Ch. 421..430

Chapter 421

Outside the city walls, before the invasion began, dozens and dozens of armed warriors and mages waited in the dark Silk Woods outside of Gilga. They stayed to the southwest, the nearest area to their point of invasion. The advanced group of three syndicate regents had already set out to stealthy blow a hole in the city wall. All those forces had to do was wait for the hole to be made before they could charge through the open fields and into the Leisure Guild.

Leading that groups were all remaining syndicate regents and a couple of dozen syndicate chiefs over lv. 60.

Hidden outside of those forces were three people. Those three were the calmest of all invaders and the most confident in their abilities. They were fully equipped and waiting for the moment that they would enter the battlefield.

"How long do you think this will take?" one of those men asked.

"Vladdy, there’s no need to assume it so easy," another replied.

Glaring angrily at the man that replied, Vlad stated, "You know I don’t like being called that, Ollan."

"Why are you so embarrassed? You’re the one who chose the name "Hardy_Vladdy", so man up and work harder, Vladdy," the third person laughed. "Maybe then we’ll finish up quickly and get some sleep."

"Jeara!"

"Calm down, Vlad. If you get too riled up too quickly, then it will only cause you problems on the battlefield," stated Ollan, perfectly calm.

"Hmm..." Vlad clicked his tongue. "Either way, let’s hurry up and get this over with. Otherwise, we won’t be able to sleep before the next dungeon run.

"Yeah, Vladdy’s got a point, Ollan," added Jeara. "Can’t we just charge in, us three? That would be quicker."

"Do you think the Legend of Trodar can be defeated so simply?" questioned Ollan, silencing both Vlad and Jeara. "Sure, he may not have his past level for some reason, but he was known for his tenacious tricks and strange tactics. I’m sure that this invasion won’t go smoothly. Wouldn’t you rather the fodder handle the surprise and learn from their failures?"

"Well... When you put it that way, I guess it makes sense... I just hope that happens sooner than later. If not, how will Vladdy be able to contain himself?"

"Enough of that!" Vlad complained, elbowing Jeara in the chest.

"Hey, if you’re trying to get physical with a lady, then at least say it. Otherwise, you’re just a creep afraid of women," Jeara joked, nudging Vlad’s elbow away.

"It’s starting."

As Ollan announced the initial attack, Vlad and Jeara both refocused on the city in the distance.

Right on cue, dark black clouds rolled in over the Leisure Guild almost instantaneously. Pestro’s voice echoed, hardly audible to the far-off trio. Then, a portion of the city wall exploded in a roaring fire. Finally, the invasion was underway.

All of those syndicate members lying in wait ran out of the Silk Woods. Their target was blown wide open and practically asking to be invaded.

But as those invading forces were charging through the field, another explosion happened. They saw the rest of that portion of the city wall and the attached building be blown apart as something huge rushed out of the ground. Then, what was huge became massive. What was massive become colossal. And what was colossal became unfathomable.

That invading army of hundreds of warriors and mages all gasped that gargantuan beast looked straight at the. The beast then climbed out fully, protecting the hole in the wall with the back portion of his body.

Suddenly, that beast spoke, shouting, "All who dare invade shall perish!"

All eyes were open wide in shock and all spines were tingling at the shocking reveal of such a beast. And the fact that the beast’s level was hidden to them only made things worse.

And just when they thought things were out of hand, they saw a four-legged beast hop onto Dragov’s back. Compared to the towering centipede, the fox felt inconsequential. But their eyes almost fell from their sockets when that fox also began to grow larger than the city wall and was bathed in white-hot flames.

They all knew what sort of beast that was. And to face a Hell-flame Fox along with that fearsome centipede was beyond all of their expectations.

But as the army froze in fear, three figured jumped into action. Those three charged past the army and rushed toward the centipede and the fox.

Feeling a sense of relief, the army shouted for joy and followed those three into battle.

"Uh, uh, uh..."

A new voice suddenly echoed across the battlefield. It originated from in between the colossal centipede and the massive fox. That’s was when the invaders spotted a single man casually walking out toward the army.

While the army didn’t think much of the man, those three leading the charge felt their hearts sink to the bottom of their stomachs.

Only after getting closer did the rest of the army finally recognize the man, throwing them back into the woes of terror. How could they not recognize the skeletal armor and the crudely designed black blade that particular berserker used? And how could they not feel absolutely terrified to see their former champion siding with two of the most terrifying beasts they’d seen.

"You?!" In shock, Ollan rerouted himself and dashed toward his former training partner. "You’re still alive?!"

"Very much so. In fact, I’m more lively than ever!" Hadurt chuckled, rocketing himself toward Ollan with a powerful leap.

"Vlad, you’re with me!" Ollan shouted, immediately restrategizing. "Jeara, try to control that centipede!"

"You got it!" the powerful woman dashed toward the towering centipede, leading half of the invading army with her.

"Hadurt, why are you--"

"Vlad, there’s no time to chat with your enemy," Ollan added while jumping back from Hadurt’s strike, "not when he’s that much stronger than you."

Hadurt’s blade cleaved the earth easily, making a fifty-meter crevice. Chuckling, Hadurt stated, "Oh, you remember me so well, Ollan. I’m flattered, really. And make sure you try harder, Vladdy, otherwise, you won’t be any fun for me."

"You--"

"Vlad, you’re on defense and I’m on offense! That’s the only way to contain Hadurt!" shouted Ollan, not hesitating at all.

"Not a bad plan... Have the lv. 85 berserker on the attack while the lv. 83 paladin defends to keep the berserker alive. Not bad at all," Hadurt stated with a smile. Then, Hadurt pointed at the centipede and added, "Too bad you can do that against him."

"Why do you say that?" Ollan inquired, trying to get as much information from the talkative tractor as possible.

"Let’s just say that beast is a boss on his own. And let’s not forget Bowzer," Hadurt chuckled, now pointing his sword at the fox who had charged into the remaining portion of the army. "You’ll have to manage your troops better than that. Otherwise, that centipede will stomp you out and that fox will reduce your forces to cinders."

Eyeing Hadurt and taking deep, fuming hot breaths, Vlad shouted a question, "Why are you with them?! What could they possibly offer you?!"

With a sigh and a wry smile, Hadurt replied, "Something that you never could and something that you three were never privy to learn... Unlike you guys, I’ll soon ascend."

"Are you nuts?!" Vlad chuckled and gave Hadurt a mocking look. "We’ll become gods soon enough, now get back on the side you belong."

"I’ve already chosen my side and I stand by it. They’re more honest and open, confirming the truth that I learned long ago," replied Hadurt. "If you want, we can chat for a bit but I’m sure Jeara would like to join that conversation as well. Too bad she’s busy."

Hadurt shrugged and looked to Ollan while adding, "So, will we talk or duke it out? Take your pick before my blade gets antsy."

 

Chapter 422

Ollan was speechless. Though he was extremely interested in learning about Hadurt’s reasoning and logic, Ollan didn’t see that battlefield as a fitting place for such a discussion.

Vlad was furious. He was a former, low-level ancient hero that got picked up and trained by the syndicate. Everything he had was thanks to the syndicate and his half-century of service was almost up. Soon, he along with his comrades would ascend, yet the leader he had admired now abandoned them.

"Any more questions?" Hadurt asked, casually readying his weapon. "Going once... Going twice..."

"Those behind me, split up! Half of you face the fox while the other half form a new hole and breach the guild!" Ollan shouted into a guild contact crystal, making sure his forces weren’t unorganized. "According to record, that fox shouldn’t be anywhere near your level. Avoid his flames and play it safe!"

As Ollan stored the contact crystal, Hadurt nodded. "Anything else?"

Determining his mindset, Ollan steadied his gaze on Hadurt. "No. It’s time we speak with our blades. I still consider it an honor, and though I would’ve preferred to surpass you on my own I’ll accept your defeat with Vlad’s help. It’s better than you dying against the holy champion."

"Well said... Now, are you coming to me or would you rather I shatter your formation first?" Hadurt confidently asked, as if he couldn’t be bothered to go all out from the get-go.

"Alright, then here we come."

Both Ollan and Vlad charged toward the former chaotic champion, fully decided on slaying him. Ollan kept the lead, swinging his greatsword with dark demonic energy bursting out of the blade.

As the attack slammed down on Hadurt, the former champion took it head-on. Hadurt was a bit surprised to find the ground beneath him break apart on the impact. He chuckled and asked, "Is that Pestro’s blessing? I guess they didn’t mourn for me after all."

Swatting Ollan’s halted attack away, Hadurt swung back to find Vlad intercepting and shielding Ollan. The paladin would then attack while Ollan came from above with a second attack.

