NOVEL WEB Chapter 13: World-Destroying Dragon Iverage (3)
This will be one of the biggest battles I've ever had.
As I stared at Iverage, I saw the others preparing attacks for when it acted.
I also decided to ready myself.
I don't think amplifying my attacks would work on it as it has a skill nullifying effect.
I don't even know where to begin.
If skills don't work on it, who is to say magic would do a thing.
Physical attacks are borderline useless against it, and I don't have a skill that can affect him.
「Notice: It has been confirmed that the unique skills 『Soul Lord』 and 『Space-Time Administrator』would have an effect on Iverage.」
——— Wait, really? How so? ———
「Answer. A few subskills under these two unique skills would work on it. Examples being 『Soul Barrier』,『Life Predation』, 『Space Severance』and 『Temporal Chronostasis』.」
Is that so? Then, I'll have to focus on these two skills.
Sariel: 「I'll take the lead.」
I launched the first attack, using 『Temporal Chronostasis』 I slowed down its perception of time before landing an attack with 『Ares』.
I imbued the effects of 『Space Severance』to my slash, opening creating a deep wound on it.
Up till now, it has been shrugging off attacks using its body, or depending on its aura to nullify attacks.
However, I slowed down its perception whilst increasing mine using『Thought Acceleration』, hence, it couldn't react early to my attack.
After receiving that slash, it let out a pain-filled roar.
I sneered at the creature.
It planned to destroy the world, intending to spread grief, pain, and sorrow to many, yet it can't even manage this level of pain.
Pathetic.
Feldway: 「We fought for two months, unable to injure it, and you just severely weakened it with one slash.」
Oops. Looks like I'm showing off.
Well, let's forget all that. It has begun to lose focus on the cardinal world.
「Report! Individual Guy is attempting to replicate master's skill. Requesting permission to block attempt.」
Do you even need to ask? Block it!!
「Blocking attempt... successful... Tch!」
H-Huh! Did she just...
——— U-Um Sage-san. Do you mind telling me what's wrong? ———
I asked, worried about what could piss off Sage-san more than I could.
「Report. Individual Guy is attempting to replicate master's skill... AGAIN.」
That bastard!! Does he want to get me killed!? I am in NO WAY dealing with an angry sage.
「My Lord, please allow me to do something.」
——— EEEK!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!!! NOT THIS!!! ———
——— Don't call me your lord!! Please, I'll do anything–I know! I give you permission to do what you want. ———
——— Yes! That's it! I allow you to do it! ———
「Notice. Thank you.」
*Sigh*
I dodged that one. That idiot. I swear I'll get back at him.
「Notice. Acquisition of the unique skill 『Pride』has been successful.」
Huh?
Guy: 「Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi! You lttle shit! How dare you!?」
Sariel: 「Don't oi me, fucking prick!! You nearly gave me a heart attack.」
That bastard should be grateful that he was spared by the tyrant.
I don't even wanna think about what she would've done if she could influence the world through her willpower.
Let's forget all that has happened here for my sake, okay?
「Understood.」
It seems like it has lost focus on the cardinal world.
I would say that it's a good thing if not for the fact that it has given its full attention to me.
Sariel: 「Shit. Just what I needed.」
I immediately cast a 『Soul Barrier』around it to weaken it.
It seems to enjoy the barrier as it screamed in retaliation.
They all started to unleash deadly attacks on the creature.
It has been releasing its aura for the past two months. As a result, new creatures were born.
I never knew that monsters could be produced by the formation of magicules. I guess we always learn something new every day.
Some looked like insects whilst the others looked like.... well... monsters.
They began to cause trouble for me. How?
Sariel: 「Eeek!! It's on my ass!! MY FUCKING ASS!!!」
They would perch on your body and bite you.
But why did that asshole perch on my ass!!
I decided to call for help.
——— Hakura, Tarou, Xavier, Arion, Reika!! I need you here now! ———
——— And bring along with you thousands–no millions demons here immediately!! ———
——— Yes, my Lord!! ———
That was my command. I swear I'll make these bastards pay.
They all tried to invade the central world, but the dimensional barrier stood firm.
When I let my guard down a little, Iverage released his chaotic breath attack towards my direction.
——— Ah shit! This is bad.———
I could dodge the attack, but the cardinal world would be destroyed if I did that.
