◆ Above the Satanakia ◆
【Defeated 1000 Aps! HP 0/1700】
Even with maximum lock-on, it feels endless. Heartless keep pouring out from Satanakia, and if we take too long, we’ll lose. But Tiferia, riding Nemea, and Eeks, perched on a long, strange serpent, fight without a hint of worry on their faces. The people from the Torkaria Federation are attacking fiercely too, but several ships have already fallen. Elmera, floating gracefully with Imagination Magic, gently brings down those who are struggling with some spell, showing her kindness. So far, I don’t think anyone has died.
“Ugh, if someone dies, Lua-chan will be so noisy! Can we wrap this up already?”
“It seems we’ve finally reached the deepest part, just a little more. But that guy… the Metalican is a bit troublesome.”
“What’s a Metalican?”
“They’re strong.”
“If it’s Lua-chan, you can take them out in one hit, right?”
“…Not necessarily.”
Elmera and Meria exchange words while floating. Despite their calm demeanor, they can’t stop the overwhelming number of Heartless attacking with Imagination Magic. At first, they said they would push through with distraction spells, but now they’re just being attacked normally for some reason.
“Hey, sis. Aren’t these guys learning and getting stronger? The jamming isn’t working on them at all.”
“The Metalican in front of Lua has the same traits.”
“Then what’s a Metalican?”
“Self-evolution.”
Elmera, who had been joking around, lost her words with that one statement. It’s okay; Lua can handle this.
“Damn it! They’re starting to read our movements!”
“My skills aren’t working beyond level 50 anymore. This is bad. And look!”
【Aps One-Punch Kill!】
The Heartless, shaped more like butterflies than birds, move differently from the human Tiferia, but it’s easy to tell. They’re mimicking Tiferia’s skills. It’s not just self-evolution.
“Could it be… they’re copying our techniques?”
“If it’s just the techniques, that’s fine…”
Those two were fighting with calm expressions, but I still felt anxious. So, I’m trying to limit our armaments as much as possible; if I show them a new attack method, they’ll just imitate it.
“Lua… please, finish this as quickly as you can.”
I swallowed hard, thinking the same thing as Eeks. I trust Lua, of course, but it’s impossible to defeat Satanakia without any damage. Plus, if the Metalican, probably Branburm, shares the same traits as these Heartless, it could be dangerous even for Lua. That’s why they lured Lua to the deepest part.
◆ Satanakia, Central City Clid ◆
Formas’s killing intent isn’t directed solely at Branburm, who stands before me. It was worth it to test by turning my back. Formas hasn’t given up on killing me. He drew his Demon Sword, aiming to slash through both me and Branburm. I jumped to evade his strike, watching the outcome of that blow in mid-air. Branburm, with his gray body, stood firm, taking the blade from Formas. There was no need to dodge; the blade couldn’t even cut through his arm, stopping short.
“What’s wrong?”
“Tch… this is more troublesome than I thought.”
“Did you just attack me, the perfect being? How does it feel? Will your plan come to fruition?”
“No problem. Just 10% for now.”
【Formas’s Demon Transformation! 10% Unleashed!】
Formas’s body swelled slightly, his skin turning a dark green. His eyes spun around once, glowing yellow. This was the same look he had when we met in the Avangarde Royal Capital. He finally revealed his true nature. Mai and the others must be witnessing this scene as well.
“Mai! That’s Formas’s true form! It’s powered by the Demon Sword Doomnate…”
“Fascinating… that’s what 10% looks like, Mai.”
“Yeah, last time he wiped out the Zodiac at 5%. So this is double that.”
Instead of being surprised, they gazed at Formas in admiration. They even seemed to idolize him in his monstrous form. Calm down, Lua. This must be some skill of Formas’s. Yes, that Demon Sword. Since he acquired it, Formas has grown stronger. I don’t know where he got it, but it might be more dangerous than I thought.
Now, what should I do? If I ignore Formas and take down Branburm, Formas will attack me. But if I defeat Formas, I might turn Ai and the others into enemies. Even if I completely shatter the power of the Demon Sword, it doesn’t guarantee that Ai and the others will return to normal.
“Lua, you seem to be thinking hard, so let me tell you something. You treat the Demon Sword as just a weapon. But each Demon Sword has its roots.”