Smiling wide, Hadurt sidestepped Vlad’s attack and parried Ollan’s. It was a one-two combo that proved quite efficient, even against the lv. 88 former champion.

"See, the only combos you know are the ones I taught you,’ mocked Hadurt. "If you can’t come up with anything else, you’ll never do me in without help from Jeara. Oh wait, she’s too busy being swatted away by Dragov to help you create any openings."

Both Ollan and Vlad remained silent, one becoming more serious and the other growing too livid to express in words. They channeled those feelings into the fight, keeping themselves fully alert and prepared to risk it all against their strongest opponent to date.

Like Hadurt had joked, Jeara was far off trying to confront and control the colossal centipede. But no matter what she tried, the beast’s size and strength were too much for her to remain rooted to the ground. Jeara’s level was high enough to keep the damage minimal, many thanks to her knight class, but it didn’t mean she could control the centipede’s movements all on her own.

Many members of the army following her were getting launched back with many of the weaker members of the army dying instantly. It proved that the centipede was not only massive but that its hidden level could rival even Jeara.

Only a few people were managing to sneak around Dragov and enter the guild grounds while the others were awaiting a possible massacre.

The third portion of the battlefield was enacting Ollan’s orders, splitting up in two. One half charged toward an unguarded portion of the wall while the other contended with the Hell-flame Fox.

Bowzer was fighting in an unusual fashion compared to his past self. He remained fierce but more controlled. The fox made sure to avoid more attacks and almost act like a decoy rather than attack like an enraged bull. With the level difference, Bowzer was more focused on a battle of attrition and picking off people slowly than trying to take on the collective all at once. It showed his ability to mature in battle and showed that his seriousness for growing stronger was at a new level.

A great thing to happen was that Bowzer and Jack had already reached lv. 50 because of Dragov slaughtering the three syndicate regents that blew apart the wall at the beginning. And the more fodder that was thrown at Dragov and the longer the battle, the higher their level would grow.

Further to the north of that same western field, two gods were staring each other down. Pestro remained seated on his giant fiend while Eedaj floated in the air over a dozen meters away. Neither seemed willing to fight but both were ready to act on a moment’s notice.

’Eedaj!’ Jack called out telepathically. ’Rikko’s here and he said he’ll help you but wasn’t specific as to how.’

Grateful to hear that, Eedaj replied, ’Good, that makes things much safer for us.’

’Also, Pestro doesn’t have his halberd anymore.’

’What?’ Eedaj asked, startled.

Jack confirmed his prior statement. ’Rikko stole it and I’m not sure that Pestro even knows that yet.’

’Oh... That makes things a bit easier...’

Curious, Jack asked, ’Eedaj, why are you so cautious around Pestro?’

’His level is much better than mine, that’s why,’ answered Eedaj. ’I’m only lv. 93 while Pestro is lv. 95. And though Rikko’s help is appreciated, he’s only lv. 91. Together, we should be able to keep Pestro from going crazy. The question is, what is Rikko up to...’

’Either way, I’ve told you all I know and have to get back to the battle at hand. Good luck!’ Jack added, not wanting to distract Eedaj too much.

Eedaj kept staring at Pestro, meditating over what Rikko may be up to and how Eedaj should try to play along. Finally, Eedaj asked the Demon God, "So, why has the ugliest being of Kartonia decided to scare the world again and show his face?"

"Very funny... Are you so sure you want to piss me off?" questioned Pestro. "I’m sure to be more than you can handle."

"That so? Then why aren’t getting off your fat butt? Are you afraid to become retarded?"

"Eedaj, you and I both know that I’m stronger, so why are you trying to play these mind games."

"If that’s so, then prove it. How about we exchange a single blow. I’m sure we can act accordingly after that."

Staring back at Eedaj, Pestro’s lips curled up into a cruel smile. At the same time, the giant fiend began to slowly descend with Eedaj following. Once they were grounded, Pestro finally got up and jumped to the ground. "Let me guess, Konbel is hiding inside the guild?"

"She’ll only remain in hiding if your fiend doesn’t try anything in the city. Otherwise, she’ll leave you with no way to return or escape," answered Eedaj.

"Very well." Pestro softly slapped the side of the giant fiend.

With some soft wails and screeches, the fiend flapped its wings and flew to the western edge of that field. It made sure to stay as far from the battle as possible while keeping close enough to dash in and help if called.

"Now, shall we get on with it?" Eedaj asked as he took out a staff made of pitch-black wood with the reddest of all rubies embedded at the staff’s head.

Pestro scoffed, "You asked for this..."

Suddenly, the proud, confident glare of Pestro’s rescinded. The Demon God snarled angrily out of reflex, struggling to hide his anger from the Mind God.

"What’s wrong? Did you change your mind?"

Pestro didn’t answer. Instead, he thought back to the last moment he used the Halberd.

"RIKKO!"

 

Chapter 423

"RIKKO!"

The god’s raging shout shook the ground and reached the distant battlefields. Pestro’s fury was at an all-time high, at a peak it had never reached before. Demonic energy began to swirl and dance over Pestro, beginning the god’s demonization. A black greatsword appeared in the Demon God’s hands, a larger version of the same crudely designed sword in Hadurt’s hands.

"Oh? No halberd?" Eedaj lifted an eyebrow and stared curiously at Pestro, feigning ignorance.

"So? Would I even need my personal weapon to kill a god two levels below my own?!" shouted Pestro.

"Interesting... That blade is eerily similar to Hadurt’s legendary weapon. Is it a larger version, perhaps?"

Squinting, Pestro asked, "How do you know about Hadurt’s weapon?"

"Because I’ve seen him use it. I fact, he’s wielding it right now." Eedaj pointed to the far-away battlefield, making sure Pestro spotted the berserker clad in the legendary skeletal armor.

"WHAT?!" Instantly spotting the former chaotic champion, Pestro’s record-breaking rage raised even higher. "That fool is still alive?! And he’s betrayed us?! He’ll die today..."

"I doubt that..." added Eedaj with a slight smile, grabbing Pestro’s attention once again. "You’ll be too busy with me to worry about him. And since you decided to use a legendary weapon and not your personal halberd, you’ll find this match far more difficult now..."

"Then let’s get this over with! I need to hurry up and skin that traitor alive!"

Jumping forward, Pestro completed his demonization and lunged his greatsword in a downward arch. The Demon God attempted to cleave the Mind God in two.

However, it obviously wouldn’t happen so easily.

Eedaj gathered black and red energy around his staff. Darkness began to gather around the dueling gods, hindering Pestro’s sight as his sword cleaved the ground and not Eedaj.

"I can still smell you!"

Snorting, Pestro hurled his next attack right at the evasive Mind God, undeterred by the five-hundred-meter cloud of darkness engulfing them.

Rather than dodge, Eedaj this time hurled the flames he had gathered around his staff. Numerous fireballs were launched, some aiming for Pestro and some dotting the battlefield where they fought.

The Demon God sliced through the first fireball only to learn that it was an illusion but the second fireball was real, as well as the third. And by the time Pestro had destroyed the incoming fireballs, Eedaj had already repositioned himself elsewhere.

Both gods paused briefly. They each quickly assessed their foe.

Eedaj was able to gauge the difference in strength between Pestro’s personal weapon and the legendary weapon he currently wielded. The difference wasn’t enough to make the duel easy for the Mind God, but it was enough to keep the Demon God at a more even playing field with Eedaj.

Pestro wouldn’t admit it but he admired Eedaj’s battle strategy. He knew about the Mind God’s powerful illusions and understood that Eedaj would go for a battle of attrition. By mixing illusions with flames it would allow Eedaj a strategic advantage, forcing Pestro to waste more mana to verify which attack was true and which was false. Such a strategy could devastate any opponent if it wasn’t countered sooner than later.

Once that brief pause ended, Pestro then took out a second long, black greatsword. Dual-wielding those crude blades, Pestro readied himself to face the illusions as quickly as possible.

Smiling, Eedaj understood that tactic and obliged by hurling more fireballs at the Demon God.

One-by-one, those fireballs were torn asunder. It didn’t matter whether they were real or illusory. Pestro cleaved them all effortlessly as he raced toward Eedaj. But the Demon God suddenly felt a powerful heatwave coming at him. It was like the rest of the fireballs, only the nearest fireball he could see was still a few meters away.

With a swing of a sword, Pestro chuckled, "Not only can you create illusions of flames, you can remove flames from my vision while hurling them at me... That’s a terrifying ability."

"Yet here you are cutting even the invisible fireballs in half. Isn’t that scarier?" argued Eedaj, laughing as well.

