Intermission Bad news The Vermilion Empire, the imperial capital Flareberg. There was only a dazzling brilliance in the central park. A tall constructed tower. The brilliance of the blazing flames that surrounded it. This was a bonfire used in traditional state funerals in Vermillion. Under this powerful brilliance, a feast was held to mourn for the citizens who ignored the evacuation orders from the 《League》 and the 《Vermillion Empire》 and remained in the country, dying in the previous clash with the Kradleland Army. Of course, Stella, the princess of this country, was also present at the feast. - Millie. What in the world is this…? - This is Japanese food; I think it’s called 『Takoyaki』〜? - Huh? Is this edible? Isn't it an alien on the verge of hatching? - For Millie-chan, this is the most shocking thing since the Stargazy Pie we saw in England. - The world is so vast, isn’t it…? - These are all harmful rumors! Who made this monster's egg-like thing!? Stella shouted at the top of her voice at the false misunderstandings about her boyfriend's hometown.
The problem was the takoyaki that the people of Vermilion made for Stella, who was studying abroad in Japan, was based on knowledge they gained from others. - I ate takoyaki in Osaka, which was the venue for the 《Seven Star Sword Art Festival》, but it wasn’t like this! The arms weren’t sticking out wrigglingly out of the batter like this! I mean, you’ve got a whole octopus in this one! - Ah, the recipe was wrong after all. - No, we also thought it was kind of strange. We said “Is 『this』 a popular food in Japan?!”. - I see. Only the arms are used, huh. Then let's remake them. The people around nodded in agreement with Stella's points. At this, Stella sighed, feeling relieved. She only ate authentic takoyaki once, but she felt too sorry for the people of Kansai that such a wonderful dish was misunderstood as such a strange thing. Now that the misunderstanding was cleared, the problem was what to do with the monster's eggs, (I-indeed, I think I lost my appetite…) Probably they went and threw small octopi into the takoyaki. The pseudo-takoyaki served on a plate. The bizarreness of the arms protruding out of the white batter plucked off her appetite completely.
It was a waste to throw them away because they took the trouble to make them, but she wasn’t that eager. And when Stella hesitated, - Oh? Stella-chan, if you’re not going to eat that, I’ll gladly have it〜- - Nene-sensei…! Saikyou Nene, who appeared with a beer mug in one hand, snatched the monster's egg from the side and ate it. - Mm-hmm, it’s good, very good. I’m so lucky that they put an octopus in it like a real moron. It goes well with alcohol, you know? Nene, who seemed to have liked it, ate up the monster's eggs on the plate heartily. - Hey, you eat and drink a lot, young girl! - She’s 《Yaksha Princess》, who is famous for being number one in the East Pacific region! - Nyahaha! This is nothing for me. C’mon, get moving and bring some more! Also, bring a handsome man! Pour more sake! Pour more sake! There's not enough sake! It seemed that Nene's magnificence, which didn’t suit her lovely appearance, had been well received by the people of Vermilion, and a particularly large crowd had formed around her. It certainly felt good to see Nene eating and drinking so much. But at the same time, Stella felt uneasy. - Excuse me, Nene-sensei. Aren’t we going to war with Kradleland tomorrow!? Is it okay to drink that much!?
She was a member of those elected as representatives for tomorrow. It would be a problem if she was unable to move due to overeating and drinking, or if her potential fell. That was why Stella warned her, but Nene objected, saying 「Huuhh? 」with a red face and raised eyebrows. - Brats shouldn’t worry about full-grown adults. Of course I’m going to be fine. Self-control is what it means to be an adult! … Towards the direction where no one was. - Who are you talking to, Nene-sensei!? There's no one over there! - O-oh, Stella-chan is over here, huh. I guess I got it wrong. … Huh? Stellachan? Were you always quintuplets? - Just as I thought, you’re not fine at all! Stella screamed, and Nene laughed indifferently and heartily at Stella's frustration. It was really lively. And it wasn't just Stella and Nene’s surroundings that was lively.
In the central park that became the venue, various delicacies and alcohols made from ingredients gathered by the people were lined up, and tumultuous revelries were everywhere. It was particularly lively around the bonfire. There, a band was playing happy songs, and people were dancing and having fun. Kurogane Ikki, who was sitting on the steps leading to the promenade outside the park and looking down at the scene, let out a wry smile. - … It doesn’t look like a funeral at all. It was a soliloquy that he didn’t intend to say to anyone, but, - Is our state funeral so rare, boy? A voice came down from the promenade up the stairs. Ikki turned around at the familiar voice in surprise. - Father…! - Who are you calling father!? Looking furious, the red-bearded middle-aged man was Stella's father, and the current king of the Vermillion Empire. Sirius Vermillion. Sirius yelled “There’s no reason for you to call me father”, then sat down heavily at the top of the stairs and gulped down a whole bottle of alcohol. And let out a breath reeking of alcohol, - This state funeral is a tradition that has continued since the founding of the nation. On the night of the day when independence from Kradleland was
achieved, a large bonfire was lit to show gratitude to the king’s family and people who sacrificed themselves in the war for independence. It's said that it started with three days and three nights of disturbances. It's not limited to national funerals, all funerals in Vermillion, whether big or small, are generally like this. Yes, he told Ikki, who came from a foreign country, about his country's traditions. - The mood is quite different from Japanese funerals. - Nostalgic feelings don’t change. What change is making marry or not. Well, no matter how sad it is, just for this time, everyone drinks, gets excited and laughs desperately. - …Why do you get excited to the point of overdoing it? - If we don’t do so, those who died won’t be rewarded. - ! - We don’t want those who died to feel guilty for things like making their dear families sad because of their deaths. So, we light a big bonfire like this one and laugh and shout like idiots, hoping that the laughter of us who survived, can be heard even from the distant sky. Happiness for those left behind. The people of Vermilion believed that this was the greatest funeral for the dead. In this eccentric tradition, - … It’s a nice custom, isn’t it? Ikki gave his most sincere impression.
