Moments before the battle in the Dark Gathering…

The bustling streets of Aquarius, the largest city in the Third Civilization Zone, hummed with the rhythm of daily life. Merchants rolled by in ornate carriages, and city guards patrolled the cobblestone roads with practiced vigilance. All seemed going well, until a few citizens near the sea spotted ominous shapes on the distant horizon.

At first, the crowds were confused. But as the black silhouettes were closer, growing steadily larger, curiosity turned to shock, then dread, as the shapes resolved into an advancing fleet.

Before the city could respond, every single ship proceeded to attack the city in full force.

BOOM!

…And their first target was blowing two towering structures, symbols of Aquarius' pride, crumbled into a heap of fire and rubble. This first shot caused all of the citizens to panic as they were screaming in fear and ran away from the chaos as best as they could.

The city's defenders scrambled to mobilize as an army of 5000 defending forces were sent to the field, but the forces stationed there were once 100,000 strong as a fraction of their former strength due to the ongoing war against the Orcs and the Iron Kingdom, and now we're hopelessly outnumbered.

Right at that moment, dozens of fast-moving planes suddenly came flying out of the massive ship in the center of the fleet.

These were the MF-32 “Condor” multirole fighters jets, and when they reached the city, they dropped bombs that unleashed fiery devastation, leveling entire districts with the force of 750 tons of TNT per blast. Buildings collapsed, flames consumed the skyline, and hundreds perished in the chaos.

Joining the Condors were the supersonic F-12 "Phoenix" jet fighters that flew through the city skyline at the speed of mach 3 before they began bombing runs, pulverizing what little resistance remained.

[All troops, prepare for ground operations.]

From the warships, hundreds of amphibious vehicles armed with Orichalcum armor and advanced magical weaponry rushed toward the shore.

In the sky, multiple MF-32 “Condor” multirole fighters flew above the city once more, and their belly opened, but instead of bombs dropping, each multirole fighter dropped dozens of soldiers wearing parachutes as they dive towards the city.

The Liberation soldiers pulled the cord of their parachutes and started to safely descend towards the city.

On the streets of the city, thousands of soldiers along with a couple of tanks and other machines of war were roaming the city to proceed to occupied every single space.

The massive force of the Austronesian Empire started marching down the streets while most Tanks, APCs, IFVs, and other infantry vehicles began mowing down anything in their path from civilians, guards, and mages alike.

The city's defenders, mages and warriors alike, mustered their remaining strength. Magical shields flickered to life, and enchanted arrows soared toward the enemy. Some unleashed devastating spells, leveling sections of the battlefield, many invaders avoided it with the help of their mithril armor, but unfortunately for most of the soldiers only wielding conventional weapons and gear were vaporized to smithereens.

Just then, four AH-72 "Heaven’s Punch" heavy attack helicopters rained missiles upon any who dared to resist, reducing buildings to ash and scattering the defenders.

A squad of soldiers in mithril armor leaped out of their cover and raced towards the enemy lines before firing at them by maneuvering around, running through obstacles with ease and shooting them with arcane shotguns. Their strongest magical barrier that could only easily breach by magical attacks were taken down by these soldiers whose shotguns had shells that create an AOE fire effect.

The humans began to storm deeper into the city as they kept attacking the people in the city.

The military force and law enforcement had no chance to defeat them so many decided to run away and leave their comrades behind. But they didn't get too far when an AH-72 “Heaven’s Punch” shot them down with chainguns preventing them from escaping the battlefield.

Despite their desperation, the city’s defenders found themselves hopelessly outgunned. Entire battalions were obliterated, and the streets became rivers of fire and blood while the civilians who weren't lucky to run away died in the process.

[Eliminate. All. Who. Walk. Among us.]

On the ground, squads of Liberation troops pressed deeper into the city with their enchanted armor impervious to most attacks. Among them marched the terrifying "Men of Stone," towering constructs that scoured buildings for hidden threats and obliterated them with autocannons.

While this was happening, the soldiers of the Liberation Army gunned down any threat they came across and saved some human or inferior slaves after killing many of their slave owners.

On the roof of a building, three members of the Archangel Unit stood there, watching as the chaos in the streets unfolded, until they noticed a squad of Elite City Knights were charging towards a platoon of soldiers firing their guns at the enemy behind a line of armored vehicles, which proved useless in killing them due to the enemy possessing large amount of mana levels and wearing highly enchanted armor, made out of entirely of special steel like adamantite.

