Chronos Palace – Deepest Chamber – Madias’s Room
Lua unleashed the Sonic Spear!
A straight shot without holding back, powerful enough to pierce through even Branburm and Aboro. That girl wouldn’t leave a trace behind.
The Arbitrator God Madias was not hit!
The Sonic Spear passed right by Madias, carving through the inner chamber as it went. It had deliberately avoided Madias.
“Why are you trying to destroy the world…?”
I expected another shockwave to come, but Madias merely tilted her head in confusion. It was clear she hadn’t even seen the Sonic Spear. When I launched it, she didn’t show any reaction or movement at all.
Lua unleashed the Sonic Spear!
This attack came after I kicked off the floor and wall to circle around Madias. I confirmed again that she still couldn’t see me. She was staring blankly at the spot where I had been. But this time, the outcome was different.
The Arbitrator God Madias vanished before me!
“Huh…? Where did you go…?”
She still hadn’t realized I was right here. This must be some kind of passive skill. This is bad; I have no idea what’s going on at this point. I considered close combat, but there was no guarantee I wouldn’t be erased along with it.
“Ma… Madias is unaffected by any calamity. She is truly a miraculous existence.”
Chronoel approached, his footsteps echoing. He casually stated something outrageous, but if it’s true, then she’s invincible. The Power of Destruction wouldn’t mean anything if it couldn’t reach her. It would only matter if I could destroy her “interference,” but I felt a cold sweat trickling down my back.
A battle with no clear end in sight, a darkness I could only navigate by touch. I swung my sword, trying not to succumb to anxiety and fear, unsure if victory was even possible. I had experienced this countless times in the Abyss Cave, yet I realized again that one doesn’t simply get used to it. But at the same time, something always wells up within me.
“Madias, this is starting to get fun.”
She tilted her head again, looking at me as if I were speaking nonsense. Her innocent face belied the fact that she was not just any girl. She was a genuine monster, having threatened the world as the Arbitrator God for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. No one had ever defeated her; even Chronoel entrusted us to face her, making her an unknown adversary.
One thing I did know was that Madias didn’t have wings like those of a Celestial Being. I wasn’t sure if such Celestial Beings existed, but in my estimation, Madias was…
“Chronoel, that Madias is just like us, isn’t she?”
“…It’s not a matter that can be hidden anymore. I affirm that.”
“Why do you find it enjoyable?”
Had she been pondering that until now? She frowned slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on me. It seemed she didn’t like that I was enjoying the fight.
“If I could, I wouldn’t want to fight, but I think deep down, I enjoy it. Is that what they call instinct?”
“Instinct… Competing, winning, enjoying… And then stealing everything.”
“Oh, it’s not that I like conflict.”
“That’s how the world will perish. We must protect it.”
The Arbitrator God Madias faced her palm towards Lua!
An anomaly occurred immediately. Cracks appeared in Disballade, and fragments began to fall. Wait, could it really go that far? This is bad.
“Lua-chan, I’m here for you!”
With Kurinka’s power, the damage to Disballade was halted. It seemed her strength was formidable, making it difficult to restore it completely, but Madias wore an expression of utter boredom. She looked a bit like Platiu when things didn’t go her way.
“Regeneration is also contrary to reason. Lives that are fading away are saved, and life overflows in the world. Overflowing life begins to destroy the world.”
“You’re trying to destroy it before that life can ruin the world, right? It’s okay for you to destroy it, but not for others?”
“I am Madias the Arbitrator God; it is my fate to maintain the world. The Cursed Child has no role or purpose.”
The Arbitrator God Madias raised one hand! Intense lightning filled the space!
Lightning connected like threads, enveloping the area in an inescapable storm. Spheres of lightning spun and discharged, ensuring there was no escape. The intensity of the electric shock surpassed even Lord Daigami’s Divine Thunder, confirming that her power was indeed genuine.
I pulled Kurinka close and swung Disballade with one hand, attempting to dispel the lightning. Even with all my strength, I couldn’t block all of it, but Kurinka could regenerate. Madias’s cute room was caught in the chaos, and soon the floor and walls vanished. I made sure not to forget my attack on Madias.
Lua unleashed the Sonic Ripper! But it vanished before the Arbitrator God Madias!
The same result as before. When I found myself in a bind, what had I always done? I needed to remember my past experiences, my memories. I gathered everything I had, searching for a key to a breakthrough. Was this Madias truly different from my previous opponents? Regardless of her strength, there was something off about her.