He had no intention of ranking the customs of different countries. But if he were to die── He didn't know what happened after death. He couldn't even imagine whether or not he would be conscious. Even so… he wanted those special to him to smile. - …Hmm. Giving Ikki a sidelong glance, Sirius drank up the remaining alcohol in the bottle and opened his mouth. ──In a calm and slightly different tone than just a moment ago, - It looks to me that Stella has become very indebted to you. - Eh? - I heard it from 《Black Knight》. It’s thanks to you that Stella was able to gain so much power. - That’s not── True, Ikki tried to deny it. The reason why Stella reached 《Brute Soul》 and transcended her own limits by remaking her Device was all due to her own great willpower. However, Sirius covered this with the words, 「Don't be humble」, - I know everything. You… got in the way of 《Hiyoku》, who was trying to save Stella from an imminent death, cornering her even more; it’s all your fault──!!! (Gyaa────!)
- Any last words…? Sirius changed his tone completely, stood up with bloodshot eyes, and snapped his thick fingers. Ikki's face turned pale from the hot killing intent rising from his body. He’s going to kill me. Ikki sensed it intuitively and shouted to stop him. - Ple-please wait a minute! That’s── - What? A misunderstanding? - N-no, it's not like it's a misunderstanding. - Then why would I 『wait』? - 〜〜〜〜〜. Why indeed. Even Ikki didn't know. It was natural as well. The incident in Edelberg reported by 《Black Knight》. It was a fact that there was no room for an excuse for obstructing 《Hiyoku》 Edelweiss who was trying to save Stella who was on the verge of being killed by 《Toutetsu》. Therefore, as Ikki was drenched in a cold sweat, - I-I'm sorry. - Shaaaa──────────────────!!!!
A fraction of a second. Sirius, his eyes burning with anger as though about to breathe fire, unleashed his fist. Ikki didn't avoid this. How irrational was the thing I did? Because he understood it well, he clenched his teeth and prepared himself. This is the punishment I deserve. But, (Huh?) Sirius' rock-like fist stopped before Ikki's eyes. - … Father? Ikki wondered what was going on. At this, Sirius shot straight at Ikki with the same scarlet eyes as Stella and asked. - Didn't you face me and say that you love Stella? Is that a lie? - T-that's not a lie! - Then why didn't you help her? A man has to rush to save the woman he loves before anyone else. - …! Ikki noticed Sirius' gaze. He wasn’t just angry. Sirius was now seriously trying to see through the man named Kurogane Ikki.
For the first time as Stella's father. He tried to see through the man his daughter brought. For this reason, Ikki didn’t try to gloss over it, - It’s precisely because I love her that I didn’t help her. He responded with his own feelings as they were. - … Ahh? - At that time, Stella was desperately fighting against the unmanageable reality in order to pierce her own ego. Despite knowing that everyone other than herself only wanted her to give up without doing anything reckless and wanted the girl named 《Stella》 to be safe, she continued to be overly concerned with being the 《Crimson Princess》 so as to not turn away from her imperfections and frustrations even for a moment. And for herself who wanted to be like the 《Crimson Princess》. Ikki knew well how difficult it was. Probably more than anyone else. That was why he felt compelled to respect Stella Vermilion, the 《Crimson Princess》 who dared to walk through difficulties, even though it wasn’t like there was no other way for her. - That’s why I can’t stop her. I can't do anything to make her stop. Because that frustration is the feeling that made me and Stella establish a bond in the first place. ──I won’t give up. Are you going to give up after getting a serious burn? The day they met, he fell in love with her when she said that and smiled.
… But, - I’m done talking…. After all, I won’t let you have Stella…! - ──── Ikki's confession was something that could not be accepted by her father. How could he give his approval to a man who tried to let his daughter die for that reason? Sirius said harshly and angrily, turned on his heels and tried to leave. Behind him, Ikki couldn't say anything. He already said what he had to say. He couldn’t get him to understand; there was nothing he could do. But that didn't mean he would give up. Since he didn't feel like giving up, he had no choice but to continue expressing his sincerity as much as possible. For example, even if the key to the solution was not in sight── - … But I promised, no? - Eh? - Just as I said before the Battle in Caldia, that promise will live on. … The Vermilion imperial family has never messed around with breaking a promise. If you want to marry Stella at any cost, try silencing me with your sword. I don't think you have any other way to steal Stella from me. Slightly looking back at Ikki over his shoulder, Sirius announced. A promise that was previously exchanged in the form of being set up by Lunaize before.