"I guess we’ll find out now!" roared Pestro, slicing through the other fireballs and chasing after Eedaj.

Neither god backed down or held back. The battlefield beneath their feet was being shredded and decimated, although Eedaj simply floated over it, undeterred. As for Pestro, he trotted over the ground either way, unaffected by the ever-changing landscape and only altering his course to avoid illusory flames that Eedaj had hidden in the darkness.

*****

Standing atop the city wall, Jack was invisible with his low-level bracer equipped. He watched as a quarter of the army was heading his way, ignoring those that managed to get past Dragov.

Now being lv. 50, Jack felt a bit more confident, especially as he was about to reach lv. 51 thanks to Dragov and Bowzer. With that in mind, Jack took out an item he had been dying to use.

It was a summoning amulet. A while back, Jack had purchased that amulet during the annual auction and now he could finally use after passing lv. 50.

Unlike the common mages of Modern Kartonia, Jack had memorized most of the written ancient language that existed before Ancient Kartonia. It was used for writing magic circles, ancient pacts, and just about everything with magical writing. Modern Kartonia had its own version of the language which was just as effective but very different after going through so many updates. But it was because of that difference in language that Jack had stolen that summoning amulet for a pittance.

Able to finally cast it, Jack giddily activated the summoning amulet and stored the low-level bracer. Though the incoming army spotted him, Jack didn’t care. He was far too excited to finally summon a beast that even he knew little about.

Dazzling purple energy glittered the amulet’s lettering, growing brighter and brighter. It then shredded itself apart as the amulet was overflowing with spatial energy.

Jack and the incoming army watched as a flash of purple light filled their vision momentarily, but not enough to blind them. However, that purple energy didn’t fade. Instead, it reformed and started to take a new shape. While Jack watched in awe, the army watched in caution as that form became more beastly.

The purple light finally faded away, but only after it took the form of a fifteen-meter tall beast. It had long wings and glistening faint-purple scales, as well as two hind legs and two forelegs, each with five claws that made razors look dull. A crown of sharp horns wrapped around the beast’s head, alternating between long and short for an imperial feel. Its eyes, however, felt more human than beastly, making it more mysterious and ominous along with it’s shorter face and small but jagged teeth.

That army almost halted their charge out of surprise and confusion. Unlike the other two beasts, this one was entirely foreign to them. They had learned all about dragons thanks to the syndicate but there was no record of that mysterious purple dragon before them.

That beast then blinked, finally able to move and breathe. It sighed, enjoying its first breath after being unsealed. Then, it examined its surroundings, spotting the army and then Jack.

"Are you the one who summoned me?" The dragon’s voice wasn’t harsh but it wasn’t friendly either.

"No, I’m the one that freed you. I’m Jack, what’s your name?"

"Hmmm... You’re an interesting adventurer, Jack," replied the dragon, continuing to speak telepathically. "What do you mean by freeing me?"

Jack answered, "I mean just that. I want to free you and help you reclaim your rightful spot on top of the food chain."

"Reclaim?"

"If I’m not mistaken, you’re kind doesn’t exist anymore. You are a Spectral Dragon, right?"

Chapter 424

"You are a Spectral Dragon, right?"

Nodding, the dragon replied, "You’re correct, but what do you mean my kind is extinct? We reigned over the world. Even when I was captured, we still were the supreme beings."

Trying to gauge how long the dragon had been sealed in that amulet, Jack asked, "Do you know about the gods?"

"Of course," replied the dragon. "The unstoppable duo of Skaryn and Halmut finally ascended, becoming the first two beings to ever reach godhood."

Taking in that statement, Jack didn’t know what to think, let alone how to reply. "Umm... We’ll talk more later about that but... Can I ask for your help at the moment? Once we deal with that army we can talk and I can fill you in on the thousands of years that you’ve missed."

"Thousands of years?! What do you mean?!" shouted the dragon.

"What’s your name?" Jack asked, not shying away from the dragon’s anger.

"... You may call me Karronteel," after a pause the dragon answered.

"Well, Karronteel, can we ally at least temporarily while we handle them?" Jack pointed to the incoming invaders.

"So long as you answer all my questions... I’ll consider a momentary alliance." Turning away from Jack, the dragon looked to the incoming army while asking, "Should a few slip through, is that a problem?"

"Considering our levels, I think that’s only natural," Jack chuckled, spotting the dragon’s unhidden strength at lv. 54.

"Very well..."

The dragon’s wings shot open wide as he stared down the army, which didn’t back down as they too could see that the dragon’s level was only 54. But that didn’t stop Karronteel from opening his jaws and spewing a breath attack of pure spatial energy.

That attack was unlike anything the invaders could’ve expected, instantly shredding through all unprepared lv. 50’s that failed to evade the attack.

Immediately, the army took the mysterious dragon more seriously. And when the dragon threw itself into the army, they all launched full-power attacks to slay the beast.

But, apart from the mages’ magic attacks, all other attacks connected with the dragon but phased through it. Their weapons were still visible while they went through the dragon, as if the beast’s physical body had somehow become ethereal. And, on top of that, all magic attacks were either repelled or evaded by the dragon’s sudden teleportation to the rear of the army.

Again, the dragon spewed a spatial breath attack that caught the army off guard, killing dozens of lv. 50’s and heavily injuring many lv. 60’s.

The few syndicate regents managed to defend the blow with their superior levels but they were completely baffled by that dragon’s strange abilities. Fighting a dragon, even at lv. 54, wasn’t easy. Adding teleportation and that ethereal ability that made it immune to physical attacks just made facing that mysterious dragon far more difficult than any other dragon species they could imagine.

Admiring the abilities of the Spectral Dragon, Jack sighed. He watched as the army reorganized and changed their strategy.

Since all lv. 50’s would just be fodder for the dragon, they separated and charged toward Jack on top of the wall. The lv. 60’ss and lv. 70’s stayed behind to keep the dragon at bay with a better understanding of the strange dragon’s abilities.

Not wanting to seem weak in front of Karronteel, Jack hopped off the city wall. The moment Jack touched the ground, his form altered and flames exploded from his body. That newly formed flame body rivaled the city wall in height and two wings spread out. Not giving the nearby invaders even a second to take in Jack’s transformation, Jack rocketed into the center of those couple of dozen lv. 50’s.

Before the syndicate members knew it, flaming waves of wind energy had decapitated almost half a dozen of them and Jack was launching his next flurry of attacks.

Mages launched all sorts of spells at Jack, particularly water spells from those that had water type magic. Warriors threw themselves into Jack with their strong armor and near reckless abandon, attempting to slow Jack down.

Sadly, Jack didn’t stay in one place at all. Mixing his Minokawa-like speed with the Sudden Death skill made catching Jack nigh impossible in close-combat. Another barrage of flaming wind blades decimated another half dozen syndicate members as they scrambled to contain Jack.

After the second attack, Jack backed off for a moment. He kept his eye on Hadurt’s battle. Trying to think of how to get to Hadurt, Jack shouted, "Karronteel, keep these guys busy for a second while I deliver something."

Rather than reply verbally, the Spectral Dragon nodded and vanished from where he stood. Appearing out of thin air behind Jack, Karronteel prepared his spectral breath for the remaining lv. 50’s who turned to retreat toward their stronger comrades.

Taking that as the dragon’s response, Jack threw himself through the air. With his incredible speed, he neared Hadurt’s battlefield in a few seconds.

"Hadurt!"

Hearing Jack’s shout, Hadurt jumped back toward the incoming Jack, still on guard against the two men he faced.

Since those two also spotted Jack, they changed tactics. While Vlad rushed toward Hadurt, Ollan charged Jack. Each launched their own attack, one hitting a well-defended target while the other found their target unhittable.

Again, mixing Sudden Death with the Minokawa’s speed made Jack extremely difficult to hit. And since it was Ollan’s first time experiencing it, the berserker failed to hit his target. However, as soon as Jack appeared beside Hadurt, he turned tail and flew off as quickly as he had arrived. Both Vlad and Ollan were curious as to what just happened, especially when they spotted Hadurt’s crazed smile.

Returning to his own battlefield, Jack saw all of his former opponents be shredded apart molecule by molecule from Karronteel’s spectral breath. And as soon as they were killed, the dragon rushed back to the other invaders without batting an eye.

"Karronteel, do you ned any--"

"I require no assistance, Jack. Should you be needed elsewhere, then we’ll reunite afterward for your questioning," Karronteel stated, declaring his confidence for the entire battlefield to hear.

Not wanting to get on the bad side of a Spectral Dragon, Jack rushed off toward Bowzer’s battlefield.

Far-off to the north, the two gods continued their duel.

