth gazes from the top of the solid city walls, rendering the illusions of any trespa.s.sers useless. On the top of the hulking Mage Tower, sentries change s.h.i.+fts every 24 hours and keep watch round the clock.
But, it’s a pity that the legendary unique Sewage Cloak changes one’s physical form, causing the user’s very cells and body structure to become that of a rat. This isn’t something that the 6-circle Detection Magic could notice. Very possibly, the only way to tell the difference between him and a rat is through checking his soul.
As expected, despite numerous rays of light sweeping past him, there was no reaction at all.
However, the animals guarding the jail noticed this invader.
“AHA, look at my rat karate! You bunch of rookies aren’t even equal to my four turtle students! To think you would dare to challenge this old man here, you all are courting death!”
After transmogrifying, the Beast Tamer’s natural aura which makes animals feel intimate with him has been rendered ineffective. Facing a powerful enemy, the rat actually stands up on its hind legs and performs a set of elegant martial arts moves.
After a series of fist-throwing and leg-kicking, the cats and dogs who came a.s.saulting him were all knocked faint-headed. One pitiful eagle even lost over half of its feathers, making it resemble a chicken with hair loss problems. But, what was most surprising of all is that none of the animals were injured even in the slightest.
As he advances ahead, he deals promptly with whatever is sent his way. Nothing could stop his steps. Very quickly, he found his objective.
“…That DaVinci, his face was red like an apple after hearing our songs. What, he’s not called DaVinci? Oh, I think I recall it, he’s called Darwin right? That’s not it? Hmph, who cares what he is called. Anyway, he’s just a foolish emperor who’s jealous of the capable. Right, let us toast to the generosity of that foolish king.”
“Toast to the generosity of that foolish emperor! I remember that he seems to be called Uncle Dawen?”
“Cheers! Who cares what he is called. Say, despite scolding him so harshly, he still sent good food and drinks down here to us, don’t you all think that he might actually like being insulted?”
“Hah, well-said! To the Darwin who likes being insulted, cheers!”
Darsos kindly ordered for better treatment for these few ‘political criminals’. But, it seems that they didn’t appreciate his kind will. Despite receiving good meat and good beer, they still insulted him as they pleased.
As their beer mugs clash together, the beer froth carrying the rich scent of the beer splatters on the floor, causing a series of sighs and salivation from the other prisoners. But, no one dares say anything about it.
When they just entered, the other prisoners wanted to make use of that opportunity to threaten these short fellows to hand over their rations. However, after a ‘friendly interaction’, they quickly understood that these short fellows aren’t to be trifled with.
However, the appearance of a black rat caused the pa.s.sionate scene to abruptly halt for a split moment. Then, the three of them silently finished their beer before lying down to sleep.
But, by Hoyle ears, a secret communication is currently going on.
“Has the date been confirmed?”
“The date of the inauguration of that foolish emperor? Indeed, a large portion of their manpower should be on standby during the inauguration ceremony. We could make use of that opportunity to cause a big mess.”
“Is this the remote control for our Roland No.88? Hah, with this, we can directly demolish the walls to escape.”
“Is this the meeting point after the escape? You all sure have it planned out properly. Lowens? Oh, that gray-haired s.h.i.+eld Dwarf. I get it, we’ll bring him out along with us.”
“The codeword is ‘Transformers, roll out!’. I really don’t get that codeword. However, as soon as we hear this codeword, we will make sure to cause a great mess.”
“Hehe, this time, we have to make that foolish Emperor know that even an old dog has fangs. Dwarves may be short but if you force us into a corner, we can still jump up to smash his knee!”
———-
【Pale Justice】
【Attack Power: 20-25. Tier: Epic (Superior)】
【Two-handed Sword
Prerequisite: Strength 12+, Holy Knight Job】
【Ultimate Sacred Flames: Deal additional 30 Silver Inferno damage to Chaos lifeforms. To normal lifeforms, deal additional 5 Silver Inferno damage.】
【Perfect Courage: Immunity to all fear-related magic, death-related magic, race talents and abilities. The wielder will always be in a state of high morale. This effect can be shared with 3 party members.】
【High Tier Protection from Evil: The damage dealt from Chaos lifeforms will be reduced by 10 points.】
【The Judgement of Justice: Activate the Soul Gemstone’s judgement ability. When this sacred sword strikes on a Chaos being, the target will be forced to undergo Judgement. If the target fails to pa.s.s the Judgement, the target will be directly destroyed thoroughly. Duration: 10 minutes. This ability can be used 3 times daily.】
Before me, the silver sacred sword emits a very slight silver light that comprise the Holy Light of Order. After receiving the original body of the sword, the sacred sword finally reverts back to its original form.