Once again, his will to fulfill it did not waver. Ikki noticed. This is was Sirius’ encouraging shout to him who would face the battle tomorrow. If so, - I understand. - … Hmm. Ikki's strong response made Sirius look a little irritated and turn his head away, trying to return the way he came. But at that moment. - Haah, haa! Papa, Ikki-san was here too…! Grabbing the hem of her skirt, a petite woman hurriedly rushed down the promenade. She had pink hair with a slightly lighter pigment than Stella and Sirius. She was Astraea Vermilion, Stella's mother. - Mama? What’s wrong? Why are you in such a rush? Having been asked by her husband Sirius, Astraea spared no time to regain her heavy breathing, - Th-that's, w-we ju-just got a call from the 《League Headquarters》…! She told them the details. - Wha────! - Wha-what the hell ────!?
Chapter 15 Fight in the moonlight - Commander Daluege! All of the League Army units have finished deploying to the very edge of Kradleland! - Tank unit, formation completed. - The fighter unit has also finished deploying to Route 17! The night before the battle of representatives between Kradleland and Vermillion. The League Army, which had received a request for help from the 《Black Knight》, had amassed a total of 1,000,000 forces from surrounding member nations in the past week. And about 700,000 of them formed a surveillance network around the Kradleland border to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Land, sea, air; they blocked all escape routes, and concentrated and deployed the remaining 300,000 elites, equipment, and 《Mage-Knights》, and formed the enforcer corps to rush into Kradleland when Vermillion was defeated. The ones being deployed so as to trace the border of the grassland that stretched over Poland and Kradleland was the latter force. The old Polish commander Daluege, who was put in charge of the elite, nodded seemingly contented at their swift deployment. - Yes. It's so quick that it doesn’t seem like a mishmash of an emergency summon. - I guess it's the result of our daily close joint exercises.
- A reliable thing indeed. After nodding once at the Staff Officer’s words, Daluege issued instructions. - Cigarettes are allowed, but alcohol isn’t. Meals are allowed only in rations, but don't let go of your weapons. Maintain a first-class combat readiness and carry them out without exception. - T-the decisive battle is tomorrow, so are we going to do this from now? - I’m sure I gave you the orders, did I not? 「「「Ye──Yes! Immediately!」」」 After receiving the instructions, the soldiers who came to deliver the orders scattered. After seeing them off, Daluege stood on a rock near the headquarters tent, giving one sweep of the eye to the military forces standing in rows. - 300,000 in total. A large army of 5,000 Blazers alone, huh. Isn’t it a thrilling sight when looking at this, colonel? - It is. I never thought I’d have the chance to serve as a military Staff Officer in such a large-scale operation. - There’s nothing better than that. For people like us, it’s perfect given that we aren’t busy. - Will Vermillion… be able to do it? - The 《Black Knight》 is an excellent Blazer. However, the enemy isn’t your average Joe either. 《Haboob》 Naseem Al-Salem.
The meaning of his name, the power equivalent to 『natural disaster』, echoed in Europe, too. In addition, it was said that even that 《Marionette King》 was on their side. - It's dangerous to expect too much from them. The moment Vermillion is defeated, we’ll use the 《Divine Gate》 set in advance by the 《Black Knight》 and dispatch the Blazer unit, the main force, to the capital city of Kradleland first. At the same time, we’ll have the entire army move, annihilating the terrorists occupying Kradleland with our overwhelming number of resources. We ought to move according to the plan of the 《Prime Minister》. - But Commander. Although this formation is meant to rush quickly, isn't it a bit too close to the border? If we deploy our force in this position, the exercise of their right of preemptive self-defense appears to be a possibility under international laws even if we haven’t committed a border violation── Standing at someone else's doorstep with a weapon in hand didn’t mean that no hostility was conveyed. That was reasonable. And at that reasonableness, - It’s not a problem. Daluege deliberately encamped in this place. - We have 300,000 elite. There are only four terrorists on their side. It's clear that they seem eager to avoid a head-on collision with us because they hate all-out war and forcibly remade the battle of representatives. In that
case, no matter how close we deploy to the border, they can’t make a strong complaint. If so, it was better to remain in a position where they could rush there as quickly as possible. And even if Kradleland took this siege of the League as an act of hostility and exercised its right of preemptive self-defense── - In that case── 『It’s not a problem, you say?』 「「────…!!!!」」 For a second, a voice echoed so as to interrupt Daluege 's words. A wide and heavy voice that seemed to reach the end of the horizon, as if the stars whispered. ──There was no doubt that the call was made using some kind of magic. Daluege and the League forces immediately got stressed and searched for the source of the voice. And before long, a soldier shouted. - T-there! - On top of that hill where the moon is coming out! Kradleland side. The top of a steep hill at the end of a gentle slope. A man in black was standing there looking down at them with the full moon behind him.