Tired of that darkness and his inability to see the other battles, Pestro took in a deep breath and roared at the top of his lungs. The darkness surrounding them dispersed, forcibly broken up by Pestro’s intense yell.

When the smoke cleared, both Eedaj and Pestro got a good view of the other battlefields. Everything was as they had expected, all except for a single fight that rose up while they were blinded.

"That... " Spotting Karronteel, Pestro was completely shaken. The confident Demon God was at a loss for words as his eyes were glued to the sight of the Spectral Dragon.

Eedaj was also startled by the dragon’s appearance. It was something far beyond his calculations.

"Where did you find that?"

Turning away from the distant Spectral Dragon and looking into Pestro’s solemn, piercing gaze, Eedaj replied, "I have no idea where or how Jack summoned a Spectral Dragon. It’s something that, according to my knowledge, shouldn’t still exist."

"Tell me!" shouted Pestro, shaken and unable to accept such a vague answer. "Tell me, Eedaj! How do you have a Spectral Dragon!"

"That one has such a low level, so why are you--"

"Tell me!" Swinging his blades at full-power, Pestro’s mixed emotions were turned into attacks. "Tell me!"

Easily evading the wild warning swings, Eedaj chuckled and smiled. "Is your relationship with Moranti that bad?"

"RRRAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"

Like a mad bull, Pestro rushed Eedaj with no holds barred. His earlier cautious fighting style was abandoned as the Demon God gave into his emotions and unleashed his hellish fury.

Chapter 425

Inside the restricted area of the Leisure Guild, a few invaders started to climb over the walls. But even as they managed to enter the Leisure Guild, they were faced with yet another obstacle.

Rowes of guild members lined the back walls, ranging from lv. 40 to lv. 60. Rather than remain in the front, they had been ordered to defend the back wall. Kims led them, holding fast to his title as the Security Advisor. And amidst that army of guild members were large, one-eyed beasts drooling at the sight of the intruders.

At the core of those guild members was a party, and each member of that party had at least one beast companion at their side. And though that party was low-leveled compared to the invaders, it was their beasts that startled the invaders, especially the three-headed hydra roaring at the invaders. Just when the invaders thought that they’d seen enough strange beasts, they found even more within the guild walls.

A fight immediately broke out as the invaders dared rush into the guild, confident in their superior levels.

While the fighting got more intense by the minute as more and more invaders managed to climb over the wall, Jack’s party remained calm. They fought as well, but they would fight only one, two, or up to three invaders at a time as a party. That battle was a matter of synergy between lower leveled guild members versus the higher leveled invaders with fewer numbers.

As for the few regents that squeaked past Dragov, they were targeted by the beholders or Kims and Ssildro.

The battle was organized but grew more chaotic.

Just when the party was getting a good rhythm going, having killed a duo of lv. 50’s, Lina’s attention jolted behind them. She shouted, "Look out!"

Two hooded men were darting directly toward the party. Their faces were concealed but all the party members could feel the cold gazes of those approaching experts. It was clear that those two men knew exactly who they were after.

"Die!"

As those two men were about to launch an attack at the party, they suddenly jumped backward. They managed to evade Mooldrat’s disintegration ray.

The large beholder eyed both hooded figures, growling and separating himself from the party. "Daliea, allow me to handle them. They’re too strong for the party."

"But--"

"They’re lv. 73 and lv. 74," stated Mooldrat, snatching the entire party’s attention. "I’ll take care of them. Don’t’ concern yourselves with them."

"Okay..." Daliea replied. "But ask for help should you need it, Mool."

"Of course, Daliea."

With that said, Mooldrat floated forward, rushing the two men before they got close enough to threaten the rest of the party.

Both of those hooded men overheard Mooldrat’s comments. They had no ability to discern Moodrat’s strength but they knew that the beast had strange abilities and was at least high enough level to threaten them, otherwise it wouldn’t have such confidence.

Guessing what those two would do next, Mooldrat revealed the barbs on all of his tentacles and gathered energy over his eye. He snarled with a smile, "If you think one is enough to handle me, then you’ll become my meal before you know the cause of your death."

Sensing that threat, both men sighed. They rethought their strategy and decided to not split up just yet, not with the beast having both physical and magical abilities.

At the front of that giant group battle, Kims fought alongside Ssildro against one of the regents. The match was in Kims’ and Ssildro’s favor thanks to Ssildro’s frighteningly fast strikes, which Kims mimicked thanks to the pact. The duo had managed to catch that regent off guard, setting them up for a successful fight.

’Kims, are you still at the back?’

Hearing that in his head, Kims replied telepathically, ’Yes, we’re holding off the invaders who rushed past Dragov.’

’Hurry here and switch with me.’

’Tralon, I can’t just--’

’If not, you won’t get your revenge on Thyron,’ added Tralon. ’Now will be your only chance. And You’ll fare better than I.’

’... I’m on my way!’

Neither man said a word more, not wanting to waste their time and focus.

Kims inhaled and stared at the on guard regent before him. Then, the one-armed swordsman closed his eyes. He let a pause hang in the air uncomfortably long.

Seeing that, the regent was confused. Not only had his opponent closed his eyes but he didn’t attack or take a defensive stance. Obviously, the one-armed swordsman was up to something but the regent was utterly clueless as to what it could be. And the strangely long pause only added to the tension.

A few seconds passed in silence. Neither opponent moved, nor did Ssildro who was coiled up behind Kims.

Finally, the regent flinched, stepping toward Kims with his greataxe.

Kims then moved but kept his eyes closed. He took in another breath. Just as the axe came down, Kims sidestepped and lunged forward, agile as a snake while ducking the attack and piercing the regent through the heart.

Opening his eyes, Kims kicked the fresh corpse from his blade and started to run off. He shouted, "I’m switching with Tralon, he’ll be here momentarily!"

With that encouragement, the army of guild members stood strong. They awaited the arrival of the vice guild master to support their defensive line.

*****

At the front of the guild, many smaller battles were taking place. Cranes and beholders were holding their own against the invaders, some even double-teaming a syndicate member and gaining an advantage.

As for the three regents that were contained at the front, each was facing off with their one opponent.

The fight between Kaldor and the regent before him was close. Neither man budged or showed a single misstep in battle. They left no openings for their opponents, each focusing on brute strength.

Hurmot was facing a powerful sorceress. Though Hurmot was the oldest and most experienced of the three auction house owners, the battle was slowly tipping in the sorceress’s favor.

As for Argyle, his battle was a heated battle of swordsmanship. However, unlike Argyle’s brief exchange with a regent during the Federal City attack, Argyle’s opponent wielded a legendary weapon as he was chosen to fight Argyle from the get-go. And with that boost in quality, Argyle’s mythic-tier sword’s weapon-breaking properties were greatly weakened.

Those two exchanged blow after blow. It was a bit surprising for the regent, though. He was lv. 73 while Argyle was lv. 71. He had assumed that over time the benefits of his higher level would prevail. But Argyle proved just as resilient and Argyle’s mana was keeping up with his own.

"Hmm... You’re interesting. How are you able to keep up with me perfectly while you’re two levels lower? Tell me," the regent asked Argyle.

Scoffing, Argyle replied while attacking, "Let’s just say that fighting against the Leisure Guild was the worst decision of your life. Nothing is ever as it seems."

"Oh? Why’s..."

Spoke while parrying Argyle’s attack, but the moment the regent touched his opponent’s sword his opponent disappeared. That’s when he spotted Argyle out of the corner of his eye, almost flanking the regent swordsman.

Grunting, the regent rushed his blade to the side. He barely managed to block the attack with a slight loss of footing.

All of a sudden, the regent saw a second image of Argyle emerging from the first. Each launched a different attack from a different side. The regent was forced to act quickly and decide which was true and which was false like before.

To help his defense, the swordsman stepped left and blocked left to avoid the right side entirely.

In the end, the regent failed to discern which attack was real but he did manage to avoid the well-hidden attack. However, the regent also understood that he would be on the defensive until he could figure out that strange copying ability.

 

Chapter 426

Not too far-off from the battle between the regents and the auction house owners, two mages were facing each other. One was old and ancient while the other was elderly yet couldn’t compare in terms of age or wisdom.

"Thyron, what’s your motive in working with the syndicate?"

"Tralon, shouldn’t you be more interested in your survival than in my motives?" Thyron chuckled, gathering electricity around his hands.

At the same time, Tralon called out telepathically, ’Kims, are you still at the back?’

’Yes, we’re holding off the invaders who rushed past Dragov,’ the one-armed swordsman replied.

’Hurry here and switch with me.’