Seeing their fellow soldiers were struggling, two Archangels leaped into the enemy forces, descending like death itself and utilized their guns to release a storm of hypersonic rounds that blast them to chunks or ripping them in half with their bare hands.

While the two Archangels were slaughtering the enemy forces with ease, one of them approached four Knights who had already killed an entire squad of soldiers.

Scanning them through its cybernetic sensors, the Archangel learns that each of these warriors has a high amount of energy fluctuations enough to be between Level 9 to 10, hence why they killed the soldiers with ease.

The four strongest Knights in the reinforcements glared at the intimidating man-machine approaching them, thus they all drew out their strongest magical weapons and engaged at the cyborg, but the machine moved with quick reflexes, motioning across the space at insane speed and avoiding their attacks with relative ease.

"Tch! This thing is fast!" Complained one of the knights.

"Hold your ground!" Their leader commanded solemnly, "If we work together and engaged it simultaneously, we could-"

Shing!

Before any of them realized it, their captain's head instantly vanished. While in a state of shock, the Archangel found the opportunity to sever the head of one more knight with its bare hands alone before punching a hole straight through the last one's abdomen.

Meanwhile, a man in a dark robe was standing on the roof of a building and witnessed the entire thing from a distance. His presence was masked, almost like he was standing in a different dimension.

This was Jawl, who used [Dead Silence] to completely erase his presence to observe the slaughter before him.

"This might be a problem. I need to inform Madam Scyllary about this."

As Jawl watched and carefully scrutinized the Archangels’ onslaught, he didn't notice another Archangel standing behind him, which even his senses couldn't detect.

Before the man could act quickly, an Archangel plunged a blade into his back, prompting him to vomit out blood and turned back with his eyes wide in shock, to meet the crimson gaze of his killer.

"What… the hell?! How did you find me!?" he choked.

The Archangel offered no response, ignoring his pleas and proceeded to rip Jawl in two with its terrifying strength before tossing his lifeless halves among the corpses of his comrades.

As the battle raged, the Liberation Army pressed further into the burning ruins of Aquarius with their victory all but assured. The once-proud city was reduced to a smoldering battlefield, its defenders either dead or scattered. The skies, the streets, and even the sea belonged to the invaders.

——————————————————————

On the other side of the city, far from the battle, a low hum of distant warfare rumbled across the city, carried by the wind to the opulent halls in the Rump House.

The opulent mansion stood like a fortress against the distant tide of war, but its grandeur did little to soothe the tension within.

Elon Tusk, or Barron is his real name, gripped the marble railing of the balcony with white-knuckled hands. His tailored garments fluttered faintly in the breeze as the vibrations of distant conflict seemed to resonate through the stone beneath his feet.

Behind him, Yuri, the ExRump Corporation’s most strongest warrior, leaned lazily against the doorway. Her short bubblegum-pink hair glinted faintly in the torchlight and her floppy bunny ears twitched at even the slightest noise, as if constantly scanning for threats.

“That sound is getting closer,” Barron muttered in unease.

Yuri tilted her head. “Want me to check it out? Could be an enemy flank sneaking through the outer districts.”

Barron shook his head. “No. I… I’d rather not be left alone right now.”

Yuri smirked knowingly. “Still shaken up from that run-in with Anukus, huh? Don’t worry, boss. Just know that if trouble knocks, I’ll carve into bite-sized pieces.”

Barron rolled his eyes at the young bunny girl. “Oh please, Yuri, your is more worse with your battle against Polymorphous, and-”

Before Barron could continue, the door to the chamber burst open. An elderly servant hurried in and bowed deeply as he spoke. “Master Barron, the guards are on edge. They’ve reported strange movements beyond the western gates. Shall I order reinforcements to double the patrols?”

Barron hesitated. “Maybe… It could be Scyllary’s men or the Mercenary Gang. But my father warned me not to overextend our forces too soon.” He glanced at Yuri, seeking reassurance. “Besides, Sir Ghost and the others are handling things in the Dark Gathering… right?”

Yuri shrugged. “If your old man and Sir Ghost are out there, I’d bet on them over an army. But you’re the one who’s always preaching about preparation.”

Barron sighed. “Preparation only takes us so far when we don’t know the enemy’s full strength. What are they planning? And what’s my father’s endgame in the Dark Gathering?”

Before the question could hang too long in the air, a strange mechanical whir cut through the ambient noise. Yuri’s bunny ears snapped upright, and her hand flew instinctively to the hilt of her weapon.

“What was that?”

Barron’s heart skipped a beat. “Something’s coming. Is the enemy here already?”