『You’ll interpret Kradleland's exercise of preemptive self-defense as an act of aggression and open hostilities. As originally planned, you’ll crush us with an overwhelming number of resources without waiting for the battle of representatives. Kukuku. … I see. No matter which way it plays out, it’ll be profitable for the League. This battle formation isn’t bad at all, you know?』 The man whose black robe fluttered in the wind that caressed the grassland. Daluege and his Staff Officers remembered his figure. 『That’d be the case if you had that much power』 - Naseem Al-Salem! - It looks like he immediately made his first appearance. Far beyond their sight. The enemy that appeared at a distance of more than 1 kilometer. Daluege picked up the microphone hanging on the chest and spoke to the enemy through the megaphone meant to issue orders to the entire army. 『Did you come alone? Warmonger』 At this, Naseem replied with a tone of open mockery. 『Do you see anyone else? Old fool』 The voice of Naseem sounded like the low growl of a beast echoing in the wind. He didn't seem to be using a megaphone like Daluege. It sounded like his voice was being transmitted by some kind of ability. Daluege once again thought that 《Blazers》 were useful beings. But being able to have a conversation was favorable for Daluege, too.
He put his hands behind his muscular body and signaled to the Staff Officer standing next to him at an angle that Naseem couldn’t see. After that, he once again faced Naseem from a distance. 『Your insight is quite something. It’s as you say. So? Now that you understand my intentions to that extent, what are you doing here by yourself?』 『I’m what you call… a special envoy? I have an official notice from the new Kradleland government. My employer, the new king of Kradleland, Johann Christoph von Collbrand, has shown his displeasure with the response of the League, who have lined up their forces near the Kradleland border. Don’t they say that it's good manners for the audience to remain in their seats, do they? Withdraw your army right now. This is an ultimatum』 『We didn’t ask for your advice』 『Are you going to ignore the warning?』 『Rather, I should be the one warning you』 『Huuh?』 『As you can see, warmonger』 Saying this, Daluege swung his arm horizontally and in a great manner. And what he flaunted to Naseem was the force that surrounded him. 『We’ve gathered not only regular weapons such as rifles, but also air force, armored division, Mage-Knight troops──and all kinds of equipment and weapons. Against the four of you, we’ve prepared an army of 1,000,000, and 300,000 of them are in this place. This is the force and at the same time the resolution of the League. A resolution not to allow an evil one like
yours. Even if you triumph in the war against Vermillion, you won’t be at peace. A battle of 1,000,000 vs. 4. It’s not even a battle anymore, it’s a onesided annihilation. If things go on like this, the only thing that will be waiting for you in your future is destruction. ──Your skill is highly valuable even in your home country. If you're going to act wisely, this is your last chance, you hear me?』 - Co-Commander…!? - W-what the hell are you saying…!? The Staff Officer around Daluege murmured as he began to invite Haboob, the sudden target. They were a multinational force called to save Vermillion and Kradleland. It was clearly an irrational conduct for a commander who led such an army to invite the enemy into his own country. On other hand, however, Naseem showed interest in Daluege's words by stroking his beard and saying 『Interesting』. 『That sounds pretty amusing. Did the Polish stack this much for me?』 In response, Daluege responded. - 《Haboob》. … That was nothing but lip service. - Huh? At that moment. A deafening roar shook the air. Gunfire. It wasn’t just one or two shots.
While Daluege was stalling for time, countless bombardments were fired from the tanks of the 《League Army》, which had set their angles at Naseem, flying over the infantry lines. Because they spread across the border, it wasn’t possible for all tanks to have Naseem within their range, but the number was still 85. All their main armaments fired. It looked just like a meteor shower flying through the night sky. A heavy iron rain pouring down without gaps. Naseem and the hill on which he stood were engulfed in the blink of an eye in the storm, in the swirling cloud of dust. Still, the gunfire didn't stop. The tanks continued firing all the shells they had at a single person. In the end, three minutes had passed and the remaining shells in the tanks were used up. - Cease fire!! Finally, the Staff Officer issued an order to stop the bombardment, and the gunfire stopped. The thunderous roar calmed down and all they could hear was the sound of the wind. Everyone was silent and staring at the center of explosion. They were waiting and holding their breaths. The wind that blew across the grasslands cleared away the black cloud of dust that was blowing up.