A bolt of lightning shot out from Thyron’s hand, but it only hit an empty building as Tralon teleported to the opposite side of Thyron.

’Tralon, I can’t just--’

Tralon cut off Kims, making sure the proud swordsman understood his logic, ’If not, you won’t get your revenge on Thyron. Now will be your only chance. And you’ll fare better than I.’

’... I’m on my way!’

With that conversation over, Tralon felt much more focused on the fight, evading another lightning bolt.

"If all you do is run, you’ll be out of mana before you ever get a chance to injure me," chuckled Thyron. "Come on, show me why you were chosen as the Legend’s aide!"

Taking in a deep breath, Tralon raised his arm with yellow energy while pointing his staff to the ground, also using yellow energy.

At the same time, Thyron felt the ground beneath his feet suddenly disappear. His footing fell three feet until solid ground was found, but a dome of earth had also emerged around him to trap Thyron’s arms and torso in the center of the dome.

Tralon had dual cast Collapsing earth and Earth Fortress, showing off his creativity as a wizard against the sorcerer that relied purely on powerful spells. It was simple yet effective.

"Not bad... But not enough!"

Yellow energy filled Thyron’s eyes as the rock trapping him burst apart. Then the ground started to do the same, erupting and spewing rocks and boulders viciously toward Tralon.

The wizard dashed to the side, revealing his strangely high dexterity, a stat that Jack forced Tralon to raise in the past.

"Oh! You’re quicker than you look for such an old-timer," commented Thyron. "If only you weren’t so hard-headed and were willing to work with us. You’d be an amazing ally and we could even remove that curse from you. Wouldn’t you want that?"

"You’re a true politician, Thyron. Always blowing hot air, especially amid a drastic situation," Tralon replied.

The sorcerer shrugged. "Then your death is your own fault."

More lightning was gathered in one of Thyron’s hands. At the same time, yellow energy gathered around the spokesman’s other arm.

"Dodge this!"

Another lightning bolt targeted Tralon, but the earth on either side of the wizard was being splintered apart like before. With no other choice, Tralon teleported to evade the attack, reappearing at the side.

"I wonder how much mana you still have. Maybe your former self could win, but you’re nothing but a walking corpse compared to him!" mocked Thyron.

"True... But at least I have my priorities straight," stated Tralon, unfazed by the comment. "My priorities keep my aim true and consistent while yours will cause your downfall, Thyron."

"Oh really? Will your hero come and save you? Will your weak gods be able to hold out against the strongest of the deities?" Thyron questioned. "Today the Leisure Guild will fall, even if Gilga has to join it in hell."

A contact crystal appeared in Thyron’s hand. He activated it and calmly stated, "You’re needed. Launch the assault now!"

Just as quickly as the contact crystal was put away, Tralon asked, "What’s all that about?"

"Nothing for you to worry about. You’ll be busy begging for a merciful death!"

Another bolt of lighting and barrage of cracking earth forced Tralon to teleport again.

However, as Tralon teleported, he was greeted with an electrical shock. Electricity was dancing through the air as if it formed a thirty-meter perimeter around Thyron. And with it taking form as Tralon teleported, the wizard was unable to dodge the attack.

"Lightning Cage..." Thyron spoke up. "Usually, it’s used to keep warriors contained and away from me. But in your case, it’s to keep you from constantly avoiding damage. And anything beyond twenty meters won’t be very effective against me unless you spend far more mana than necessary, which I’m also okay with. A neat trick, right?"

The constant tension and relaxation of Tralon’s muscles were forcing Tralon’s body to spasm. Physically moving was out of the question and attacking from beyond thirty meters was indeed a handicap to force Tralon to waste his mana. With the seven-level gap between the mages, Thyron wanted nothing more than the crafty, experienced Tralon to simply run out of mana and become a sitting duck. That was the easiest way to guarantee his victory.

"Not going to teleport?"

Thyron carefully managed the lightning cage with one arm, making sure to not hit himself while raining additional electricity down onto Tralon. His second arm glowed yellow as the sorcerer clenched his fist.

Stealing Tralon’s prior strategy, Thyron cast Earth Fortress to trap Tralon’s torso in a ring of earth.

Unable to do anything else, Tralon released a flash of light. His body was carried out of the earthen entrapment and outside of the lightning cage.

Before Thyron could give Tralon some verbal retort, the wizard gathered purple energy around his hand and slashed his arm through the air.

A thin blade of spatial energy took shape and was thrown through the cage of lightning, not affecting it at all. It rushed toward Thyron, intent on slicing the sorcerer clean in two.

Thyron began to run toward Tralon and the attack, but he drastically dropped in height. Casting Collapsing Earth allowed Thyron to sink a path of earth toward Tralon, dropping his height beneath the trajectory of Tralon’s attack. At the same time, the lightning cage around Thyron threatened to consume Tralon yet again as Thyron got closer.

Still feeling the aching aftereffects from his time inside the lightning cage, Tralon teleported even further away.

That’s when Thyron noticed something. Amidst battling, Tralon was making sure to never place himself in line with the nearest city buildings or some buildings in particular. The sorcerer deduced Tralon’s most likely places to reappear and readjusted for his next attack.

While keeping Lightning Cage active, Thyron cast Erupting Earth again. This forced Tralon to teleport again and evade, but the wizard was bombarded with earthen debris the moment he appeared elsewhere.

"You’re too predictable, Tralon," Thyron laughed as the wizard was pummeled with rocks and boulders. "You’re concern for others makes you a liability at your level."

Tralon teleported again but was again bombarded with debris and stone.

Bloodied and nearing the brink of his abilities, Tralon was then trapped again by the Lightning Cage as Thyron casually approached Tralon.

"If you don’t teleport away, I’ll tell you more about that call I just made," stated Thyron, catching the wizard’s attention. And since Tralon didn’t teleport, Thyron chuckled and continued, "Though you’re well prepared to the west, there’s no way the city of Gigla will be prepared to the east. As we speak, thousands are charging through the eastern fields. I’m sure they’ll reach the city walls any minute now."

"W-What?"

"An army of thousands will tear the city apart and then overrun you," Thyron clarified, relishing in Tralon’s pained expression. "Sure, they are no regents with them, but those syndicate chiefs and disciples are more than enough to level a city. You scared the syndicate enough for them to bring out everyone.

"Can you picture it? An army of thousands of lv. 60’s and lv. 50’s marching onto Gilga, stampeding it to smithereens? What a glorious sight!"

 

Chapter 427

"Can you picture it? An army of thousands of lv. 60’s and lv. 50’s marching onto Gilga, stampeding it to smithereens? What a glorious sight!"

Tralon was unsure what felt worse, the electric shock constantly coursing through his body or his heart tightening uncontrollably. Each was unbearable.

As Thyron continued to laugh and Tralon prepared to teleport away, they both heard the whistle of the wind.

Thyron jumped back and groaned in pain. Lightning Cage was instantly dropped as that arm of Thyron’s pressed into his bleeding side. The spokesman took a few deep breaths and spied the latest combatant to join the battle.

"Tralon, are you--"

"I’m fine." Tralon rushed to his feet, coughing up some blood as he did so. "Be careful of his Lightning Cage and his earth type spells."

Without another word, Tralon teleported away in a flash of light.

"Oh? You’re not going to tag team me?" Thyron chuckled as he put a potion bottle to his lips. The wound on Thyron’s side stopped bleeding and his smile returned. "Without Tralon’s support, you’ll never manage to defeat me."

"I’ll do more than defeat you..." Kims solemnly replied. "I’ll kill you."

"What bravado! Where do you get such confidence after losing an arm?" asked Thyron with a mocking smile.

Tightly gripping the hilt of his sword, Kims squinted at Thyron. "You’re the reason my mother suffered all her life... now, I’ll be returning the favor, Father..."

Going wide-eyed, the reality of Kims’s statement dawned on Thyron. "That’s why... That’s why I’ve always hated your face! You remind me of that insolent woman!"

"No more talk. All I want to hear is the silence after your heart stops beating."

Dashing into action, Kims lunged forward, unafraid of the sorcerer four levels higher than him.

*****

"What are they thinking..."

"Lyrun, what’s your opinion on this?"

Naparn and Lyrun both stood over a mirrored tabletop, only the mirror was currently displaying the battle taking place between Pestro and Eedaj.

"I’m... I’m unsure of what to think," replied Lyrun. "The only logical explanation for such an action would be desperation, but the syndicate has never acted so desperately before. What I’m truly wondering is the cause of that desperation."

"And what about that dragon?!" Naparn shouted, changing the picture displayed to that of the Spectral Dragon laying waste to the last of those lv. 50’s from the divided army. "How did he manage to get a summoning scroll for that particular dragon?!"