Without hesitation, the three rushed outside, followed closely by a squad of mansion guards armed with spears and magic-infused staves. The strange noise grew louder, an unnatural hum that sent shivers through the defenders.

Then, from the clouds, twelve strange flying machines with spinning blades appeared with their sleek forms silhouetted against the sunny sky.

Ten descended into the sprawling courtyard while two remained hovering with their rotors kicking up clouds of dust and leaves everywhere.

“Flying machines!”

The defenders cried out in fear and panic as one of the huge wedge shaped objects roared over the walls, prompting some of the archers to aim their bows shakily at the flying monster.

Yuri’s grip on her daggers tightened. “We’re under attack. Guards, form up! Ready your weapons and prepare your spells!”

The guards scrambled into defensive positions, but Barron raised a hand. “Wait! Stop! Sir Ghost mentioned something about allies… What if these are his friends?”

Yuri hesitated as her eyes scanned the landing machines warily. “Friends or not, I’m not letting my guard down.”

The helicopters’ hatches opened with a sharp metallic hiss, and soldiers began pouring out in precise disciplined formations, thirty from each aircraft. Their uniforms were strange and unfamiliar, and their weapons were even stranger, marked by angular designs and faintly glowing components that pulsed with an otherworldly light.

But what truly shocked the onlookers wasn’t their gear, it was their race.

Every single soldier was human.

One man, clearly their leader, approached with calm authority. He was tall in a more ornate uniform, with a rifle slung across his back and a faint shimmer of advanced plating over his chest. He stopped a few paces from Barron and Yuri, removed his helmet, and lowered his head in a respectful bow.

“Master Barron Rumpan, I presume? I am 2nd Lieutenant Dallas of the Liberation Army, 1st Battalion, Bronco Company Commander. Captain Rile-... I mean Sir Ghost sent us to secure your safety.”

Barron blinked, struggling to process the scene before him. “Liberation… Army? And you’re… all human?”

Dallas nodded curtly. “Correct. Sir Ghost briefed us on the situation and requested our intervention. We’ve been monitoring enemy movements, and based on their current trajectory, they’ll reach this position soon. Our orders are to hold the mansion and ensure your survival.”

His gaze swept over the gathered group of wide-eyed elves, merfolk, and a bunny girl, who stared back at him like he was some kind of alien.

"Do you have any questions, sir?" Dallas asked politely.

Barron instinctively took a step backward from the bulky human. "A- ah... W-welcome, come, Lieutenant Dallas... I, uh… you—what?"

Dallas remained unflappable. “We’re here to protect you and escort you to safety once our support arrives,” he patiently explained. “For now, I’ll assign a section to serve as your security detail. They will be in charge of keeping you safe.”

“Wait!” Barron interrupted as his voice rose in frustration. “What exactly is going on here?”

“Our orders come directly from higher command,” Dallas said simply. “They also got word from Sir Ghost who made it clear to them that your protection is a priority.”

Yuri stepped forward with her daggers glinting faintly in the torchlight as her eyes narrowed at Dallas suspiciously. “How do we know Sir Ghost really sent you? For all we know, this could be a trick.”

Dallas shrugged nonchalantly. “You can doubt me if you want, but we’re the only ones here to help you. Your choice.”

Barron sighed heavily. “Alright… we’ll trust you. What’s the plan?”

Dallas turned to him with a nod. “I need to speak to the commander in charge here. I’ll need a clear picture of the situation on the ground.”

Barron gestured toward Yuri. “Talk to her. She’s the captain of the Rump Combat Force.”

For the first time, Dallas appeared genuinely surprised. “Her?”

Yuri bristled and her bunny ears twitched as she glared at the human, seemingly offended. “Yes, me. And if you think my ‘young and cute’ appearance means I can’t fight, I’ll have you know I could take down all of your soldiers without breaking a sweat!”

Dallas raised an eyebrow but responded with calm professionalism. “Understood. In that case, we’ll coordinate together. First, we’ll establish a defensive perimeter around the mansion. My men are equipped with advanced weaponry and armor, but we’ll need your guards or any fighters to assist in holding the line. If the enemy breaks through, this place could become a deathtrap.”

Yuri sighed, “I understand, sure.”

Dallas nodded and turned to his men who were proudly showing off to the mansion guards.

"Alright, enough of the dick beating! Platoon 1, 2, 3, and 4, secure the mansion and fortify defensive positions. Platoon 5 and 6, establish a perimeter and clear any hostiles. Platoon 7, stick to this young lady’s ladyship. Platoon 8, 9, and 10, sweep the surrounding area for threats.”

