NOVEL WEB Chapter 12: World-Destroying Dragon Iverage (2)
Feldway: 「This thing.... can you even call it a dragon?」
Feldway looked at the creatures before him with a complicated expression.
He had been thinking of finishing the mission quickly and going back to Veldanava, but the sight before him made him have second thoughts.
Cornu: 「I don't think so.」
Cornu answered Feldway, looking at Iverage with disdain.
Zalario: 「Well, we can't keep gawking forever. Let's begin with the plan.」
Zalario, ever the cool headed one, brought them back to their senses.
They all took their position, surrounding Iverage.
Iverage: 「RAAAAAAAAARGH!!!」
Its roar alone managed to scatter their former. The force produced from it pushed each of them back.
Pico: 「This is gonna be harder than expected.」
Pico says this with a sweat drop.
She did not expect their foe to be this powerful.
Dino: 「.... Why did I get dragged into this?」
◇◇◇
It's been a few days since I fought those two.
Honestly, their strength is something I did not see coming.
They weren't even going all out!
Damn it. Well, I did manage to defeat them, although in a cowardly manner.
That was so not cool.
Their strategy and teamwork were nothing short of perfect.
The way they fought together made it seem as if they practised it for centuries.
Especially that final attack. In all honesty, I'm surprised Sage-san managed to tank it.
——— So, you mind telling me your secret? How did you do it? ———
「Answer. Using 『Replicator』, I copied the art, giving me all the information needed to use it.
After finding the pros and cons of the art, I neutralised the attack using 『Life Predation』.」
——— Oh!? You copied the art! Does that mean I can perform the art now? ———
「Correct. I used the subskill 『Forced Replication』to copy it.
That also explains the reason why your magicules were depleted. 」
It all makes sense to me now. Since I've got such a powerful art, I should try it out once in a while against troublesome foes.
I went back to meet Alya in her nation.
For some weird reason, they went on to name their nation, "Silverion."
I met up with her, and we exchanged short pleasantries.
After talking for a while, I left her to go and talk to Ken-chan.
Sariel: 「Oh hey there, Ken-chan.」
Kenneth: 「Ah, it's you again.」
He looked back to see me. I always fought against him during my visits.
It was just a little training schedule I made for him.
He was somewhat of a talent considering his skills.
He had excellent swordsmanship that could rival most of the top echelons of power in this world.
He is way skilled in the sword than I am.
I could just easily copy his swordsmanship if i wanted to, but I prefer to become better through hard work and pure determination.
I've also been training a certain genius in magic.
He's the person who came to intercept Ken-chan when I was being taken to prison.
Reidner-san.
He's extremely capable in magic. His mastery in magic is comparable to arch-demons.
I taught him holy and elemental magic.
He already knew of aspectual magic, so those were the only things I could teach him.
Kenneth: 「So, you came for another training session?」
He asked me with a challenging gaze.
He seems confident in his abilities this time around.
Sariel: 「Yes. It seems like you got stronger during my absence.」
I inquired, curious about the sudden increase in power.
——— Perhaps an evolution? ———
Kenneth: 「As expected. Yes! I've finally acquired a unique skill.」
Oh? A unique skill? I never taught that a skill could change one's demeanour so much.
I'm kinda curious about his unique skill now.
Sariel: 「Hm? Then would you mind if I were to be your very first test subject?」
I asked him with a taunting smirk.
Through our spar, I will be able to analyse what type of skill he possesses.
Kenneth: 「I wouldn't want otherwise. Come at me! I'll show you just how much I've grown.」
I've seen a lot of interesting skills. One prime example would be Lunax's ultimate skill.
Although I do not know the name of her skill, Sage-san told me that her skill allowed her attacks to reach lightspeed.
Such an absurd skill.
As for Guy, after meeting Veldanava, he acquired a unique skill called 『Pride』.
As for its function, it's like my 『Replicator』but somewhat better.
That dude is growing stronger every day. Not that I care.
Sariel: 「In that case, let me show you the reason why I am called a primordial demon.」
◇◇◇
The battle between Feldway and Iverage was nothing short of catastrophic.
A month has passed since they took the initiative to attack it head on.
Yet all their combined assaults did nothing to increase their chances of success.
Feldway had initially told his colleagues to stay out of the fight.
But he wasn't able to hold Iverage for long.
Eventually, he had to request help from his comrades.
Even after using his true body, he wasn't able to put a scratch on the dragon.
This only goes to further display the might and terror of the World-Destroying Dragon.
They finally decide to utilse the plan they set against Iverage.