Lyrun shook his head. "That I’m also not sure of... But, according to our investigations, Jack participated in a few auctions a while back, buying out most of the items like never before, anonymously of course. I’m guessing that summoning scroll must’ve come from the annual auction."

"But for that dragon, of all beasts?!"

"Calm down, Naparn," added Lyrun. "First off, that dragon is only lv. 54 and proves no danger to you. Second, we have to keep in mind that the auction house owners are the most notorious dungeon robbers and the biggest buyers on the black market outside of the association and the syndicate. And considering that it was a Spectral Dragon sealed within that scroll, I take it that the scroll’s writing was entirely foreign to anyone who found it. Of all people in Modern Kartonia, aside from the gods, wouldn’t the Legend of Trodar be the most capable person to understand such a scroll?"

Following Lyrun’s train of thought, Naparn struggled to find any flaws. But his anger was still unquenchable by such a quick answer.

"But... To get a Spectral Dragon... That’s something I might expect from the chaotic gods, not the neutral gods," reasoned Naparn, popping his knuckles from clenching his fists out of reflex.

"It’s definitely outside of expectations, but it seemed that even Eedaj was startled to see Jack summon the dragon. I don’t think he knew about it, which means Jack’s acting on his own without the neutral gods controlling him in any way," deduced Lyrun.

"They let their champion act freely?! Are they so foolish?!"

"Naparn, remember, the neutral gods aren’t like us," added Lyrun. "I know for a fact that each of the neutral gods is independent and can act for themselves. With that in mind, I think their gathering is a result of Jack’s actions and not their own initiative. I would guess that Jack is the key to all of their plans. Rather than use the champion as fodder or as a delaying tactic like us and the chaotic gods, I want to believe that the neutral gods are attempting to raise their champion above that."

Eyeing Lyrun, Naparn asked, "What do you mean? Are you saying they’re trying to make him a god?"

"I don’t have any reason to say otherwise," Lyrun stated. "Also, there’s something else we need to consider. We can’t forget about Hadurt’s appearance."

"Right... If Hadurt is so lively so soon, then there’s a chance that Lorwynn is alive as well," added Naparn. "To think, our champion of all people was our greatest weakness..."

"Only time will verify that," stated Lyrun. "I’m just saying we should keep that thought as a possibility."

Turning the attention of the viewing mirror back onto the godly duel, Lyrun added, "Aside from all that, I’m curious as to why Pestro refuses to fight with his halberd. Without it, his duel against Eedaj will be far more difficult."

"And didn’t he react badly to the Spectral Dragon as well?" asked Naparn.

"Right. It’s a strange thing to consider, but Pestro seemed more affected by the dragon’s appearance than you were. And though he’s on the opposing side of that dragon, his reaction wasn’t normal anger. A hint of fear was in his eyes after spotting the Spectral Dragon. But that doesn’t make sense as he’s Moranti’s ally."

Lyrun tapped his fingers against his staff for a few seconds, pondering everything deeply.

Naparn soon sighed and wore a strange expression on his face. He mumbled, "I guess we’ll have to inform Halmut of this... Since it involves a Spectral Dragon, he’ll want to know about it..."

"Go ahead, I’ll be following you in soon..." Lyrun replied, but kept his gaze glued to the frozen image of the Pestro’s startled face.

"Alright, but don’t take too long..." Naparn sighed again, turning around and leaving through the hallway.

The Molten God walked slowly, not wanting to rush himself or his announcement. He was still tongue-tied as to what he would say and could only imagine how Halmut might react. Caught up in thought, the Molten God slowly sauntered through the hall, reaching Halmut’s throne room at a snail’s pace.

"Finally..."

That unexpected, uttered word startled Naparn, putting the Molten God on full alert.

"You’re too late..."

Only after that second statement did Naparn recognize the feeling of a knife against his neck. Completely baffled and aware of his predicament, Naparn swallowed the saliva clogging up his throat. "Sterfen... How did you get in here?"

"Oh, I’ve been here for some time now." Releasing his invisibility, Sterfen’s body came into view casually standing behind Naparn and holding a blade to the Molten God’s throat. "I’ve been enjoying the show in Trodar, especially when my son summoned a Spectral Dragon. To think he had that up his sleeve... But you didn’t expect it either, which finally created an opportunity for me."

"Sterfen... You know that killing me will only result in Halmut hunting you down. You shouldn’t--"

"Oh, I shouldn’t?"

Sterfen’s knife gently broke Naparn’s skin as it pressed slightly more into Naparn’s throat. The Assassin God revealed his true colors as the casual warmth of his glare abruptly dropped below sub-zero.

Sterfen coldly asked, barely whispering into Naparn’s ear, "Tell me, Naparn... Why shouldn’t I kill the man responsible for my wife’s near-death experience during the war you forced her into? Why shouldn’t I kill the man who wanted to ruin my marriage just so he could personally take advantage of my wife’s bloodline? Give me one good reason."

 

Chapter 428

"Give me one good reason."

Naparn was entirely still. The Molten God didn’t even breathe, afraid that Sterfen would press the knife further into his throat.

"Hmm... It seems you remember your lesson well..." Sterfen chuckled as he dragged the tip of his blade down Naparn’s throat. He cut into the collar of the god’s luxurious jacket. Underneath that, a vulnerable scar was visible. "You know my capabilities already, so don’t push your luck."

"What do you want?" asked Naparn.

Sterfen’s warm smile returned, making the Assassin God all the more frightening. "Sadly, killing you will ruin my current plans... If only..."

"If you’re not here to kill me, then why are you in Olympic Chateau?"

"First, let me warn you about something," Sterfen added. "You’ve already experienced two of my personal skills, but you’ve never experienced my third."

"Third..." Naparn’s breath stopped again.

"Don’t worry, it’s simple. Now that I’ve marked you with my blade, my third skill has already activated. It took half a century to perfect but I crafted it should I ever get a chance to enter here, like I have now," explained Sterfen. "I call the skill Mark of the Reaper. In that slit on your neck is a portion of my own energy, ready to puncture your throat and end your life upon my command. I’ll let you feel it for yourself..."

As Sterfen removed the blade from Naparn’s throat, Naparn was terrified. He saw Sterfen remove the knife and step aside yet the Molten God still felt the presence of a knife penetrating his skin.

"Unless I remove that mark, your life is in my hands for the next twenty-four hours," stated Sterfen. "Should I wish you dead, that’s what you’ll be. Should someone else wish you alive, then they’ll have to bargain with me..."

Catching on to Sterfen’s plot, Naparn glared angrily at Sterfen. "You dare use me as a hostage?! How could--"

"Would you rather die right now?"

Stopping his tongue, Naparn refused to say more.

"Good, now be silent and wait for our next hostage to arrive."

"What--"

"Naparn?"

Hearing that voice, Naparn looked back from where he came. He spotted Lyrun walking up to him. But Naparn’s heart sank further before he felt any relief. The familiar slit along Lyrun’s throat was enough to dash away the Molten God’s hopes of being freed.

Lyrun was confused as well, turning to Sterfen and then looking behind him.

That’s when Naparn also noticed a second Sterfen casually walking behind Lyrun. And as soon as Naparn spotted the second Sterfen, its figure faded away."

"Sterfen... You used a body double to mark me?" Lyrun asked, showing a praising smile.

"Unlike this pestro, you’re smart enough to recognize a hostage situation without putting up a fight. With that in mind, why not use a low-level copy instead of myself?" answered Sterfen. "But just because my body double to marked doesn’t mean you’re safe. I’m sure you can still feel the knife against your throat as we speak."

"Then, I assume you’ll be taking us to Halmut?"

"Correct. He’s got a few things that I desperately want. Do you think I’m kind enough to keep Naparn alive longer than he needs to be?" Sterfen stated, not holding back his words.

Stewing in anger and silence, Naparn didn’t dare speak. Against his will, the Molten God had no choice but to go calmly along with the scenario like Lyrun.

"Then follow me. It’s been a while since I last visited my arrogant brother."

"Sterfen, Halmut is--"

"He’s my brother, whether you like it or not," interjected Sterfen. "It’s not my fault that Halmut has abandoned his family. If he hadn’t then I’d be calling you nephew... Then again, maybe it’s a good thing he left the family. I would hate to be labeled the black sheep for wanting to fillet my nephew..."

The God of Secrecy nonchalantly strolled through the halls as the hostage gods followed suit.

In a few minutes, the group of three entered the expansive throne room. Halmut was already rolled over, watching the three gods enter with squinting eyes.

The main holy god didn’t keep his eyes on Lyrun or Naparn for long. His focus was on Sterfen as he sighed. "Sterfen, what have you done?"