“OORAHHH!!”

As they moved into position, some of the Liberation soldiers exchanged grins and casual banter with the mansion guards. Yuri glanced at them with a mix of annoyance and reluctant respect in her expression.

“Alright,” she said with a resigned sigh. “Let’s get this over with. Just don’t get in my way, human.”

Dallas nodded with a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “Understood, Captain.” Then, with a wave of his hand, he led his troops to prepare for the coming storm.

————————————————————————

Flight Lieutenant Carmel eased back on the throttle and guided one of the UH-28 “Golden Eagle” helicopters into a steady low-altitude circle around the Rump House as the chopper’s rotors sliced through the air with a rhythmic *thrum*. Below, a high-resolution camera mounted on the helicopter’s belly provided a live feed of the streets, capturing the movements of Platoons 8, 9, and 10 as they pushed deeper into the war-torn city.

“Platoon 8,” the co-pilot said into the comms as he kept his eyes on the monitor. “You’ve got an enemy force inbound at the next street. Over.”

[Copy that.]

Carmel glanced at his co-pilot. “Hey, we should take the chopper down, just in case the boys on the ground need some support.”

“Got it,” the co-pilot replied as he flipped a switch to adjust their altitude.

Carmel toggled the comms to the cargo hold. “Alright, kids in the back, hold on tight! We’re bringing the bird down to support the ground forces. Watch your zones!”

Gadiel, seated on the rear deck beside the mounted AFMG-1 “Magebreaker” that faced out the opened rear hatch, chuckled as he adjusted his grip on the massive weapon.

“Let’s be ready to bail out the boys down there!” he called over his shoulder. The two other gunners at the side doors snorted in amusement with their fingers already readied on the triggers of their mounted guns.

(A/n: If you don't know who is Dallas, Carmel, and Gadiel, these three could be found back in Chapter 11 “Evacuation”)

The Golden Eagle roared over the city’s rooftops. Below, the convoy rumbled down the shattered streets, drawing the attention of dozens of mercenaries scattered among the ruins. Carmel skillfully kept the chopper in a low hover, keeping his eye between the instruments and the cityscape to avoid any misstep while the gunners and his co-pilot kept an eye around their surroundings.

“Three o’clock! Movement!” the right-side gunner suddenly shouted tensely. “I’ve got a large group of hostiles two streets over, heading straight for the convoy of Platoon 10! Do I engage?”

Carmel’s jaw clenched as he caught sight of the approaching wave, a mass of bodies racing across the street like they were running for the Olympics.

“Fuck me,” he muttered. “Platoons 8, 9, and 10, we’ve got a shitload of enemies coming at you! Fall back to the estate immediately!”

The co-pilot switched channels and shouted urgently. “Command, this is Shepherd 6-4! Multiple hostiles spotted to the north! Do we engage? Over!”

[This is Command. Engage!]

“Light ‘em up!” Carmel barked.

Without hesitation, the door gunners moved into action. One flicked off the safety with his thumb and held the trigger down, spraying a hail of red tracers into the charging bloodthirsty mercenaries. The mana-powered mithril-tipped rounds tore through flesh and armor alike, brutally cutting down swathes of enemies. Wherever the tracers went, bodies were piled up like tearing wet paper, leaving piles of carnage in their wake.

“BREAKFAST IS SERVED!” the gunner gleefully yelled as he raked the line of mercenaries. “WOOHOO!”

“More incoming!” Gadiel shouted as his sharp eyes catched movement from behind. “They’re coming from the rear!”

Pivoting the AFMG-1, he joyfully squeezed the trigger and fired a torrent of bullets into the approaching Mercenary Gangs and laughed over the comms.

“YEEEAAAAH! COME GET SOME!” he yelled out as the weapon’s rhythmic thunder drowned out even the chopper’s roaring blades.

The Golden Eagle hovered like an avenging angel over the chaos with its gunners carving through the advancing mercenaries. Below, the convoy quickened its pace, rallying behind the aerial onslaught as Carmel and his crew held the line.

————————————————————————

Back at the Rump House, the air was thick with tension as human soldiers and elf guards worked tirelessly to reinforce the estate’s defenses. The rhythmic clang of barricades being secured and the hum of enchantments being cast filled the courtyard. Suddenly, a piercing alarm blared from the helicopter above them, quickly echoed by frantic radio chatter from the scouting platoons’ convoy.

“Incoming hostiles detected! Bearing 45 degrees north!” a soldier shouted from one of the vehicles.