Norana: 「Alright, I'm gonna seal it now. Make sure to land your most potent attack on the dragon after I've done so.」
After saying that, she unleashed her hidden art.
Norana: 「『Universal Prison: Holy Seal』!!」
A subskill of her ultimate skill.
It allows the user to trap targets in an imaginary isolated space, filled with infinite complex dimensions.
This skill effect does not weaken over time, and it prevents the target from interacting with the outside world.
It seals any skill the target possesses and drains energy from the target, reinforcing itself using the absorbed energy.
This is a very powerful seal that can trap effectively kill any target if used properly.
Alas, this was not enough to hold Iverage for long.
Feldway: 「Now! 『Spirit Break』!!」
Dino: 「『Fallen Crusade』」
Obera: 「『Planetes Bombing』」
Gracia: 「『Ice Breaker』!」
Pico: 「『Space Sundering Slash』!」
Zalario: 「『Insanity Hash』」
Lunax: 「『Heavenly Break: Exorcising Light』」
Cornu: 「『Flame Jail』!!」
*Breaking The Wall Nobody Cares About*
「Funfact: Anytime I try writing Cornu's name, I always see a corn emoji on the word suggestion box. (🌽). 😄😁😆🤣😂😭」
*Sealing The Same Wall Nobody Cares About*
All the remaining eight primordials unleashed their most powerful attacks on Iverage.
Though some were certainly more powerful than the other, each had power capable of bringing down any continent.
Further fuelled by their 『Administrative Authority』, their attacks were more than powerful enough to destroy the world.
As soon as they all unleashed their devastating attack, Iverage released a deadly aura that pushed them all back.
Its aura disrupted the effects of their attacks.
It already had the innate ability to nullify any type of skill or magic approaching it with his aura alone.
The fact that its aura only disrupted the energy flow in their attacks only hoes to show how devastating each attack was.
Yet, it all did nothing harm Iverage.
Its scale only had a slight scratch mark.
Iverage: 「RAAAAAAAAARGH!!!」
Its roar disrupted their movement, and that was all it needed to counterattack.
With a swipe of its tail, it created a space distortion quake that sent out destruction waves.
Norana, who was busy maintaining the seal, was struck and sent flying.
Lunax: 「Norana!!」
Iverage's seal was broken, and it immediately began to act.
Lunax, who got distracted by the previous attack, was struck down by Iverage, who assaulted her with its claw.
The attack tore through her mythic grade body like butter, and she body was vertically split into three parts.
Obera: 「Lunax! Damn it. It's too late.」
Iverage proceeded to unleash a chaotic breath attack that threatened to destroy space itself.
Feldway: 「Everyone, get out of the way!!」
Feldway quickly alarmed them, and they managed to dodge the breath attack successfully.
The breath attack made its way to a nearby star and destroyed it completely.
After witnessing this, all the remaining primordials sweat dropped.
Feldway: 「What a beast. What exactly does our Lord see in this creature?」
Norana: 「Don't ask me.」
They all turned to look at her with a dumbstruck expression.
Dino: 「Oi, how did you manage to survive from that!?」
Dino asked her with a surprised expression.
They all wanted to know about it. Hence, each of them listened to her with open ears.
Norana: 「It's a secret~.」
Alas, they were all disappointed but relieved to see her active again.
They all continued their relentless onslaught on Iverage whilst discussing amongst themselves.
Obera: 「How is Lunax doing?」
Obera asked with a concerned expression, clearly worried about her condition.
Whilst asking her, she dodged a breath attack released by Iverage.
Norana: 「Her condition is beyond recovery. She's definitely gonna die.」
After hearing what she has to say, the faces of the others darkened.
Their expression was full of wrath. They all wanted to put an end to the dragon that caused all this, but they couldn't do so.
It's not as if anything they do will work on it.
Iverage ignored them and started heading towards the direction of the cardinal world.
Feldway: 「Get back here, you bastard!!」
Feldway cast nuclear strike magic at Iverage. It only made a mark on its skin, but it didn't do anything more than that.
Cornu tried to intercept it, but a swing of its tail was enough to send him flying towards another planet.
Norana attempted to seal the dragon, but it released its aura, which broke the seal formation.
The aura was potent, and she began to get poisoned by the excess magicules released.
Its aura has long destroyed multiple planets, but there was a dimensional barrier protecting the cardinal world.
This barrier was set up since the dawn of creation by Veldanava to prevent any foreign force from interfering with the central world.
But Iverage had the innate ability to destroy anything that has to do with creation.
Such ability was only natural for the embodiment of destruction, Iverage, parallel to Veldanava, who is the embodiment of creation.