It was right behind me as I never left the position I took when devouring his initial attack.
——— Sage-san, is there anything I could do to stop it. ———
「Report. Activating 『Multilayer Barrier』 around the host... successful.」
「Report. Utilising 『Space-Time Manipulation』to manipulate the space around the host... successful.」
Ah. Sage-san is really reliable.
「Acquisition of the extra skill 『Multidimensional Barrier』has been successful.」
「Integrating the extra skill 『Multidimensional Barrier』 into 『Space-Time Administrator』... successful.」
Wow, calm down, Sage-san. I know you like to be a skill pervert but please tone it down, alright?
「It was a trait I got from you.」
——— Oi. What do you mean about that? I'll ignore that remark. ———
I was surrounded by this new skill of mine.
After absorbing the first attack he sent towards me, Sage-san was able to analyse the nature of the attack.
I can now adjust the new barrier to block his breath attack.
But I made a major mistake. The barrier successfully blocked the attack, but I did not take the full force of it.
Some of it had hit the dimensional barrier, and it began to crack.
A final attack by all the insects was the final straw before it finally broke.
They all swarmed the in like flies on a mission.
The sheer number of monsters that invaded was frightening.
It almost looks like an apocalypse, but in this case, it is a real apocalypse.
——— You guys, change of order. Defend the cardinal world. ———
——— Hai Sariel-sama! ———
Good. That's really good.
I refocused my attention to Iverage.
Guy used the magic I taught him, that is, 『Death Streak』 to attack it.
He created an abyss core and crushed it.
The spiritrons in the atmosphere began to release dark light that travelled towards Iverage.
It offset the dark lights approaching it using its intense aura to nullify its effects.
It retaliated with a swing of its claw, but he had managed to fly away from the attack in time.
Dino: 「『Fallen Strike』!」
Wow. That's something new.
Dino, the sleepyhead was now in a different attire.
He had six pairs of white wings sprouting out from back.
He wore white robe, wielding two white swords.
He looked really sick in that costume. Now I'm really tempted to use my main body, but I don't plan on dying, so that's a no-no.
The attack managed to create a wound on it, but only slightly.
Iverage roared in defiance, pushing us all away from him.
It started sucking in energy at an absurd rate.
It almost felt as if life predation was being used on me.
「Notice. A similar phenomenon such as that is occurring now.」
Wait, truly? I have to warn them.
Sariel: 「Be careful! Iverage is sucking in anything related to energy. It can also absorb us.」
Cornu: 「That is already obvious sherlock.」
Oh? The bastard's still alive?
You know if he died, I wouldn't mind. He adds nothing to the plot anyway.
After a while, Iverage stop absorbing the energy.
It seems to realise that it wouldn't work on–
「Report! Incoming attack!! Activating 『Multidimensional Barrier』... succe–」
Faster than anyone can dodge, Iverage released thousands of dark light rays from its body.
The light rays travelled at lightspeed.
Without a chance to dodge, I was pierced by the dark light.
Sariel: 「Gah!!」
Norana: 「Sariel!!」
I felt intense pain, the sensation of my soul on the verge of shattering.
I clenched my chest instinctively, feeling the overwhelming power that was slowly but steadily corrupting my soul.
It was a sensation I've never felt before.
——— Shit!... I got careless. ———
「Report! The soul has taken considerable damage. Activating 『Infinite Regeneration』
...successful」
「Notice. The chaotic energy of Iverage has merged with your soul. Regeneration failed.」
「Additionally, your soul has taken 67.332% damage.」
「To alleviate damage, the unique skills 『Space-Time Administrator』,『Gluttony』 and『Replicator』 have been sacrificed.」
——— Oi! What are you.. doing. ———
「Notice. The host should recuperate. Let me take care of it for you.」
——— I can't.. back down now... What will the... others think of... me? ———
「With your condition, it is advisable to go to rest. If you continue like this, your soul will eventually get destroyed.」
Damn it. I let my guard down just once, and this is the price.
My soul isn't recovering and is on the brink of annihalation.
I won't be able to fight properly again.
DAMN IT ALL!!!
I was careless again. I always do things like this.