The hovering helicopter instantly pivoted with its side-mounted miniguns spinning up with a high-pitched mechanical whine. A moment later, the air erupted with the deafening roar of gunfire and bright red tracer rounds streaked through the sky like angry comets as they sought their targets.

Dallas turned sharply to his men and shouted. “Defensive positions! Set up barricades and man the turrets! Estate guards, coordinate with my officers, magic support in the gaps!”

Yuri stood nearby while casually twirling her daggers with a sly grin spreading across her face as her floppy bunny ears perked up in excitement. Her sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation as she locked onto the distant horizon where the threat was quickly closing in.

“Finally,” she said eagerly. “Let’s see if these humans Sir Ghost trusted so much can actually fight.”

————————————————————————

BOOM—!

In the Dark Gathering, a torrent of energy exploded from both sides, freezing the mana in the air and distorting the very fabric of space. The room trembled under the sheer force of the clashing attacks and their terrifying fluctuations enough to paralyze anyone weaker with sheer dread.

Though the walls were forged from the nearly indestructible Orichalcum, they slowly crumbled under the strain with cracks spider webbing across their surface as the attacks continued. It was clear that the power wielded by the combatants was far beyond what the fortified room was designed to contain.

BRRRRRRRR—!!

“Yeahhhhh!!” Mason yelled while the muzzle of his GAU-10 “Dragon’s Breath” spitting flames as he tore through an army of shadowy figures. Once mercenaries, they had been twisted into Spirit Warriors, or Undead Zombies as the humans called them.

Mason wasn’t alone as beside him, three humans and an elf poured the combined firepower into the horde with their mana-charged rounds ripping through the darkened forms like paper.

RUMBLE—!

The whole room shook violently as more and more energy blasts and attacks collided, each strike shaking not just the chamber but the city beyond. The combatants fought with everything on the line, their lives, their goals, their survival.

There was no showy spectacle, only raw destructive power. Every attack unleashed was strong enough to level entire districts. If not for the reinforced chamber, the building, and perhaps the surrounding city, would have been reduced to rubble within moments of the battle's start.

BOOM!

A deafening explosion erupted somewhere within the massive complex. A section of wall shattered, sending debris flying in all directions. From the wreckage, a woman shot out and her body slammed into the far wall of a long hallway with a resounding crack.

“Hahahaha…”

Laughter echoed through the dust-filled air as Enry, the Black Magician, emerged with her snake-like eyes gleaming with amusement. She fixed her gaze on the humanoid male before her, his three horns casting sharp shadows in the flickering light while his tail swayed lazily behind him.

“I’ve slain dragons of your caliber in my lifetime,” she said with a sly grin. “But I must admit, I didn’t expect you're the type to resist ‘all’ my spells. [Poison Magic], [Illusion Magic], even [Death Manipulation Magic], none of it works on you. A Dark-type Dragon, huh?”

Price rolled his eyes, unimpressed. “Jesus Christ, woman. You talk too much.”

The comment earned a chuckle from Enry. “My apologies. It’s just… those types of dragons like you are exactly what I’ve been looking for to add to my collection. No wonder you managed to defeat that vampire, Phobio, so easily.”

“Enough with the chatter,” Price snapped as his deep purple eyes glowed ominously. “Let’s end this straight away.”

Enry's grin widened, her voice dripping with mock politeness as she spoke. “Very well. Since none of my magic seems to work on you, I suppose it’s time for something a bit more… traditional.”

She crouched low and her hand plunging into the shadows at her feet. A moment later, she pulled free a scythe wreathed in misty darkness, a weapon forged from her [Shadow Magic].

Black feathered wings unfurled from her back, spreading wide as she began to levitate like a menacing figure of death.

Price followed as he flapped his dragon-like wings and rose effortlessly to hover a few feet above the ground while his piercing gaze locked onto the Black Magician.

For a moment, the immense hall was deathly silent as a grave, as if the world itself held its breath. And then, with a blur and a rush of wind, the battle reignited and exploded into a chaotic swirl of lightning-fast movement with the two simultaneously clashing their weapons with such ferocity that the air rippled, generating shockwaves through the corridor.

The Orichalcum walls trembled, and chunks of the floor crumbled under the sheer force of their strikes.

“You’ll die here!”

“Try me!”

Before Enry could retort, Price rushed forward and his clawed hand grabbed her face with crushing force. With a grunt of effort, he tossed her through a window and the glass shattered into a rain of glittering shards as the bird witch tumbled out into the grass fields below.