Although this Sacred Sword is still unable to reach Legend-tier, as long as it is facing Chaos lifeforms such as Undeads and Demons, it would have the might equivalent to a G.o.d Equipment. Of course, if the other party is just an ordinary human, then this would just be like any other Elite-tier weapon.
I can already foresee that among the enemies I would face, Undeads and Demons will not be lacking, so I am still quite satisfied with it personally. But, it is a pity that the enemies I am facing now do not fall under such category.
“Darn it! Why would there be Fishmen in the river! Sea Beasts as well!”
Diving alone, I had intended to check on the underwater base, but I didn’t expect to meet enemies on the way.
If it wasn’t for the timely reminder from the cat, a hole might have been opened up in my body by the bone spikes created from the bones of a whale.
But right now, whether it’s above or below me, weapon-wielding Fishmen surround me. Not to mention, Demon Sharks who are circling in the water around me. Behind the Demon Sharks, there are two medium-sized Water Elementals who are preparing their magic spells. Very possibly, I might have caught the attention of these Seafolks the moment I dived into the river. Unknowingly, I walked into a trap prepared by the other party and fell into a desperate situation.
“Could it be that the Auland Empire has bribed the Sea Tribesmen to guard their water territory? No, that’s definitely impossible. The Sea Tribesmen would never listen to the commands of the humans. Then, it must be Aylos! Yes, that’s the only possibility.”
The Ancient Water Elemental G.o.ddess Aylos, the wife of the legendary Ancient Sea G.o.d Sidunwar. Going by seniority, she is the ancestor of the current generation’s Sea G.o.ddess Oswell.
Just like the unfortunate Fire Elemental G.o.d Arolaweiss, she was sealed on a certain island but looking at the rate of the Elemental Tide, it is apparent that she has been released.
The only one s who could achieve such a feat are probably the Seafolk.
In the ‘Whispers of the Demons’, the different countries will suffer the invasion of the tribes and Elementals under the command of the Ancient Elemental G.o.ds. Looking at the present situation, it seems that the enemy that the Auland Empire would face is the Elemental Water G.o.ddess Aylos.
“There should be 2 more years before the Elemental Catastrophe. I don’t think there is this part in ‘history’. Forget it, let me first settle the situation here and think of a solution later after I return.”
The Mermen, whose mouths open widely as they stare at me hungrily, aren’t anxious at all. They circle around me slowly, throwing their spears from time to time to taunt me. They were still taking their time to start the final showdown. Their tactics bore striking resemblance to a pack of wild wolves hunting down a cow, patiently waiting for their prey to show weariness and a flaw in their defense to exploit.
The silver sacred sword can’t be used underwater. But, from the previous crossing of blows, it seems that my physical ability isn’t even a third of what it is on land. Furthermore, if I were to fight with my full strength, I would definitely run out of breath. If I don’t quickly think of a way to get to the surface to catch my breath, I might just die a ridiculous death.
But, if I were to try to escape forcefully and expose gap in my defenses, then in that instant, the whale fish thorns that is attached to steel chains would be thrown towards me, immobilising me.
Imagining the sight of over a dozen of fish bones and fish spears protruding from my body, I couldn’t help but s.h.i.+ver. No matter how I look at it, fighting with the Sea Tribe physically underwater is a foolish decision.
“Looks like I can only try using that trump card of mine.”
Thus, I keep my longsword and smile towards the Mermen, who narrow the encirclement on the prey whom they thought have given up hope.
“Sinful Devil G.o.d Form!”
Bottomless magic power goes berserk. My Chaos Bloodline creates a streak of blue lightning which rampages in my veins. A scorching volcanic layer starts to emerge on top of my white and smooth skin and the fresh blood that flows from it causes the water in the surroundings to boil. The blue lightning gathers in my blue eyes as mystical magic tattoos appear on my hands and chest.
At this moment, the Queen of Banshees has already turned into a pitch black magic sword, augmenting my magic power. The Power of Ice shrouding the sword causes the water in contact with it to solidify.
“Ring of Ice!”
The moment my hand clasp together, Power of Ice bursts outward from me. Under the augmentation of my Chaos Bloodline, my original limit of a 15 meters radius for Ice Ring increases multiple times over.
Below the water, a flower of ice blooms from me, who is at the core of the flower. The crystallisation of ice underwater starts to creep further and any Seafolks who come into contact with the ice would be glued to it and be frozen.
“Frozen Breath!”
The 2-circle Ice Breath has evolved into the even deadlier Frozen Breath. Creeping along the frozen ice, the Frozen Air caused the temperature of the water to plummet furiously and in a few seconds, the eyes of those struggling Mermen roll backward and they died from hypothermia.
Even those Water Elemental who are in close proximity start to freeze and crack. This shocking sight causes the Seafolks by the side to quickly retreat.