The battle between the oppressor and the oppressed raged on.
Every attack made by them against Iverage was futile.
Anything that was thrown at it was nullified, and any attack that managed to hit him was instantly healed.
Unlike Iverage, who had a near infinite magicule pool, the eight angels of origin were beginning to grow exhausted from the continuous onslaught.
They kept on throwing powerful attacks with high-level effects, only to be nullified by its aura alone.
Their mental condition was also deteriorating as the battle ensued.
Each and every attempt made to slow it down only serves to fuel its insatiable thirst for destruction.
Alas, the dragon reached its destination.
The Cardinal World.
Feldway: 「Damn it... at this rate.... everything we do... is useless...」
Feldway had exhausted all his excess energy, yet he couldn't do anything to defeat Iverage.
He became extremely weak due to the energy exhaustion and could not continue to hold it.
After meeting its mark, Iverage released a terrifying blast from its mouth.
The intensity of the blast was greater than what it had ever released.
The attack tore through space, creating an atmospheric shockwave that destroyed everything in sight.
It produced heat that had long surpassed thousands of degrees.
At a pace approaching the speed of light, the attack headed towards the cardinal world.
Norana: 「Tch. We failed you, Veldanava-sama...」
Feeling disappointed, they turned their heads in shame, not wanting to see the destruction the attack caused.
They waited for the end to arrive.
And yet, it never did.
A palm of someone with silver hair and golden eyes received it.
Iverage's attack, which had an overwhelming power, was devoured by a man who stood in front as the guardian of the world.
???:「I have arrived!!」
Yes! It was Sariel, the primordial silver demon.
◇◇◇
Magnificent! That was the only remark I could give.
Kenneth has grown so strong.
I've been battling him for hours now, and he keeps getting better and better every minute.
He was struggling against me earlier, but after some time, he began to match me.
I can see where his earlier confidence came from.
His swordsmanship seems to improve considerably.
His swings are fluid, finely mastered, as well as his attacks.
His movements are well refined, a testament to the rigorous training he put himself through.
He never loses concentration, and he doesn't fall for cheap tricks.
With a little more training, he would be able to call himself the best swordsman this era has ever produced.
I'm really proud of him. If I never came to save this nation, two invaluable individuals would have been wasted in war.
This world is really cruel.
After a long fight, Sage-san was able to analyse the skill he got.
「Report. Analysis completed.」
——— Yeah! Let's go, Sage-san! ———
「Via analysis, it has been confirmed that the individual Kenneth Masaki possesses the unique skill『Progressor』.」
Progressor, huh? Just from the name, I can guess it's function.
「The unique skill 『Progressor』allows the user to match their target's strength if the target possesses strength surpassing the user.」
「In the case where the target is weaker than the user or even in strength, the user will gain extraordinary advantage over the latter.」
Oh? That's pretty neat.
「Activate unique skill『Replicator』? [YES]/[NO]?」
——— Nah. Let the dude be the only one to have this skill. ———
I can't copy something my friend worked hard for. It would be like an insult to him.
I know that I copy the skills of my opponents, but that's different.
I won't bother to explain.
After a few more training sessions with him, I've gotten better in the way of the sword.
It isn't a huge progress, but it is something anyone would be proud of.
I met up with Alya-san. She was having difficulties due to the fact that she hasn't developed diplomatic relationships with any country yet.
I wish I could help them, but as a queen, she should be able to handle these issues on her own.
I can help her, but I won't. It's not because I know nothing about politics, alright!
I'm a man of many talents, you know?
「.... Pfft-」
——— OOOOOIIII!!! Oi, oi, oi, oi!! What was that just now!? You were about to laugh, weren't you!? ———
「It was just an auditory illusion.」
——— Yeah. You must be right-LIKE HELL IT WAS!!! ———
I'll just play deaf for sanity's sake.
I proceeded to ignore that remark like the generous person that I am.
I discussed with her ways to alleviate some of her burden.
After a few discussions with her, I left the newly named nation.
I was thinking of heading back to the Jura Forest when my thoughts got disrupted.
——— Sariel. I think I'm gonna need your help. Can you allow me to bring you here? ———
I don't like the sound of that.
Sariel: 「Fine. Do whatever you want. It's not as if you'd take no for an answer.」
Immediately I said that, I was brought to a strange dimension.
I thought I was gonna be sent to the Heavenly Star Palace, but this is in no way the same place.
I looked around to familiarise myself with this strange setting, but I did not catch a glimpse of a thing I remember in this place.