“Roots? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“Disballade, renowned as the pinnacle among Demon Swords. There are those who have spent their lives searching for its immense power. It’s sealed within the Festival of Calamity, which no one can find due to the seals of the Hero Clan.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“It means you’re wasting it.”
【Formas’s Attack! Dealt 2933 damage to Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm! HP ??????/???????】
His prized Demon Sword now sank into Branburm’s arm. It didn’t cut it off, but it penetrated about halfway.
“Guh… what a…!”
“Hmm? Could it be that 10% is enough?”
“Did you think I’d say that?”
【Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm’s Attack!】
For just a brief moment before Branburm’s fist struck Formas, both of them seemed to freeze. They hadn’t actually stopped; it was just the overwhelming power about to be unleashed that made it feel that way. Formas, sensing the explosive force, froze in shock, while Branburm grinned as if he were enjoying it.
【Dealt 40674 damage to Formas!】
The pressure from the punch sent debris flying like dust, obliterating the machines that were once human. The ground was left barren, as if it had been blown away by an explosion.
“Oh, even after taking that Metalican’s blow, you still retain your form. But I can’t see you anymore.”
After unleashing the punch, Branburm gazed off into the distance, as if watching the scenery, already having sent Formas flying far away. I saw that Formas wasn’t dead just before he flew off. It was a fleeting moment, something I thought only I could perceive. But Branburm had seen it.
“Lua-chan… Mai and the others are gone…”
“…It’s okay. Right after Branburm attacked, he took both of them away.”
“Eh… when did that happen?”
“It was a battle so fast and incredible that no one could notice.”
“Ha! I’m back!”
Formas returned, having sprouted wings from his back. Unlike before, half of his body was covered in green scales, making him look quite inhuman. He must have transformed to about 20% just before taking that punch. Even so, he was bleeding from his mouth, clearly not unscathed.
“Formas, where are Ai and Mai?”
“Don’t worry. They’ll be just fine, getting out safely. After all, they’re my precious girls.”
“Do you have other companions?”
“You’ve become quite perceptive. Even a monkey girl can get smarter.”
With those two gone, Formas’s attitude changed completely. Yet, he paid no mind to Mi, who was still here. I wished he had died like that. I didn’t intervene, hoping for that. Besides, if I used Formas as a test subject, I could gauge Branburm’s abilities. They both seemed to be holding back, but time was running out.
【Lua’s Attack!】
I launched a strike at Branburm. Without hesitation, I aimed to slice through that Metalican’s body with my sword, regardless of Formas’s presence.
【Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm dodged!】
“Fast.”
It was the first time in a while that my attack had missed. Branburm twisted his body without using any skills, landing gracefully on a nearby piece of rubble, scrutinizing me with a piercing gaze.
“Yet, looking at you like this, I can’t understand why no one has been able to stop you until now. It seems that becoming truly perfect changes the perspective.”
“Ha! The Flash Strike Girl’s attack gets dodged, huh? Well, I could see it too.”
“Wow… amazing…”
I feigned shock, opening my mouth wide like a fool. For Branburm to dodge my strike, I pretended to be so shocked. This was something I had done in the Abyss Cave, luring the enemy into a false sense of security by acting weak. It had worked quite well in the past, often leading them to reveal their openings. Even the most vicious monsters would play around if they realized their opponent was as weak as a Cave Rabbit.
Of course, that last strike was serious. After all, I’m up against an opponent who can dodge my full power, just like Vandalsia. I need to be dead serious, just like back in the Abyss Cave. If I were to put it in Elmera’s playful style, I’d say this is my Abyss Mode.
“There’s no need to be so pessimistic. Look, right here. You grazed me, didn’t you?”
Branburm flaunted his neck, revealing a slight scratch that healed almost instantly. As expected, he could regenerate from minor attacks. That’s why I intentionally took Formas’s strike; I wanted to gather as much information about my opponent as possible. From Metallica’s blow, I realized that in terms of physical abilities, he might be on par with me.
“Download complete. Flash Strike Girl, I thank you. That’s enough; you can die now.”
【Branburm’s attack!】
A strike far more powerful than Formas’s came at me. I exaggeratedly leaped, escaping to the ceiling. Just as I thought Branburm had finished his punch, he was already right beneath me.
【Rua deftly dodged!】
“You’re really fast. But Metalican can keep up with you!”
【Rua unleashed the Sonic Spear! Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm dodged effortlessly!】
He twisted in mid-air, easily evading the Sonic Spear’s linear attack. I anticipated this, so I prepared for my next strike.