And finally, in their clear vision. … There was nothing. Nothing, not Naseem, of course, not the high hill he was standing on, not the flowers spreading out. Everything came to nothing. Everything died out. What existed was a gouged out and desolated wasteland. That was all. - Huh, it's a direct hit. We did it, Commander. - 《Blazers》 have the defensive power to repel even bullets, but at most it is just like a well-made bulletproof vest. If they are showered with a barrage of 66.7 caliber 20-pounder cannons, they’ll only be turned into pieces of meat. - But Commander. Kradleland is still a League member. Killing a special envoy with a pre-emptive strike without question is still a problem, isn't it? - It’s quite problematic indeed. I’ll be dismissed. But that's all. If we can defeat 《Haboob》 with just that, then it’s a good deal. Saying this, Daluege ordered to confirm the battle results. The Colonel was awed by Daluege 's willingness to put his life on the line without concerning about himself, and transmitted this order. The soldiers followed this instruction, crossed the border and headed to the center of the explosion. To confirm if 《Haboob》 really had died. And shortly after the soldiers arrived,
- …Hey, look at this. One person found something. A human palm torn in half. Only one person was standing here. There was no need to argue whom it belonged. - I have no doubt. It's a piece of meat of that bastard. - Hehe, that moron was blown to pieces! - Of course. A 《Blazer》 he might be, but there's no logic that he’d live under that much gunfire. Even so, to think that this fool came out alone and defenseless, he’s so overconfident in his own strength. It serves you right. The remains of the cold-blooded enemy. It was the proof of certain victory. But when thinking about it calmly, it was obvious. A simultaneous gunfire by 85 tanks. If one was attacked by such a thing, it was obvious. This was the way it should be. If he was alive, he would no longer be a human, 『You’re the fools here, you damn dogs』 ──A monster. 「「「────!?!?」」」
The expression of the soldiers froze at the voice of the shattered man resounding in the night sky and the words of the man who should not have been heard. 『Who the hell do you think you're dealing with? Who do you think I am in front of you all? Obvious? Reason? We 《Desperado》 send such things flying, and that’s what we’re all about』 - Th-this is…! In an instant, the remains of Naseem discovered by the soldiers crumbled into black sand. And in various places on the desolate and gouged earth, black sand was blown up by the wind, turning into a black wind and swirling. As it swirled, it converged, gathered──and formed a figure. A black-robed human form was shaped. There was no doubt, it was 《Haboob》 Naseem Al-Salem who should have been shattered into very small pieces. - Im-impossible…. Naseem was shaped again by the black wind. The soldiers were stunned by that appearance. The fact that Naseem wasn’t even slightly sooty, let alone grazed, made them understand whether they wanted or not. The heavy gunfire similar to a meteor shower of a moment ago. The fact that all the armed forces that could change even the terrain were meaningless.
- Kuku…. Anyway, the first shot was fired. You fired. This is the war you wanted. This time I’ll be the one firing, you damn dogs. Don't make me feel bored…! The monster approached with his lips raised and his fangs bared. Step by step. To those who shuddered at the power beyond boundaries. To scatter a tyranny that would bring death even to the stars themselves. At this nightmarish spectacle, the infantry commander shouted almost with a shrieking voice. - F-fireeeeeeee────────────!!!! 「「「Ooooooo────────────────────!!!!」」」 At the order, the soldiers pulled the triggers of the guns they had at the ready. They spat out bullets to escape from the terror crawling around their hearts like the legs of a centipede. In response to this counterattack, Naseem──did nothing. - Haha. You're using pretty good rifles, aren't you? He only laughed thinly and showed no signs of avoidance. He didn't even try to defend myself. Because there was no need. - W-why…!? - We’re hitting him, we’re hitting him! But why isn’t he dying!?
All the lead that hit Naseem passed through his body. They certainly hit him and penetrated him, but not even a single drop of blood was shed. That was because Naseem was transforming his body into particles. It was the same type of magic as 《Lorelei》 Kurogane Shizuku's 《Aoiro Rinne》. None of the physical attacks meant anything to Naseem in this state. While mocking the weak resistance of the soldiers, Naseem closed the distance between them, - 《Alchimia Hierro》. - Gyaba!? He made a giant pistol out of the dust that disintegrated the earth, pointed it at the nearest soldier, and pulled the trigger. *Bang*, his skull burst open, gray matter scattering like fireworks. The power that was too strong for that pistol, - A de-desert eagle…! - While I can play with small fries, using my fists is childish, don’t you think? - Bubeh! - Bopuh!? One by one, Naseem blew their heads off with the pistol in his hand. While wearing a faint smile on his face in the midst of the downpouring barrage.
Like he was enjoying duck hunting. Even though they were overwhelmingly superior in terms of the number of bullets they were shooting and the bullets they landed, they were being unilaterally cornered. And killed. They couldn't stop the slaughter by the monster. - N-Nooo! Stay away from meeee! - Shit, shit! You fucking monsteeeer!! - Die! You son of a bitch! Please, just fucking dieee!! Their friends who lost their heads one after another and collapsed. In the barrage, the Grim Reaper approached without changing his walking speed even a little. Under the full moon, the soldiers were frantic by the nightmare that materialized in reality. In the middle of such chaos, - Outta the way! I'll blow him away with thisss! The captain who was leading the advance team jumped out of the battle line. The weapon in his hand was an anti-tank rocket. - Fuck you monsterrr────! When the commander pulled the trigger, a rocket was fired at Naseem. It was a powerful weapon that would reduce an ordinary Blazer to atoms. ──But that didn’t apply to Naseem.