Enry landed in a crouch and her black feathery wings flared as she steadied herself. She looked up just in time to see Price descending toward her with his dragon-like wings spread wide, cutting a menacing figure against the stormy sky.

Price wasted no time and launched into an offensive, pressing her attack with startling ferocity. His claws slashed through the air like deadly whirlwinds, carving deep gouges into the stone whenever they missed their target. His greater reach and raw strength gave him a clear advantage, forcing Enry to stay on the defensive.

While he seemed to have an advantage in terms of physical strength, Enry had the edge in speed and agility, in which she dodged and weaved with an almost supernatural grace, slipping past through the whirlwind strikes of his claws as if dancing to a rhythm only she could hear. Then, in the blink of an eye, she vanished.

"?!"

"Who knows where I'll come from?" A whisper brushed against Price’s ear.

Startled, he spun around and raised his claws just in time to block a shadowy scythe strike aimed at his neck. Enry smirked as she disappeared again and reappeared above him with her weapon preparing for another strike.

“Give it up, lizard scum!”

Price’s eyes flashed with purple light. With a roar, he lunged upward, and Enry did the same with vicious snarls erupting from both dragon and siren’s throat as they sprang across the courtyard in an instant. Each of them threw a full-force attack in the same moment and their weapons collided midway between them with a thunderclap and a shockwave so powerful that it shattered the soils underfoot.

Neither humanoid monsters fell back, both withstanding the colossal impact without budging an inch. Both of their teeth were bared, fury blazin in their eyes. Soon enough, Eury dropped back a step and threw a second slash at Price's head, aiming to decapitate him. But Price’s other hand flashed up like a snake striking, his claws flicking back out and blocking the attack with ease.

Both monsters burst into motion again an instant later, streaking back and forth across the grassfield with movements that would have been impossible for any human eyes to follow.

Price snarled in irritation as another swing of his claws narrowly missed his target, slicing a set of deep cuts into the grass floor instead.

“Enough of this!” he roared as he spread his wings wide, and with a powerful beat, he launched into the air. He moved even faster in the air than he had on the ground, barreling across the grassfield in a blur of super-speed and lunging down towards Eury like a diving hawk.

Retracting the claws of his other hand, he grabbed her by the throat in a flash and launched himself into the air again, beating his wings strongly and carrying them higher and higher into the sky while wind howled around them as he ascended with breakneck speed, traveling several kilometers up in mere seconds.

“Let’s see how you fight when you can’t run!” he spat, spinning her like a ragdoll before flinging her higher into the air.

But Enry retaliated mid-spin, twisting her body with inhuman precision and driving her fist into Price’s chest. The blow landed with a resounding *crack*, forcing him to release his grip on her as they fell toward the ground several yards apart. Both hit the earth with bone-shaking force, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.

As the dust settled, Enry rose to her feet with her body already healing, flesh and bone knitting back together. She chuckled softly as her eyes gleamed with amusement.

“Is that all you can do? You cannot prevail while clinging to a mere semblance of true power.”

At that moment, she heard a sinister voice echoed from within the dust cloud, a voice so sinister it would send chills down the spine of any mortal.

“I'll show yoU tRuE pOwEr.”

In a moment of sheer power, the ground quaked as a colossal black dragon burst forth from the dust cloud, its massive body dwarfing the surrounding landscape. Price, now transformed into his full dragon form, radiated an aura of primal fury as his glowing purple eyes fixed on the Black Magician with an intense gaze brimming with unbridled malice.



“RAWWWRRRRRRR!!!”

Enry’s eyes widened, but her reaction was not fear, it swas awe.

“Magnificent!” she exclaimed as if she saw the cutest animal she had seen. “But don’t think your size gives you an advantage!”

Just then, her scythe dissolved into wisps of darkness as she brought her hands together and closed her eyes. Shadows swirled around her in a chaotic vortex, growing denser with every passing second.

Price’s eyes narrowed and he watched intently as the cloud of shadows completely enveloped Enry, shrouding her from view. Glowing golden eyes began opening within the dark vortex, dozens of them, each one immediately locking onto him with predatory focus.

This made Price feel anxious for some reason.

Finally, the shadows melted away, and the member of the Deadly Three stood revealed once more.

“KWIIIIIII!!!”



“Let’s see how your ‘true power’ measures up against mine!”

With a roar that shook the heavens, the two titanic forces lunged at each other, and the courtyard erupted into chaos as both dragon and phoenix clashed in a battle that would decide who truly wielded ultimate power.