"I’m only here because you’ve forced my hand, Brother," Sterfen stated in a very professional tone. "If you and those under you hadn’t bothered my wife so much then I never would’ve gotten involved. Can you really blame a husband for seeking vengeance and freedom for his wife?"

"I’m not your brother, Sterfen. I respect you and the other gods under Daruun but I have given that up. You know that," argued Halmut. "Now, explain yourself. How did you enter this place and why are they both standing behind you so casually with blood on their necks?"

"Long story short, they’re my hostages."

"Hostages? You can’t take--"

"Halmut, as you don’t wish to be my brother I won’t remain courteous." Sterfen’s voice became colder as he cut off the dragon and continued his explanation, "With a single command, their lives will be lost. Even if you revive them, the holes in their necks would never heal, so take that into consideration. Would you like to lose your two most loyal lackeys?"

"I’m no--"

"Shut up!" Halmut spoke up, silencing Naparn from joining the conversation. "Continue, Sterfen."

Nodding, the Assassin God continued, "I’m giving you a choice. I can either kill both of these men now or you can hand over my wife’s contract, as well as Kori’s."

"Or," added Halmut, "I can just kill you now."

"True, you’re entirely capable of killing me. But I’ll be taking these two with me. And since one of them is the man I despise more than death, I’m willing to exchange my life for both of theirs," reasoned Sterfen, not flinching under the dragon’s threats. "So, what will it be? I’ll release them after you hand me the contracts and escort out of Olympic Chateau. I feel that exchanging the lives of two gods for the lives of two others is quite fair, don’t you?"

*****

Facing his opponent, Argyle held nothing back as he forced the regent swordsman to take defensive precautions.

The regent was gritting his teeth in anger. Even with his legendary blade, the swordsman was forced to equip his shield. It removed the regent’s ability to attack two-handed and his mythic-tier shield was now getting cracks thanks to Argyle’s special blade.

At the same time, Argyle kept a close eye on Tralon’s duel.

Tralon had managed to escape the Lightning Cage from Thyron but he was starting to look worse for wear. And with such a wide level gap, Argyle couldn’t imagine Tralon holding out much longer.

With that in mind, Argyle needed to hurry up and finish his opponent.

Argyle exhaled sharply through his nostrils. Focused on the man shielding himself, Argyle rushed forward with ever more determination.

The two images of Argyle split up again. One rushed to flank the regent while one sidestepped and ducked low for an attack on the regent’s legs.

Forced to defend, the regent moved to parry the low attack in front of his face and kept his shield ready to defend the attack behind him. As the two swords connected in front of the regent’s right leg, Argyle’s sword faded into nonexistence. The regent rushed his head around to get a better view of Argyle’s incoming attack but didn’t find Argyle.

At last second, the regent caught a glimpse of Argyle in the air.

Rather than simply flank, Argyle leaped to a new vantage point and attack from the spot exactly opposite his false attack. He flanked from high up, putting the regent’s parry at the largest disadvantage Argylde could create.

 

Chapter 429

The regent was forced to use his shield to block. However, Argyle’s free hand gripped the side of the shield, keeping a window of opportunity for his attack.

Stabbing his blade into the regent’s chest, Argyle twisted it for added pain and damage.

Though Argyle landed a crucial blow, it left an opening for the regent to also slash into’s Argyle’s shoulder.

They stepped away with blood across their torsos. Neither was backing down from the fight.

Argyle smiled and stretched his wounded shoulder as if to say that he felt fine despite all the damage he took. His bravado continued as Argyle rushed the regent anew, again using his Displacement Boots to the fullest.

The regent scoffed as his blade suddenly became coated in dark energy.

They clashed again, this time with the regent selecting the true Argyle and parrying the attack. But, due to the shield, the regent failed to land a scathing blow.

With a new slash torn through his clothes, Argyle squinted.

Glancing away briefly, Argyle spotted Tralon recaptured within Thyron’s Lightning Cage and lying bloodied amidst boulders and rubble.

’Jack,’ Argyle telepathically asked, ’Can I bring out Dradich?’

’Hmm... If he stays near the evacuated buildings and doesn’t harm the main building, that’s fine.’

’Thanks!’

Jack’s and Argyle’s conversation was short and succinct but it offered Argyle another trick up his sleeve.

As the regent finally rushed Argyle, trying to regain his earlier momentum, he lunged forward to reevaluate Argyle’s defensive capabilities.

However, his sword never managed to reach his foe.

Instead, a gigantic beast appeared by Argyle’s side and suddenly barreled into the unsuspecting regent.

Slammed into one of the smaller empty buildings near the guild’s entrance, that regent coughed blood over and over. And just as the beast backed off, Argyle rushed in with his sword.

The regent could only moan as his heart was run through and the equipment in his battered hands fell to the ground. His moan died out, fading away along with his life.

Argyle smiled and hastily looted his fallen foe. "Thanks, Dradich. You’re a huge help."

"Thanks for filling me in before releasing me," replied Dradich. "I’m glad to be out and able to defend during such an occasion."

It was then that Dradich caught glimpse of the towering centipede far-off. The Glacier Wyrm was speechless, hoping that wasn’t their foe. "Argyle... that centipede, is it--"

"No, that’s Jack’s companion. He’s defending against an entire army. We need to hurry and finish here to help them out." Argyle stated, taking that moment to breathe and regather his thoughts on the situations around him.

Tralon had just teleported away after Kims arrived to confront Thyron. Hurmot was holding his own but his disadvantage was getting worse by the minute. Kaldor, on the other hand, had managed to gain momentum and would soon overwhelm his foe.

"Kims!" Argyle shouted, "Do you want any help?"

"This is my fight, so leave him to me," Kims coldly stated, not looking away from Thyron for a second.

"Very well! Don’t take too long!"

Keeping their true aim in mind, Argyle patted Dradich again. "Can you tunnel through the earth? The main battle is in the southwest field and I’m sure Dragov, that centipede could use your help."

"Consider it done!"

The Glacier Wyrm hurled himself into the ground, easily penetrating the earth and burrowing away at top speed.

Argyle didn’t say anything else. He rushed toward Hurmot’s battle, certain that hurmot didn’t care about whether he had help or not, unlike Kaldor.

"No fair!" The sorceress shouted as she hurled a mixture of boulders and shards of ice at the incoming swordsman.

Throwing a five-attack combo of long-range sword attacks, Argyle forced his way through the barrage of spells. It was a bit easier than his previous fight thanks to the sorceress’s divided attention.

With his opponent lessening her pressure, Hurmot was relieved and shouted, "Thank you, Argyle! Now, to finish her!"

Holy energy gathered around Hurmot’s staff. Then, it formed half a dozen swords.

Hurmot waved his arm, launching the six radiating swords of light at the sorceress. Without being burdened to defend, the aging man could unleash his attack spells without worry.

The sorceress managed to defend against a few holy swords but she couldn’t defend against them all while trying to force the aggressive Argyle back. And once she was hit, they didn’t let up on her at all. There was no way those two veteran fighters would allow their opponent a moment to consume a potion of any kind.

She managed to hold on for a few more moments, but the combination of Argyle’s long-range sword attacks and the dancing holy swords was too much for her.

The sorceress’s defeat was also a great distraction for Kaldor’s opponent. It was very unsettling for that regent to watch the other two get overpowered and it altered his mindset from battle-mode to escape-mode.

However, his hesitation already marked his demise.

The spiked steel knuckles that Kaldor wielded pierced through the regent’s helmet, throwing the regent crashing into the ground. Kaldor didn’t let up at all, following that attack with a diving heel kick into the regent’s neck.

With a crack, the regent’s life was claimed while the sorceress was slain by the final barrage of holy swords.

Both Kaldor and Hurmot claimed the rewards of their battle before looking to the other fights taking place around them. Argyle had already slain two syndicate chiefs and was rushing to the next one facing Vixus.

That chain reaction was unstoppable. With the auction house owners joining the cranes and beholders, they steamrolled the remaining forces of the syndicate at the guild’s entrance.

But just when they were feeling proud of their accomplishment, a wild flash of purple energy erupted from the east. It wasn’t within the city and lasted for only a moment, but the sheer amount of spatial energy would’ve been enough to nearly cover the Leisure Guild property.

The ground shook, rocking the city gently as the purple energy faded from the eastern sky.

The cranes, beholders, Kaldor, Hurmot, and Vixus were entranced by that phenomenon. They had no way of determining what that was or what sort of threat had created such a thing.

Argyle stood with his eyes fixed on the now clear eastern sky. His mouth was wide open as the tremors ceased. The sight he had just witnessed was eerily familiar to him but wasn’t comparable to what he remembered.