Bullets, tank cannons, and bombs were completely useless against Naseem, whose body was turned into particles. At best, a few seconds would be necessary to reconstruct his body that was blown off. But then── - Hmm. - Eh? The feeble resistance of the soldiers failed to produce even a few seconds of it. Naseem grabbed the incoming rocket with his free right hand. It was as easy as if taking an ornament. Despite the propulsion by gunpowder. And Naseem threw back the rocket that he grabbed── 「「「────────────!!!!」」」 The line of battle of the advance party was blown away by the explosion of the projectile. The small and flying pieces of flesh scattered about in the surroundings. In the middle of the destruction, the captain, the only survivor, also lost his legs, - Fo-forgive──Peh!? Pleading in vain, his head off was blown off by Naseem. 「「「E-eeek…!」」」」
In the blink of an eye, the 100 advance troops were annihilated. 《Haboob》's monstrous power made the thousands of people who rushed to support them freeze from fear. Upon seeing the soldiers being like that, Naseem let out a sigh of disappointment, 『Oh? What’s the matter? What are you afraid of? Only 100 people have died so far. The total number is 999,900 to 1. You still have the upper hand. You’re still safe, aren’t you? Now, bring it on…!』 While provoking them, he pointed the muzzle at the soldiers standing terribly afraid at the bottom of the slope. But at that moment. - Regular soldiers, retreat for the moment! We’ll deal with him here! Following the voice, and jumping over the cowering infantry, those with swords, spears, and bows came to the front. - Interesting. You’re League's 《Mage-Knight Company》, no? - You fiend are a disgrace to the Blazers! We won’t let you do as you like anymore! - Physical attacks are warded off with 『Becoming Particles!』 However, this is a technique that requires a very high level of magic power control! It's not something that can be used for too long! Don’t give him time to rest, keep the saturation attack going! - Come at me all at once! 「「「Ooohhhhhhh!!!!」」」
Returning a nicely synched reply, the 《Mage-Knights》 belonging to the League spread out in a fan shape. And surrounded Naseem in an instant. From there, they commenced to launch magical attacks from a distance that each one was good at. The number of 《Mage-Knights》 in the vicinity alone easily exceeded 300. If those who were stationed in distant places joined, the number would skyrocket even more. It was difficult to keep dodging that many attacks by becoming particles forever. It was an effective means. Naseem also had to admit that. However, - If I can get close enough…!! Lifting his lips, Naseem let go of the gun he was holding and clenched his right fist. Then, a golden light of magical power enveloped his right hand, manifesting a gauntlet made of black metal as brilliant as obsidian and decorated with golden decorations ──his Device 《Toshkatl》. He raised his right hand to the sky and chanted. - Send them flying. ──《 Mictlan Tormenta》…!!」 A storm immediately was born.
A jet-black sandstorm, centered on Naseem, as a tornado. 「「「Uuwaaaaaaaa!」」」 - Wha-what is this sandstorm…! - I-I’m falling, someone catch me, gyabuh! The power of the jet-black sandstorm was tremendous, and the 《MageKnights》 who were about to attack Naseem were blown away one after another by the wind and launched far into the sky. Many of the launched 《Mage-Knights》 used their abilities successfully and landed, but those who weren’t able to make use of them fell. And were led to their deaths due to the impact. - Shit! It’s useless, captain! Don't get too close to him! In front of the jet-black sandstorm that rose up thunderously into the sky, the 《Mage-Knights》 were confused. However, the captain of the 《Mage-Knight Company》 shouted. - Don't get agitated! If we can't get close, all we have to do is attack from a long distance! Commander! Instruct the tank and air units to join us too! Another concentrated fire!! 『Understood…!』 Commander Daluege immediately responded to the captain's request for help and gave instructions. In response, the muzzles of the tanks lined up again and fired all at once. And this time it wasn’t just tanks, but also missiles from aircrafts that scrambled from the national highway.
Long-range attacks by means of Noble Arts such as flames and lightning of 《Mage-Knights》. All these concentrated fires. However, even such a saturation attack──wouldn’t reach Naseem. - …! Shells, missiles, Noble Arts──the moment they touched the roaring jetblack sandstorm centering on Naseem, their trajectories were twisted and blown away in a different direction. They didn’t reach him. Not even one shot. Not only that, but some of the fired missiles and shells rained down on the battle lines of the soldiers that were widely deployed in the back, inflicting enormous damage. - Ca-Captain! It's not working at all…! - What a ridiculous magic power…! The knights were confused in front of the magic, a power that was clearly on a different dimension than their own. However, the red-haired middle-aged man who followed them was a veteran hero who had gained tons of experience, to the extent that he served as the captain of the 《Mage-Knights Company》, the main force of this large-scale operation. Therefore, he got a different feeling from the other knights. - Don't panic. This is fine. The captain said the situation wasn’t bad for them. Because they intended to challenge Naseem in a protracted battle and make him exhaust his magic power and concentration.
The situation turned out exactly as he expected just by changing his defensive method from particles to sandstorm. If he continued to exercise such powerful Noble Arts, - Sooner or later, he'll run out of magic and self-destruct…! Don’t give him a moment! Fire, fire, fire! None of the attacks went through. Without being deceived by such a visible disadvantage, they continued the operation. It could be called a calm decision. ──If there was only one mistake, - … Eh? He misread the nature of Naseem 's power. - W-what the? I have cracks on my body…! The price of that mistake immediately and visibly hit the knights surrounding Naseem. The first strange thing that happened was the captain who bravely stood on the front line and commanded the knights. First, his skin cracked, his flesh began to get thinner like a mummy, and his eyeballs withered. His body lost water. Yes. The true nature of Naseem 's power was 《Dryness》. Neither the Noble Arts 《Mictlan Tormenta》, which now protected Naseem, nor the true nature of his power were the sandstorm itself.