——— Sorry for not telling you earlier, but you are in the dimension outside the cardinal world. ———
*Sigh*
This dude just does whatever he pleases.
——— Well, what's up. Am I supposed to fo fight that Iverage dude or what? ———
——— Sariel. This fight should be taken seriously. I won't excuse death. ———
Wow. What's the sudden change in tone.
I guess this Iverage dude is gonna be a pain in the ass.
——— Geez. I get it, I get it! There's no need for you to be such a sour puss. ———
——— I'm just... worried is
all ———
Seriously, now he's acting like an introvert?
——— Fine. But you owe me one. ———
I left to inspect the fight against Iverage.
I could not locate Lunax, but I shrugged off as her charging up for a final blow.
But days have passed since that idea came into my mind, and she has yet to be seen.
I began to worry but decided to focus on the battle.
Iverage had long broken Norana's seal and began to make its way towards the central world.
I'm actually pretty impressed with the seal Norana put up.
I would never be able to break out of such a seal.
The fact that it destroyed such a seal with its aura alone speaks volumes of its power.
I see what Velda means now.
I watched as it made its way through their onslaught.
It unleashed a very powerful breath attack towards the direction of the cardinal world.
After seeing this, I knew that I had to act.
With a swift motion, I made my way towards the breath attack and used both 『Gluttony 』 and 『Soul Lord』 to absorb the incoming attack whilst amplifying its effect with 『Ultimate Authority』.
That alone was sufficient to devour the attack.
Sariel: 「Sorry for being late.」
Norana: 「Nah. You're just in time.」
I looked at the dragon they were all facing.
Looking at it up close can make you lose your spirit to fight.
Will I even be able to put a scratch on it?
I sighed at the newcomer that had just arrived.
Apparently, Guy had been called to assist us in the fight.
In the end, I was the one who stole the spotlight.
Not that I mind.
In fact, it's the other way around.
Guy: 「You really like to show off, don't you?」
What does he- oh, I see.
Sariel: 「You can't blame me. Let's forget about that and focus on the looming threat here.」
As I said that, we all turned to look at Iverage.
It flared its aura again, poisoning the atmosphere with toxic chaotic magicules.
Sariel: 「Do you think you can continue the fight?」
I asked Feldway this question.
His magicule pool has decreased significantly, and he must be spiritually exhausted.
But being the stubborn blockhead that he is, he refuted.
Feldway: 「Tch. Don't look down on me bastard. I'm not out yet.」
Sariel: 「That's just about what I want to hear.」
I remarked, giving him a stern glance. He seems to understand what I mean as he focused on Iverage.
At least he is capable.
I turned to look at the others who looked determined to end this.
Knowing what was about to happen, I felt overwhelming tension within me.
Restraining me from thinking clearly.
But there was no need to worry because I wasn't alone.
「Notice. I will be there to support you.」
——— Thanks, Sage-san. I really needed that. ———
Sariel: 「Let's do this!」
—————————————————————————————————
Name: Sariel.
Race: Primordial Demon-「Demon Peer」
Blessings: Sariel's Compassion.
Title: Divine Protector:「Universal Guardian」.
Magic: Elemental Magic, Aspectual Magic, Physics Magic, True Soul Magic, Holy Magic, Dark Magic, Illusion Magic
Intrinsic Skills: Possession, Infinite Regeneration, Demon Lord's Haki, Material Creation, Magic Nullification, Magic Domination, Multilayer Barrier.
Unique Skills: 『Wise Sage』, 『Gluttony』, 『Replicator』, 『Soul Lord』, 『Ultimate Authority』,『Space-Time Administrator』.
Resistances: Physical Attack Nullification, Spiritual Attack Resistance, Natural Effect Resistance, Abnormal Condition Resistance, Holy-Demonic Attack Resistance
Unique Skills
1.『Soul Lord』
[Subskills]
1. Soul Harvest: Souls of those weaker than the user are instantly harvested. Only individuals with spiritual attack resistance or ultimate-level skills are considered safe from this ability. Skills belonging to the harvested soul can also be acquired.
2. Soul Barrier: A barrier that constantly absorbs the soul energy of targets at a frightening rate.
3. Soul World: An evolved version of 『Soul Storage』. All harvested souls are stored in this subskill and can be converted to magical energy for the user and viceversa. Souls in this dimension are not affected by time. The storage capacity of this skill has been increased, making its storage capacity vastly greater than that of 『Soul Storage』.
4. Life Predation: All types of energy and life can be devoured by this ability. Once devoured, the target is taken into the 『Soul World』for analysis. The target of effect includes but is not limited to organic and inorganic objects. It also extends to skills and magic.