————————————————————————

Somewhere far from Price's battle, Woods in his mithril suit, stood tensely at the center of a room while gripping his AF-2 “Magespitter” magic rifle.

Across from him, the towering figure of Ladon, "The Obsidian Blade," emerged from the shadows. His presence was suffocating as if the air itself recoiled from him while his black armor gleamed ominously as if it absorbed the very light around him. His helm concealed his face, but the two crimson slits glowing beneath it betrayed an otherworldly malevolence. In one hand, he wielded a massive jagged greatsword with its blade glowed with a faint red aura. Strapped to his back was a shield of pitch-black metal, so dark it seemed to consume the light, lined with veins of prismatic ore.

Beneath at Ladon’s feet were the shattered remains of the Gau-10 “Dragon’s Breath” Woods had used earlier.

“I’ll admit,” Ladon said deeply, “I’m utterly baffled that a mere human managed to slaughter hundreds of our men. But now, with that weapon destroyed, do you truly believe you can challenge one of the Deadly Three? Surrender now, and I may spare you the humiliation.”

Woods let out a shaky laugh and raised his rifle as if to steady himself. “Spare me the theatrics, big guy. I don’t run from bullies.”

For a moment, silence claimed the room. The distant echo of gunfire and explosions reverberated through the building, but within this chamber, the tension was palpable. Woods and Ladon began to circle each other with their eyes locked in a deadly exchange of intent.

“You are nothing but a mere human,” Ladon sneered. “A pawn sent by your leaders to die a pointless death at our hands.” With a flick of his hand, he activated [Blazing Strike], and flames roared to life along the edge of his greatsword, casting flickering shadows across the room.

Woods smirked. “Let’s agree to disagree then shall we."

Ladon tilted his head. “You seem confident. Like you’ve faced Transcendents before.” he said with a trace of curiosity in his menacing tone

“I have,” Replied Woods as the green glow revolving around his body became increasingly dense as his gaze never left the Warrior of Darkness. “This is nothing new to me.”

Ladon’s tone darkened. “Then let me enlighten you, human. I am not like the others you’ve fought. I will show you the difference here and now.” He shifted his stance, and the ground beneath him cracked slightly under his weight.

The glow of Woods’ green aura caught Ladon’s attention, and his crimson eyes narrowed. “Strange… I sense a trace of mana within you. How is that possible for a human like you?”

Woods shrugged casually. “Just some weird parasite. Long story.” He gave a sidelong glance to his companion.

With a subtle nod, Cottonball, who is hiding behind Woods, squeaked and hopped forward. Ladon tilted his head and chuckled that echoed in the chamber.

“So, this is your champion? A bunny? How—”

Before Ladon could finish his mockery, Cottonball moved. It was as if reality itself bent around the creature, it propelled forward with blinding speed, leaving behind an audible *crack* of displaced air.

BANG!

Woods fired his “Magelock”, and the mana-infused mithril-tipped round flew straight toward Ladon. Without flinching, Ladon lazily raised his shield and the bullet deflected harmlessly off its surface with a sharp clang.

"Of course."

Before Woods could react, Ladon moved in a blur and kicked Woods’ chest with his armored boot like a battering ram. The impact sent him flying off the balcony, but before he could hit the ground, Cottonball moved beneath him and softened the fall.

Ladon leapt down after him, landing with a thunderous crash that shook the earth and sent cracks splintering through the ground. He wasted no time and swung his greatsword in a series of calculated arcs. Each strike unleashed blazing waves of fire that scorched the air as they streaked toward Woods.

With Cottonball at his side, Woods dodged the fiery attacks to the latter's surprise. The little familiar’s speed and agility were a perfect complement to his own reflexes.

“If you’re wondering, this shield is forged from the flesh of a powerful Transcendent Tier 2 Magic Beast, reinforced with one of the prismatic ores, materials that didn't exist in the Third Civilization Zone and far stronger than even adamantite!”

“Thanks for the lecture, dumbass!” Woods spat, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth as he steadied his rifle.

Ladon launched himself toward Woods and his greatsword sliced through the air with deadly speed. Woods instinctively raised his AF-1 “Magelock” to block, but the blade cleaved through the gun like it was paper, cutting it clean in half.

Cottonball, seeing an opening, leapt and spinned in the air to land a quick hit against Ladon's shield with surprise, which the impact sent a sharp tremor through the chamber, causing Ladon to grunt and his stance shifted slightly as he felt the shield quiver.

"Annoying little pest!" Ladon growled and slashed his greatsword in a fiery arc.