【Rua’s attack! Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm dodged again!】
“Ugh!”
【Branburm’s attack! Rua dodged gracefully!】
As Branburm launched his counterattack, I was caught in a tense moment where his second strike could either hit or miss. He unleashed a flurry of punches, determined not to let me escape. I was already at the edge of the ceiling, with nowhere to run. I figured he thought I was trapped, and that was exactly what I wanted him to believe.
【Rua unleashed the Sonic Boost! She dealt 164,055 damage to Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm!】
“Ugh!”
By pretending to be on the defensive, I made Branburm’s attacks predictable. His relentless pursuit only made it easier for me to exploit his linear attacks. He probably didn’t expect me to suddenly accelerate with a Sonic Boost and charge at him. The shock of my rush must have caught him off guard.
“Ugh…! You…!”
“Now’s my chance… I can escape!”
I continued to feign being cornered. I wanted him to think that my last attack was a desperate move. I repeated the Sonic Boost in mid-air to create some distance.
“I won’t let you get away!”
With eyes like iron, Branburm shouted angrily and flew after me. His ability was impressive, especially without wings. This was the power of a Perfect Human Metalican. If such beings flooded the surface, it would indeed mean a prolonged reign of humanity.
【Formas’s attack! He dealt 7,933 damage to Branburm!】
“Ugh!”
“Let me join in!”
From behind Branburm, Formas slashed at him. His wings had grown large enough to envelop his entire body. With a powerful flap, Formas launched a follow-up attack before Branburm could react.
【Formas unleashed the Funky Fang! He dealt 13,844 damage to Branburm!】
“Fifteen percent! I can still go!”
The real problem was him. If Branburm remained completely on our side, that would be fine, but I couldn’t let my guard down, knowing he might strike at any moment. If it were just Branburm, this would be over quickly, but I regretted not acting alone.
【Formas unleashed the Ego Screw! He dealt 16,309 damage to Branburm!】
“Ughhh! You… you little brats!”
【Perfect Human (Metalican) Branburm unleashed the Perfect Burst!】
Even as I worried about Kurinka, at this distance, it was too late to intervene. The shockwave unleashed from Branburm’s gaping maw engulfed the entire city. Not only buildings but even the walls of Satanakia vanished without a trace, consumed entirely.
The shockwave from Branburm, which caught both Formas and me, created a massive void, far larger than just a wind hole. The attack reached the edge of the continent, revealing the outside scenery. How much of the continent had been erased? At the very least, the entirety of Satanakia beyond this point had vanished.
【Rua took no damage!】
【Formas took 6,749 damage! HP: ?????/??????】
“Cough! Here it comes!”
Formas, with his disheveled hair, gripped his Demon Sword tightly. I defended with all my might, but he still took some damage. But he was still at fifteen percent, right? No, more importantly, Kurinka.
“Kurinka… oh, she’s waving. Thank goodness…”
“Of course, I’d be worried. She’s your precious wife after all.”
“Formas, worry about yourself. That guy is completely furious from your attack.”
“You… you really mean it, don’t you…?”
Just when I thought he might attack, Branburm flew outside. He stopped, turned to face us, and scowled with his chin raised.
“I don’t want to mar my Satanakia any further. I’ll kill you with all my might, so come outside.”
“Is there any obligation to comply?”
“That little girl over there has no choice. There are many precious things outside.”
After provocatively licking his lips with his iron tongue, Branburm flew outside again. Kurinka, still in her dragon form, seemed to be protecting Mi and flew over to me.
“Rua-chan, that was an incredible attack, but…”
“Yeah. He probably used my Power of Destruction.”
“No way!”
“I don’t know how, but he likely lured us here for that purpose. Honestly… let’s go.”
“Tch, I need to raise it to thirty percent… but anything beyond that…”
Muttering to himself, Formas flew alongside us as we navigated through the enormous void. All I could think about was defeating that Perfect Human. Branburm would likely challenge Zaniel again.
◆ Shin Report ◆
I thought I was going to die.
Monster Compendium
【Apsu HP 1700】
Zodiac, a Powered Suit modeled after a wind bird. The flat suit dances gracefully, fully utilizing wind resistance to evade enemy attacks completely. Designed with evasion in mind, it is minimally armed, primarily relying on disruption tactics.