The sandstorm was a secondary phenomenon caused by the huge flow of magical power emitted from Naseem. The original power of 《Mictlan Tormenta》 lay in the fact that it completely plundered all moisture within the range where his own magic power was capable of interfering. - ────. The captain noticed it and tried to scream that he was in trouble, but it was already too late. His throat was as hard as stone and didn’t work, and he crumbled into dust before he could raise his last breath. And the strange phenomenon spread to the other knights in the vicinity in the blink of an eye. - This is…! E-everyone, is turning… turning to sand! - That storm! That sandstorm is absorbing all the moisture around it! - If we attack, we’re blown away, and even if we keep our distance, we’ll go completely dry. What the hell are we supposed to do!? - Anyway, it's dangerous if you get close! Run away where the wind can't reach you! - Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! - Hahaha! Hey, if you turn your back on the enemy, you won't be able to aim, will you? Come, damn dogs. Close the distance with my life! If you can't do that, then… run around in a funny way as much as you can!!!! The knights who lost their captain couldn't stand it anymore.
They all turned their backs on Naseem and fled with the infantry behind them. At this, Naseem strengthened the power of 《Mictlan Tormenta》 even more and started chasing them. The slow-moving ones were swallowed one after another by the power of dryness spread by the gigantic jet-black sandstorm, turning into dust and dying in obscurity. The front line collapsed. Thus, at this rate, it was only a matter of time for the main unit as well. Sensing this, the Staff Officer in the main camp began to become agitated. - C-Commander! A-at this rate, the surrounding units will be wiped out! - Order to retreat! I've never heard of such a monster! - ────. But Daluege didn't move from there. He never expected that the soldiers, the weapons and the knights wouldn’t stand a chance against him. It was hard to believe he was the very same person. He was a monster. While holding that fear, Daluege didn’t give orders to withdraw in the face of the approaching jet-black tornado. ──He was waiting. The 『Joker』 on their side was able to fight against such monster*. *TN: Joker is the furigana reading for trump card.
The arrival of a monster-slaying hero who would be able to cut their way through this desperate situation. And then, it came. - Huh? In an instant, a 『blue flash』 came flying from afar and grazed Naseem 's cheek. At the same time, the jet-black tornado that was protecting him dispersed, and fresh blood splattered from Naseem 's cheek, which was shallowly torn. Naseem’s advance was stopped by the cut he received for the first time tonight. He squinted at the point where the 『flash of light』 as sharp as a spear came flying. A man was there. Standing behind the scattering and fleeing soldiers, there was a man carrying a deep blue spear. - Those who have seen it are not too many, are they? You’re as rumored, no, you’re a more vulgar man than rumored, 《Haboob》. - ! You made it in time! Carlo! At Daluege 's shout of joy, the tall, thin middle-aged man called Carlo showed his white teeth and smiled. - My apologies. As you know, it's customary for heroes and Italians to arrive late.
◆◇◆◇◆ On the border of Kradleland and Poland. At the figure of the gentleman wearing a white Borsalino and jacket that appeared there, Naseem narrowed his eyes behind his sunglasses and put himself on guard. - Carlo… I see. You’re 《Campione》 Carlo Bertoni, aren’t you? On the other hand, the gentleman lifted the brim of his hat with the butt of the spear, looked him in the eye and returned an affirmation. - Indeed. Nice to meet you 《Haboob》 Naseem Al-Salem. - Kuku, a not-so-terrible guy has appeared, huh. - Carlo-san! I’m so glad. With your arrival, we can turn the tides! Everyone, get back on your feet! 「「「Y-yes, sir!」」」 With the appearance of a reassuring reinforcement, the morale of the halfdestroyed 《Mage-Knight Company》 recovered. However, Carlo said to them who were in high spirits. - No, withdraw, please. - Eh? W-why!? Carlo answered the bewildered 《Mage-Knight Company》.
Without turning his eyes away from Naseem even for a moment, - That thing isn’t someone you can push around by sheer numbers. Besides, my 《Noble Arts》, which is no longer 《Designated as a Forbidden Technique》, has a slightly too large range. It will be hard for me to fight if you are near me. Causing his companions to fall back, Carlo confronted Naseem alone. - Your acts of violence have reached my country. The strongest and worst mercenary in history who brings ruin to both the hostile side and the supporting side alike. I’ve heard that the number of nations devoured, robbed, and brought to ruin cannot be counted with the fingers of one hand. Sounds like you made an awful lot of money, doesn’t it? - Kuku. Well… there must be ten people in this world who have more money than me. - Even so, it was a very foolish thing to pick a fight with a 《League Member Nation》. If you knew limits, you would have been able to live without any inconvenience. Or is it that stealing and killing is still not enough? - Do you think there’s a limit to how dry a desert can be, 《Campione》? Saying that Carlo’s question was stupid, Naseem laughed scornfully, - I'll just steal everything to the end of the earth…! Kicking the ground hard, he approached Carlo with the force of an arrow fired from a bow drawn to the limit. While causing a hint of death like a dark red flame to smoke in his clenched right fist.
A pressure incomparable to when he confronted Stella before. He was that much serious. However, Carlo, who confronted him, didn’t lose his presence of mind, - Good grief. You’re like Jabberwock. … Fine. In that case, I shall add one monster extermination episode to my heroic tales that I narrate to my beautiful Señorita at my bedside…! He quickly and nimbly turned around the deep blue spear 《Neptune》 that he carried in his hand like a walking stick, and adopted an interceptive stance. Then he met Naseem 's fist and unleashed a thrust. ──At his own feet. - Huh? What is he after? Naseem was perplexed. But that was only for a moment. - Shield Arts──── 《Adrian Blue》. A moment later, Carlo's aim became evidently clear. The earth pierced by the spear. As soon as a bluish-white magic circle appeared there, a huge amount of water that looked like an upside-down waterfall swallowed both Carlo and Naseem, and erupted just like a huge geyser towards the night sky. And── - T-this is…! - The sky be-became an ocean…!