Kims’s and Thyron’s battle had just gotten underway. The swordsman tested his steel against the sorcerer’s Lightning Cage, finding it terribly difficult to maneuver inside. He escaped with the bloodline skill, increasing his mobility and adding wind to his already incredible speed.

That’s when that earth-shaking flash of purple light filled the entire eastern horizon.

While Kims was too concerned about the battle he had been imagining since he was a child, Thyron’s wavering confidence hit an all-time low. The seriousness in his eyes started to leak out desperation after witnessing that purple energy.

"How... How?!"

But before Thyron could scream and complain any more, Kims had thrown a few long-range sword attacks to deter the upset sorcerer.

Thyron didn’t care about the battle anymore, nor about the invasion. All he wanted to do was run away. His chances for victory were at a jarring zero percent now that the regents had fallen thanks to the sudden appearance of a Glacier Wyrm.

The Lightning Cage disappeared as Thyron evaded Kims’s attacks. The sorcerer now gathered lightning around his entire body, intent on fleeing as quickly as possible.

However, just as Thyron turned to leave, a nimble crane intercepted him.

"Cerdot! He’s my opponent alone!" Kims shouted, against any form of assistance.

Cerdot nodded, staying put in front of Thyron. "I understand that, but we’re only here to keep him from escaping. We’ll only attack should your life be threatened."

"Thank you."

It was during their conversation that Thyron realized what was going on. Three cranes had formed a perimeter around Kims and Thyron. Or in other words, there was no hope of escape...

 

Chapter 430

In the southwest field, Dragov defended the guild with everything he had. Though he out leveled most of the invaders by a great margin, having hundreds of mages and warriors attacking him all at once was still a lot for the Draconic Centipede.

Dragov watched as his health eventually passed the halfway mark under the invaders’ siege. Only focusing on defense was the cause of that, but it also kept a majority of the army from rushing into the guild all at once. It allowed the weaker guild members inside the walls the ability to defend properly.

The most annoying thing to Dragov was the lv. 83 knight. She would constantly keep Dragov from slaughtering the army en masse and also remained a threat to the people inside the guild. No matter what, Dragov was committed to killing her and keeping her from entering the guild grounds.

Jeara was struggling hardcore. The centipede’s natural armor was astounding, still holding strong against the onslaught of attacks thrown at it. It was mind-boggling to the knight.

However, she was forced to accept that reality. She stayed focused on the task at hand and was helping more and more syndicate members get past the towering centipede.

Looking at the three men not too far away, Jeara was disappointed to see the fight reach a draw.

When she saw a large body of flame fly toward that battle with rocketing speed, Jeara debated rushing back to help. But she was relieved to see that body of flame fly away just as quickly as it had arrived.

Able to focus on her task, Jeara kept Dragov from slaughtering every syndicate member in sight.

That’s when another roar filled the air, the roar of yet another beast.

Out of the ground appeared a massive wyrm. It couldn’t compare to the centipede, but the arrival of another giant lv. 70 beast wasn’t a good sign for the syndicate.

Dragov spotted the wyrm but was unable to speak before the wyrm introduced himself, "Dragov, I’m Dradich. I’m the companion of the human Argyle. I’ve come to help."

"Great!" The centipede laughed, startling many of the syndicate members. "First, help that dragon!"

Watching the motion of Dragov’s head, Dradich turned around to be startled. To see a dragon up close left some fear in Dradich’s mind but that dragon was strange and peculiar. It was unlike anything Dradich had seen or heard of.

"Go! Don’t waste time!" Dragov roared, startling the wyrm.

Following orders, Dradich rushed through a portion of the army and charged toward the struggling Spectral Dragon.

"Stop that wyrm!" Jeara shouted and jumped toward the newly arrived beast. She didn’t want the tide to turn.

But Jeara found herself being blocked and swatted away by Dragov.

When the wyrm arrived, the Spectral Dragon squinted, questioning, "Ally or enemy?"

The giant wyrm lashed out, activating his frost body and throwing himself into the center of the lv. 70’s that had been ganging up on Karronteel. As the wyrm scattered that group, he stated, "I’m Dradich. Can you handle the lv. 60’s?"

"Yes," replied Karronteel. "With the others distracted, it’s only a matter of time until the weak will lose their lives!"

The tag team of Dradich and Karronteel began to wreak havoc on that portion of the invading army.

Seeing the wyrm’s arrival and having received his gift, Hadurt started to chuckle maniacally. His sudden giddiness was jarring to Ollan and Vlad but they soon realized why.

Dark energy danced violently around Hadurt, marking his demonization. The look in Hadurt’s eyes was excited yet ice-cold. The Berserker finally stated, "I may not have his blessing anymore, but I’ve got something even better..."

The black sword was instantly returned to Hadurt’s storage, confusing Ollan and Vlad. And when Ollan wanted to take advantage of the unarmed former champion, a new weapon appeared in Hadurt’s hands, one that forced both Ollan and Vlad to completely reevaluate the fight.

A pitch-black halberd twirled through the air as Hadurt adjusted to his new weapon. "Finally... Let’s test it out, shall we?"

No longer holding anything back, Hadurt unleashed hell upon Vlad and Ollan.

The addition of a god’s personal weapon changed everything.

Vlad still managed to defend Ollan in their revolving formation, but his large, full-body shield wouldn’t be able to hold on for long. He could feel it starting to crack under the pressure of the Demon’s God’s personal halberd. If they couldn’t change something quick, then the battle would be over within a couple of minutes.

Seeing Vlad’s struggles, Ollan had to reconsider their plan. With no other options, Ollan backed off and focused on evasion. At the same time, Ollan shouted, "Hadurt, what was it you wanted to--"

"Too late!"

The former champion lunged at the other berserker, chasing Ollan down while Vlad struggled to keep up.

With nowhere to go, Ollan ran into the army and tried to hide himself. However, Hadurt simply followed him everywhere while cleaving through every syndicate member that was within range.

"You had your chance to talk... Now’s your chance to die!" Hadurt yelled, frenziedly chasing after Ollan. "Your sacrifice will be enough to push me to lv. 89. Then, you’ll always be remembered as a very important person to me, Ollan. So die already!"

Unable to escape Hadurt’s gaze, Ollan shouted, "Vlad! Help the army!"

Struggling to watch Ollan run for his life, Vlad nodded and turned back around. With a pained expression, Vlad spotted the best place for his efforts. The guardian rushed to one of the nearer battlefields, the one occupied by the two bodies of flame.

Jack and Bowzer were fighting with tactics in mind. They just wanted to delay them for as long as they could. Both of them understood that defeating that small army wasn’t going to happen.

And with a high-level guardian barreling towards them, Jack was at a loss for words.

’Jack... Are you there?’

The unexpected message startled Jack, forcing the hero to back away a bit from the fight.

’Yeah, what--’

’Jack, let me say thank you one last time.’

Utterly perplexed, Jack replied, ’Tralon, what--’

’Thank you, Jack... For everything...’

’Tralon! TRALON!’

All of a sudden, a burst of purple energy erupted in the distant eastern sky. The entire battlefield saw the flash, amazed and confused at the same time.

The ground beneath everyone’s feet shook as well, startling everyone further, getting most everyone to pause and reposition themselves. Even Vlad was forced to halt momentarily, almost falling over in his haste across the shaky ground.

Only a moment later the flash ended and the shaking stopped. The battle immediately resumed, thinking nothing of the blast as it was too far away to be of significance in the battle at hand.

Jack, however, quivered. He immediately opened his menu to the skill list but failed to find Tralon listed.

With Jack’s flame body motionless, the nearby army targeted him. They prepared more spells and sent more attacks his way as Jack was finally still and not constantly evading their attacks.

That’s when they all started to sweat profusely.

The temperature of their battlefield was already quite intense with Jack’s powerful flame body and Bowzer’s white-hot flame body active. Jack’s weaker flames made him an easier target for the warriors, but that changed abruptly.

The temperature of Jack’s flames spiked! They went from being red-hot with tinges of white to matching Bowzer’s flames. Then... they kept getting hotter... becoming half black and half white.

Jack’s eyes weren’t visible with the flame body active but all the syndicate members nearby felt the hero’s heated gaze burning through their determination.

"Die!"

Finally, Vlad arrived to assist in the killing of the two flame bodies. He charged with his shield in front of him, ready to bash first and kill second.

Bowzer backed away, sensing a massive threat from the guardian. But Bowzer was startled when Jack darted forward to meet the incoming guardian head-on. The fox didn’t know what to think or why Jack had suddenly given himself up entirely to rage.