Cottonball used [Bounce], vanishing from sight in a blur and reappeared on Ladon’s shoulder before moving away again just as another fiery strike cleaved through the space it had occupied moments before.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Woods tossed a flash grenade and the explosion lit up the room in a brilliant burst, blinding Ladon momentarily.

“NOW!” Woods shouted as he pulled out his AF-2 “Magespitter” and unloaded a barrage of mana-infused bullets at Ladon’s exposed side.

The rounds struck the knight, but instead of piercing the armor, they ricocheted off harmlessly.

Suddenly, a swarm of summoned weapons materialized around him. Blades, spears, and axes whirled in a protective storm as every shot Woods fired was intercepted and deflected.

Cottonball growled, an unnerving sound for such a small creature, and used [Replicate]. In an instant, ten identical copies of the Black Nyxxeloth appeared, each moving with the same blinding speed as they surrounded Ladon and the clones ferociously attacked him from every angle.

“Enough!” Ladon roared and activated [Weapon Authority]. His summoned weapons lashed outward in a whirlwind of deadly steel and obliterated two of Cottonball’s replicas instantly, but the remaining eight dodged with inhuman reflexes, avoiding the storm of steel and pressing their attack against Ladon's shield.

Each blow from Cottonball and its replicas landed caused faint cracks to spread across Ladon’s shield. His crimson eyes narrowed as he realized the truth that this creature was no ordinary Familiar.

“You’re persistent… but so am I!” Ladon roared and activated [Blazing Strike]. His greatsword ignited in roaring flames once more, and he swung it in a wide arc, sending a massive wave of molten fire toward Woods and Cottonball as the heat distorted the air around it.

Woods dove behind a crumbling pillar, just in time as the flames scorched past him and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

“That’s SO unfair!” he yelled, coughing as he peeked out from cover.

Meanwhile, Cottonball dashed through the roaring flames, untouched by their heat, and launched itself straight at Ladon’s head. The impact reverberated through the room, denting the knight’s helmet and forcing him back a few paces.

Ladon staggered but quickly regained his footing and raised his shield defensively. For the first time, a hint of uncertainty colored his voice.

“What… what the hell are you, beast?”

Cottonball’s replicas wasted no time. They converged on Ladon, their movements blindingly fast, and slammed into his shield in unison. The cracks that had already formed began to spread rapidly and webbed across the shield’s surface like frost on glass. With a final earsplitting *crunch*, the shield shattered into fragments of prismatic ore that clattered to the floor like shards of a broken star.

Ladon stumbled and held his now-empty arm in disbelief. “No… impossible!”

Cottonball squeaked in triumph and her remaining replicas vanished as the original readied herself for the finishing blow. Like a streak of living darkness, it lunged at Ladon’s chest and slammed into him with brutal force.

“GARGH!!” Ladon gasped as the blow knocked him back.

Surprisingly, the attack was not enough to finish him, but it stunned him for a crucial second. And one second was all Woods needed.

From the corner of the room, Woods charged forward, wielding… of all things…

A shovel.

THWACK!

The metallic clang echoed through the chamber as the edge of the shovel connected with the side of Ladon’s helmet. The knight staggered and his flaming sword flickered as he turned to face Woods, with pure fury radiating from him.

Standing just out of reach, Woods grinned sheepishly with the bent shovel still in his hands.

“Uh… surprise?”

A crack spread across Ladon’s already damaged helm as his rage boiled over.

“You… whacked me in the head… WITH A FUCKING SHOVEL?!”

Woods shrugged. “I regret nothing!”

“YOU… INSOLENT WORM!” Ladon raised his flaming sword high above his head and the fire roared to life once more.

Before he could bring the blade down, Cottonball reappeared and slammed into Ladon’s chest with enough force to sent the towering knight crashing into the far wall, and the stone crumbled around him. His massive frame slumped to the ground while his armor shattered across his torso, revealing a deep bloody wound beneath.

Woods approached cautiously with his rifle trained on Ladon’s motionless body.

“Is he… dead?”

Cottonball hopped onto Ladon’s chest and let out a victorious squeak before turning to Woods with an almost smug expression, as if basking in its victory.

“>:3”

Woods sighed and lowered his weapon. “Yeah, yeah, you’re the MVP. I get it. But seriously, Cottonball, maybe don’t hold back so much next time? You’re making me look bad out here.”

Cottonball chirped innocently and hopped back onto Woods’ shoulder with an air of casual indifference.

“Though, I wondered what's Riley's battle was like over there.”