——— Sage-san... please take care of me once again. And.. don't let them... discover who you are. ———
「Understood.」
——— I know I... can count on you, please don't let me down,... partner. ———
「!!!」
Before I could say anymore, my consciousness thinned out.
I hope all goes well.
◇◇◇
As soon as Sariel's lost consciousness, his eyes began to change to a crimson red colour.
His demeanour changed drastically, and the aura around him changed.
Norana, who had rushed up to Sariel out of concern, was confused.
Norana: 「Sariel?」
She looked at him worriedly, but he just stood up and gave her a nod before going to attack Iverage.
Sariel used his 『Chaos Magic:Divinity Nova』on a large scale to assault it.
Enhancing its effect using 『Ultimate Authority』 he managed to create a big wound on it.
He did not give it time to regenerate by launching a massive magic bullet full of corrosion effects.
The magic bullet exploded when it came into contact with its body.
The wound became larger, and it began to rot slowly.
The others used this opportunity to strike the injured Iverage on his wound.
Using 『Napalm Burst』, Guy attacked Iverage.
Norana activated her seal again, and Zalario attacked it using his 『Insanity Hash』.
Lunax: 「『Divinity Sword Art: Heavenly Demolition』!!」
A bright holy light rose up, piercing through space and landed on Iverage, severing his wing.
Norana: 「Lunax, you're... alright?」
Lunax now had six pairs of black wings that glowed brightly, clad in a black and gold armour of mythic grade class.
Her hair was no longer white, but black with a little violet to it.
Her blue eyes shone with brilliance as it inspected Iverage thoroughly.
Lunax: 「Sorry for wasting your time.」
Without waiting for a reply, she flew in front Iverage.
Iverage saw her and began to charge up for a breath attack, but Lunax did not give it the luxury of doing so.
Lunax: 「『Judgement Ray: Octahedral Burst』」
Eight magic circles appeared in front of Iverage and sent eight energy beams inside its mouth.
The beams collided with the energy in its mouth, creating a destructive explosion that created a hole in its mouth.
Iverage: 「RAAAAAAAAARGH!!!」
Sariel used『Gas Creation』, whilst adding 『Life Predation』along with poisoning effect that drained Iverage's soul energy.
Coupled with the effects of 『Soul Barrier』, its soul energy was absorbed at a frightening rate.
Iverage: 「RAAAAAAA–」
It did not get a chance to act when it was frozen solid.
Sariel used his 『Thermal Manipulation』to decrease the temperature of the gas.
The gas was converted to solid ice.
Veldanava: 「It seems like I have to act now.」
◇◇◇
In the central world, there was an apocalypse taking place.
Millions of insects and cryptids were invading and assaulting any form of life.
They killed any human they spotted and began to cause chaos.
In the Jura Forest, a huge hell gate was opened, and millions of demons passed through the gate and began to fight against the invaders.
Among the demons, there were nine individuals who stand out among the rest.
They were the 9 celestial generals under Sariel's command.
Yuuka: 「Let's go to assist the humans. If not for Sariel-sama, we wouldn't even give a damn.」
Yuuka said this whilst observing the fight between the demons and the insects.
Reika: 「Yeah. As much as I despise them, it's Sariel-sama's order.」
Arion: 「I'm going to head towards the nation that Sariel-sama goes to.
We don't want to see his favourite nation get attacked, right?」
Arion said this with a smile, but the others caught up to his scheme immediately.
Xavier: 「Favourite nation, my ass! You just wanna go fight that powerful individual that just got there.」
Hearing this, the others looked at Arion with annoyed expression.
Seeing that his plan was exposed, Arion let out a mischievous chuckle.
Haruka: 「You're always stingy. Remember what Sariel-sama taught us.
Giving is receiving. Let me take this one today. I'm sure you'll get another one on a later date.」
Arion frowned in dissatisfaction after hearing Haruka.
He glared at her and spoke.
Arion: 「Who's the stingiest brat among us all. YOU!!
I remember asking you for the food Sariel-sama brought from Silverion. I wasn't around, so he couldn't get any for me.
When I asked if you could let me taste yours, what did you tell me!?」
As soon as Arion said this, the others began to laugh loudly
——— Flashback ———
Arion: 「Hm? He, Haruka. What are you doing?」
Haruka: 「Eating. It's some Sariel-sama taught us to do. He brought us a gift from that new nation of his. They call it "food."」
Haruka answered him and continued to eat her food.