The soldiers looked up at the sky and were astir. It was because an ocean was formed in the night sky. The waving surface of the water, which made a faint opening for the light of the stars, spread out filling the sky. - This is… 《Adrian Blue》! - Yes. He is Italy's pride and strongest knight, ranking second in the KOK League world rankings. ──It's a miracle that only 《Campione》 Carlo Bertoni, known as the best water user in history, can do. Daluege knew why Carlo Bertoni was called the best water user in history. It was the amount of water he could create and manipulate at once. That fact of Carlo was an anomaly, even compared to the legendary water users from past generations. It didn’t mean that accurate measurements hadn't been made, but it was said that he had the power to influence even the destiny of a country, based on his achievements of washing away entire cities occupied by Blazer terrorists. Of course, due to his power being gigantic, it was usually forbidden to use under the name of 《Designated as Forbidden Technique》. But──it was an emergency now. Just like 《Yaksha Princess》's 《Hadou Tensei》, Carlo was also allowed to exercise all the power he possessed in this place. If so, he was the only one capable of bringing down 《Haboob》 here and now. And Carlo himself was aware of it, too.
He couldn't rely on other allies. That was why he was not going to hold back. He played the best card he had from the start in order to snatch away the initiative in the battle at once and decide it with that same momentum. And his plan worked beautifully. 《Adrian Blue》, the ocean in the sky, swallowed Naseem and trapped him underwater. - I caught you. Surrounded by this much water, you can't even use your evasion magic to turn into sand, which you’re proud of. 《Desperados》 were still humans, no matter how much power they possessed. If their heart was pierced, they could be killed. And the deep sea created in the starry sky. That was the domain of 《Campione》 Carlo Bertoni. - Huff! Carlo aimed at the captured enemy, kicked the water and charged. What he fired was five consecutive thrusts at the vital points of his body with the spear. Naseem, who was about to drown in the deep sea in the sky and had no way to move about, didn’t have the means to prevent this. But, - Shii!! - ──Oh?
Naseem repelled all the thrusts that turned into flashes of blue light with his fist. Naseem bared his fangs and smiled at the bottom of the sea. - Did you think my only talent was to turn into sand? You imbecile…! Naseem moved the moment the insult reached Carlo's earlobe through the water. He suddenly accelerated due to magic power release and plunged into Carlo's bosom. Then swung his deadly right hand. 《Haboob》's strong arm didn't see a drop in its speed even at the bottom of the sea. That’s impressive, Carlo admired the approaching threat. There weren’t many enemies who had been captured by 《Adrian Blue》 and moved so quickly. But even if that was true── (Still, 《This place》 is my domain…!*) *TN: This place is the furigana reading for 8th Ocean. - 《Corno del Narvaro》!! - What…!? The surprise belonged to Naseem. The reason was that the deadly right hand lost sight of its prey right before it and missed. He avoided it. And at an unbelievable speed.
The reason why he could understand it even though he couldn't see it was because he heard the sound that traveled through the water. The sound of something swimming freely around him at high speed. Naseem tried to go after him, but he couldn't catch him. He barely grasped the bubbles that remained after Carlo ran through. - What is this speed…. - It's a fluid physics phenomenon called super cavitation. It was an astonishing navigation technique that some penguins used in nature. By trapping air in their feathers, they formed a compressed air membrane. By releasing this underwater and wrapping their bodies in air bubbles, they created a pseudo-waterless cavity in the water, reducing water resistance to the utmost. They were able to reach unrivaled speed. This technique was also used in weapons, and the cruising speed of a torpedo that used super cavitation reached subsonic speeds. Yes, it was no more than a weapon and subsonic speed. That was nothing compared to the speed of 《Campione》, who held the title of the best water user in history. - Did you think I was just a finely handsome man? You fool. Carlo surrendered himself to speed and charged towards Naseem. Naseem barely but skillfully pulled through this unbelievably fast charge. The experience of the battles he went through. And his own extraordinary senses.
He made those work at full capacity and avoided being skewered. However, sticking to defense only wouldn’t improve his situation. Even if Carlo was dodged, he immediately struck back and continued to attack without giving him a chance. In doing so, he eventually reached his natural limit. - Goboh…! Naseem, whose upper arm was gouged out by Carlo's charge, spat out air bubbles from his mouth. His facial color became visibly paler. Hypoxemia. This place was 《Adrian Blue》. He was in the ocean. There was no way Carlo would drown because of his ability, but the same couldn’t be said for Naseem. Naseem sought oxygen and tried to rise to the surface by accelerating with magic release. But it was meaningless. - There’s really nothing you can do. 《Adrian Blue》 is a water barrier that spreads out around you. If you move, 《Adrian Blue》 will move as much as you move, so there's no way you can escape. It's better if you die while biting and choking on your own stupidity that underestimated the majesty of the mother sea. Using his trump card first, Carlo overwhelmed Naseem without even giving him time to recover.