As for me, I didn’t have the leisure to appreciate my own own art work. My skills with Elemental Magic are too lacking. Even with the augmentation from my Chaos Bloodline, I still had to chant incantations to sustain my spells. The moment I opened my mouth…
“Cough cough… cough cough…”
The moment I climbed onto sh.o.r.e, I felt like my entire throat was spasming as I coughed relentless, almost forcefully removing all of my stomach fluids.
“Cough cough, I drank too much water… I almost died like that. It would be really embarra.s.sing if I died like that.”
“Dang!”
A fish bone comes smas.h.i.+ng onto my back with great force. Although I feel a sharp pain on my back, the whale bone spike fractures into two instantly. The ability, t.i.tan Body, is like wearing a formless armor. Also, the spears of the Fishmen aren’t as deadly as they are underwater.
The moment I turn and stare furiously at the Fishmen who were on the surface of the river, they immediately dive downwards back into the water, intimidated by the fact of how their weapons were ineffective.
The weakness I feel after transforming makes me feel inexplicably uncomfortable and the river water that I drank makes me feel disgusted and nauseated. It took me quite a moment before I recovered. But, at this moment, I realised that a greater trouble awaits me.
The Sinful Devil G.o.d Form made me expand physically several times over, and the burning lava that appeared on my skin wasn’t just for show. Not to mention, the destruction that my ice magic bore towards my clothes, so…
“All of my clothes have been destroyed! I’m not Xueti! It can’t be that I have to run back nude?”
Yes, at this moment, I can’t be any more envious of those mystical superheroes of my previous life. I have no idea how they could walk out of an intense battle with their clothes intact. What’s even more enviable are those who are still clothed after transforming to a.s.sume a bigger form, especially a certain green giant who can turn into a two to three meter tall muscle tank out of the blue with his boxers still remaining intact.
After a period of silence, I finally squeeze out a completely indecent question.
“Harloys, can you transform?”
“Go and die! If you make me transform, I will turn into a sharp pair of scissors and turn you into an eunuch!”
Alright, considering how it was very possible for Harloys to realise her threat, for the safety of my little brother, I gave up this wonderful idea after much consideration.
In the end, I thought of another alternative idea, a solution that wasn’t really a solution. A method that could lower the embarra.s.sment level of the situation to the lowest…
Half an hour later, a black carriage by the river embankment is halted by a cute little child.
The little boy is dripping with water and clothed only by a leaf covering his nether regions. Even so, he is carrying a gigantic silver sword.
“That, uncle, can you give me a ride? The weather was scorching, so I went for a dive. But, the tide suddenly rose and my clothes got washed away. Can you bring me to the Church of the G.o.d of Law?”
Carrying a gigantic sword with one hand while the other covers my nether regions, even without looking in the mirror, I can judge from the burning sensation on my face that a bright red glow must be plastered over my entire face. If it wasn’t for that, fainting would be more embarra.s.sing, I would really want to collapse and never wake up again.
“Puuu!” At that moment, a certain princess stretches her hand from the carriage, she bursts into laughter.
“Hehe! Roland, seeing you in this state reminds me of how you were when you were small. You were also just as cheeky and loved playing in the water. Do you still remember the days when Big Sister Kelly helped you to bathe when you were younger? Back then, you were also completely nude like that.”
That Kelly who is chuckling beneath her hands, that is enough of you. Since you called yourself an elder sister, then you should know what indecent a.s.sault is. Stop looking at the lower regions.
“Of course you can! Rolo, come and let Momo hug you!”
Someone, control this salivating lifeform! Stop touching about! Hey, you are not allowed to touch there! You are not allowed to flick and even more so, pull! Even a small little kid has his own pride!
“Lord, so the important thing that you were talking about was to go skinny dipping in the summer. Although I don’t want to be always preaching to you, it is best for you to wear something the next time. Also, as expected of the core member of the Gentlemen Alliance.”
Alright, Diana, you’ve won. As long as you stop peeking, I will admit to anything you say. I won’t retort to you saying gentlemen or anything else.
Only at this moment did I clearly see the insignia of the Mist on the carriage. After waiting for 2 and a half hour, when my head was already giddy from being basked under the blazing sun, I just had to meet with Reyne and gang who were returning from a trip outdoor. Obviously, it is another crime committed by the Star of Misfortune Aura.
“Misfortune!! To actually cause me to run nude! Darned Seafolks, I will never forgive you all!”
“AHA, look at my rat karate! You bunch of rookies aren’t even equal to my 4 turtle students! To think you would dare to challenge this old man here, you all are simply courting death!”
TL: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles~ (d.a.m.n I loved that show)
Clarification of terminology
The general word to describe intelligent beings living underwater is Seafolks
The general word to describe unintelligent beings living underwater is Sea Monsters
Sea Beasts probably refers to tamed monsters by the Seafolks
Fishmen probably refers to fish body and human legs (Can’t be sure) and they are different from Mermen (or Mermaid)