Arion was curious about the food and decided to ask more questions about it.
When he heard that it was something Sariel taught them personally, he wanted to learn more about it.
Arion: 「Really? I wasn't around. Did he bring the... food for us all?」
After seeing that Arion was not ready to go, Haruka had a tick mark on her forehead.
She chose to answer his question.
Haruka: 「Huh? Sure thing... now shew-shew. I'm busy with... some super-duper important stuff. LEAVE!」
Arion looked at her with an exaggerated face.
He was about to leave when he remembered what he wanted to ask.
Arion: 「Ah. I nearly forgot. Where's mine?」
Haruka: 「Huh? It's what I'm eating now. I finished mine long ago.」
Arion was confused at first, and after digesting the information, he exploded in fury.
Arion: 「YOU DID WHAT!! THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MINE! YOU'RE TELLING ME YOU... *Sigh*. Just... let me taste how it is.」
When Haruka heard him, she immediately devoured the rest of the food.
Arion: 「You–WHAT THE HELL!! WHAT IN THE FUCKING HELL!! WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!!!」
Haruka: 「Huh? I ate it. Nothing more, nothing less. Like hell I'm giving that to you.」
Arion: 「BUT THAT WAS MINE!!」
Haruka: 「And now it's mine. Besides, it's not good for your health. I'm just watching out for you. Am I not a great big sis? Hmph, be grateful!!」
That was the last straw for him.
Arion: 「That's it. I will FUCKING KILL YOU!!! I'LL REAP OUT YOUR FUCKING HEART CORE AND SELL IT TO A MERCHANT TO BUY MY FOOD BACK!!! IT WILL BE THE LAST TIME I EVER HEAR OF YOUR FUCKING NAME!!!」
Haruka: 「KYAA!! SARIEL-SAMA!!!」
Sariel: 「Ah shit. Here we go again...」
Yuuka: 「Please forgive me my lord.」
——— Flashback End ———
When Haruka remembered what happened, her face turned red in embarrassment.
Arion: 「*Sigh*. I'm going to fight that person. No one interferes.」
Xavier: 「Fine, fine. You deserve that much.」
When Arion heard that he teleported himself out of there.
Takumi: 「Sooo... we interfering?」
Tarou: 「Definitely.」
◇◇◇
In the nation of Silverion, there were insects and cryptids swarming in the country, destroying everything in sight.
Before the invasion began, Sariel had informed their queen about a possible attack.
Hence, all the citizens had evacuated from the towns in case of emergency.
The city guards were already prepared in case of a possible invasion.
They began to defend against the insects, but the guards lacked in both quality and quantity in the fight.
They were being pushed back and a few were killed.
This all ended when Sariel sent his demons to help.
The demons, even though they lacked material bodies, where able to use magic to push them back.
The magic only had little effect on them but with the combined effort of the guards, they were killing and overpowering them.
The demons used magic to distract them whilst the guards landed the finishing blow.
But amongst these insects, there was an individual who stood out among all the insects.
He had a humanoid form. Clad in a thick exoskeleton that surrounded his entire body like a suit of armour.
His black exoskeleton was entirely made up of hihi'irokane.
He had two golden horns along with two black wings adorning his back.
He also had gold-coloured ornaments covering various parts of his exoskeleton.
He followed in the invasion of the royal capital city, but was stopped by an individual blocking his way.
Kenneth: 「You must be the leader of these insects. There is no need for greetings as you will be dead soon.」
「It's a good thing. I share the same notion.」
He took a stance, ready for action.
Kenneth scrutinised the insect, trying to comprehend the strength of his opponent.
He wasn't able to grasp any information needed. Hence he became extremely wary of him.
Kenneth: 「Let's see just how strong you are.」
In an instance, Kenneth appeared beside the insectar, aiming for a diagonal slash upwards.
The sword came into contact with the insectar's body, but no damage was done.
Kenneth: 「Yeah, I expected that much.」
He jumped back to dodge a spinning kick performed by his opponent whilst preparing his own attack mid-air.
Kenneth: 「『Gale Slash』!」
A gust of wind was sent towards him in a blade form.
Without much effort, the insectar smacked away the attack, sending it crashing a building nearby.