5. Ultra-Speed Soul Regeneration: An enhanced version of 『Soul Regeneration』. Allows for the recovery of damages affecting the soul at a quicker rate compared to Soul Regeneration.
6. Soul Manipulation: Allows for the manipulation of souls to a certain extent. The user can control souls easily and convert them into energy or perform resurrection or revival and many more depending on their level of proficiency.
7. Soul Blade Summoning/Soul Blade:『Ares』: A mythical grade weapon that ignores the material body and directly affects the soul of a target upon contact. The greater the amount of magicules infused into the blade, the higher the damage the soul takes. Using spiritrons as its energy source makes the amount of damage greater than when used with magicules.
8. Soul Appraisal: Allows the user to run analysis on a targets soul, allowing them to access information like the skills they possesses and the functions of that skill. When used on targets weaker than the user, it can also be used to read the memories of the appraised targets.
9. True Body Release: This skill is only activated once the user dies. Once that happens, the user can decide to transfer their soul to their body that is stored in the『Soul World』. The body can then be released from the『Soul World』if the user wishes to do so.
______________________________________________
2.『Wise Sage』
[Subskills]
1. Thought Acceleration: Increases thought-processing speed by ten thousand times.
2. Analytical Appraisal: Perfoms analysis and appraisal on targets.
3. Universal Perception: Allows for the extrasensory perception of light, heat, sound waves, etc.
4. Chant Annulment: Allows the user to perform magic without incantations.
5. All of Creation: Allows the user to comprehend all non-concealed phenomena in the world. The outcome of this ability depends on what the user understands and the information the user knows about.
6. Parallel Computation: Detaches regular thought processes and performs operations on any matter the user wishes to analyse.
7. Skill Domination: Allows the user to gain total control of their skill.
8. Auto-battle Mode: Temporarily possess the user's body for as long as the user wishes.
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3.『Gluttony』
[Subskills]
1. Predation: Takes the target into the user's body. But in case the target is conscious, the chances of success decrease significantly. The target of effect includes but is not limited to organic and inorganic objects. It also extends to skills and magic.
2. Stomach: Stores the predated target. It is also possible to store materials created via analysis. Targets stored in this subskill are not affected by time.
3. Mimicry: Replicate the captured targets' appearance. Its abilities are also possible to use. However, it is limited to targets whose information is successfully analysed.
4. Isolation: Stores harmful objects that can not be analysed, neutralising them, then breaking them down into magicules.
5. Corrosion: Corrodes the target, decomposing it if it is organic. There is a chance of acquiring an ability after partially consuming the targets body.
6. Receive: The ability to obtain skills from the individuals under the user's influence.
7. Provide: Grants part of the user's abilities to those under the user's influence or to use individuals that have a soul link/bond.
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4.『Replicator』
[Subskills]
1. Replication: Copies the skills, arts, and magic of the target only if the user analyses the procedure. Skills, arts, and magic that have reached the ultimate level can not be replicated.
2. Forced Replication: Forcefully copy the skills, magic, and arts of the target without the need for analysing the operation at the cost of the user's magicules. (The user may lose up to 60% of their magicules when used.)
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5.『Ultimate Authority』
[Subskills]
1. Ultimate Level: Any type of attack can be elevated to the ultimate level whilst simultaneously raising the user's defence against attacks to the ultimate level.
2. Essence Fusion: Fuses a pair of different essences or targets into a single object.
Can be used to merge skills together, evolving them into new skills. More than one skill can be acquired from merging depending on the combination used.
3. Essence Separation: Separates the properties or essence inherent to the target into different objects. (In case the separate target has no physical form, it may dissappear.)
______________________________________________
6.『Space-Time Administrator』
[Subskills]
1. Dimension Leap: Allows the user to freely locate and travel to a location, even if it is in different dimensions or worlds, as long as there's a guide or connection to it.
2. Space Severance: The gaps within space can be opened and widened for various uses. It can be used as a source of teleportation by opening the space between two points and connecting the two spaces.
3. Space-Time Manipulation: It allows the user to manipulate and utilize the elements of space and time, allowing them to perform Spacetime Connection or even Instant Motion depending on their proficiency.
4. Temporal Chronostasis: A temporal illusion that make targets see objects as though they have stopped moving, making opponents react slower than they are supposed to.
5. Temporal Acceleration: Grants the user the ability to speed up time processes of a target.
6. Temporal Deceleration: Grants the user the ability to slow down time processes of a target.
7. Future Memory: This ability allows the user to access information from the future to make use of it in the present time.