「What a joke. Are you even trying?」
In a flash, the insectar appeared in front of Kenneth and threw a devastating blow to him.
Kenneth brought his blade in front of the attack to lessen the impact.
He was sent back by the force of the blow and collided against the wall behind him.
He grunted in pain as the impact was too great for him.
The insectar stretched out his arm, and a mouth appeared on his palm.
「Die.『Devastator Virus』」
As he said that, [1]dark cells came out of that mouth, heading towards Kenneth's direction to devour him.
In the nick of time, Kenneth jumped out of the way, dodging the attack.
Kenneth: 「Tch. Some gigachad you are.」
The dark cells were swallowed back and the insectar took his stance again.
After dodging that attack, Ken went in for another strike.
This one was imbued with his aura.
Seeing this, the insectar blocked the sword, with his fist also infused with his own aura.
They began to exchange attacks with extreme speed, each attack stronger than the last.
Every blow was met with a perfect parry.
Their clash creating shockwaves that reverberated throughout the atmosphere, further destroying the already destroyed buildings.
The insectar began to increase the speed and strength of his blows and kicks, but the same could be said about Kenneth, who utilised his unique skill to the fullest of his ability.
Between their exchange, the insectar would sometimes sprout a mouth on the part of his body where Ken attempts to strike.
As soon as the attack lands, he would use his teeth to grab Kenneth's blade, temporarily rendering Ken immobile.
He would also attempt to devour Ken mid-fight using his 『Devastator Virus』but Kenneth would always dodge the attack.
Using his unique skill 『Progressor』, Ken was able to fight the insectar on equal terms.
At some point, explosions began to occur in their fight.
Using this to his advantage, the insectar would manipulate sound waves produced by the explosion to push Ken back.
He also used the waves in his attacks to repel any strike Kenneth made whilst using space to disrupt his movements.
Ken knew that he would've died from the beginning if not for his unique skill, yet, he was still struggling against his opponent.
Kenneth: 「(Shit! This is bad, really bad. I've got to do something quick!)」
He jumped back, trying to create space between them, but the insectar closed the space between them and threw a blow towards Ken's head.
Ken turned sideways to dodge the attack and struck back.
Kenneth: 「『Soul Impact』!!」
He learned this art from Sariel during their spar.
Using his aura on his blade, he struck the insectar's neck, creating a small wound that regenerated almost immediately.
His aura began to cause havoc in the insects heart core (soul), corrupting it slowly.
The insectar felt pain from that attack, but still went on the offensive.
「Hm. What a terrifying art. I'll get serious now.」
Kenneth: 「What! No way! Life Domination!?」
He managed to analyse the situation but now, the odds were against him.
Ken was caught off guard by the insectar, expecting his art to buy him some time to strategize.
It was too late for him, his head exploded as the insectar landed a fatal blow to him.
His punch had the effect of his 『Devastator Virus』. Hence, the outcome was inevitable.
「You did well. Unfortunately, you had me as your opponent. Next time-... Hm?」
He stared at Ken's body, baffled at the scene before him.
The body began to grow back his head. It started from his shoulder to the neck, before completely regaining his head back.
???: 「To think an insect would become this strong. It's almost scary.」
Kenneth: 「*Sigh*. Thanks a lot, Reidner-sama. I'll thread carefully from now on.」
Reidner: 「Don't think about it. Just protecting her majesty's nation is more than enough.」
Reidner came out of his hiding position, wearing a brown robe with a blue cape.
His black eyes were now blue, shining brighly, and his usual black hair was now glowing white.
Kenneth: 「You seem kinda... different.」
Reidner: 「Don't mind that. Let's defeat this foe together and earn praise from Alya-sama and Sariel-sensei.」
Kenneth: 「Of course!」
He looked back to watch the insectar, preparing a new strategy to use against him.
「So, you're the human that healed him. I'll need to have you dead if I want to kill him.」
Kenneth: 「You'll have to kill me for that to happen, AND IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!!!」
With a violent roar, Kenneth dashed towards the insectar to resume their battle.
「We'll see about it.」
Acknowledging his intention, the insectar dashed towards the running Kenneth to start the second round of their fight.
—————————————————————————————————
[1] Dark cells are microscopic, willful particles from another world.