“Isn’t it terrible? Are you really a god? How are you different from us?”
“The Arbitrator God protects the world.”
“Why? Did someone tell you to?”
“…That is my fate.”
I half-convinced myself that Madias was human, but I asked anyway. At that moment, she hesitated for just a moment, choosing her words. It was the same when I said I enjoyed fighting. The fact that she couldn’t grasp my thoughts and questioned me meant she was at least trying to understand.
In this way, she appeared calm on the surface, but I could sense a hint of humanity in her. I felt no trace of life from the Zodiac, nor a shred of kindness from Vandalsia. Compared to Vandalsia, who only cared about fulfilling orders and unleashing his malice, Madias felt much closer to us.
“What you’re doing is ultimately no different from the conflicts everyone else engages in. You’re trying to take lives for selfish reasons.”
“My fate is different.”
“It’s not different.”
I often wondered how the other Demon Race and Twelve Demon Generals, aside from the stubborn Aboro, could become so twisted despite being human. Compared to that, Madias, who pondered for a moment without understanding the enjoyment of battle, felt less unknown.
“Let those who find pleasure in battle and destroy reason perish…! Zeda!”
The Arbitrator God Madias summoned Zeda! Zeda appeared! HP: ?????
“I won’t deny it! At first, I hated it, but then I found this feeling of enjoyment blossoming within me!”
The large old man who had appeared in the village materialized next to Madias. No matter how many of them showed up, I wasn’t afraid. Unlike Madias herself, they could be attacked.
“Zeda will save us. This world…”
Lua’s attack! Zeda was destroyed! HP: –
I struck first before anything could happen. The surprise on Zeda’s face was unmistakably human, with his eyelids fluttering and mouth slightly agape.
“Zeda…!”
“What kind of miracle will you create next?”
“Lua-chan, maybe you shouldn’t provoke her too much…”
“Kurinka, do you remember what the holographic Branburm said?”
“Y-Yeah. I’ve been thinking about that… I believe he was right; miracles are indeed miracles.”
Once again, I found myself relying on Kurinka. She helped me clear the last hurdle, supporting my thoughts. Overjoyed, I responded with the brightest smile I could muster.
“We should thank Branburm too!”
Kurinka cast Speed Force! Lua’s speed increased!
The varying durations in which Madias sought to annihilate humanity and the fact that Branburm’s “miracles” didn’t occur as expected—this information combined with the Madias before us led to an answer forming between Kurinka and me.
Lua unleashed the Sonic Spear!
Lua unleashed the Sonic Spear!
Lua unleashed the Sonic Spear!
Lua unleashed the Desalt Spear!
With Kurinka’s speed enhancement magic, I moved without even understanding how. I was almost acting on instinct. Kurinka had wondered how many Sonic Spears or Rippers I could fire in a second, but even I couldn’t tell.
Vanished before the Arbitrator God Madias!
Did not hit the Arbitrator God Madias!
Did not hit the Arbitrator God Madias!
Exploded before the Arbitrator God Madias!
I failed to fire a few shots. Normally, that would be unthinkable, but I believed this was also part of Madias’s power. It was impossible for me to fail my skills, so this too must be a miracle.
“How dare you destroy Zeda…! Zedaaa!!”
The body of the Arbitrator God Madias began to shine!
A power so immense that it could obliterate even the Chronos Palace, which has the unique ability to confuse for hundreds of years, was approaching. It was a force that had nearly destroyed the world countless times—a power that could only be described as divine. Kurinka and I prepared every defensive measure we could think of.
Kurinka cast the Rainbow Barrier!
Kurinka cast the Guard Force!
“Take this! Sonic Barrier!”
Lua’s Sonic Barrier!
“Be gone!”
Madias the Arbitrator God’s Extinction is about to change the world!
Madias’s full-powered strike could potentially annihilate not just the Chronos Palace but even the Celestial Realm itself. Any living creature would perish, and a new world would begin. Such a devastating blow, fueled by pure rage and devoid of any control, was something that could not be easily thwarted.
“I will stand against you, Madias!”
Unless, of course, a miracle were to occur.
In front of the Chronos Palace
The shock was so intense it felt as if my entire body would be torn apart. Blinding light obscured my vision; even the child angels would likely be unable to comprehend the moment of death. I sensed the cracks forming in the Chronos Palace. Summoning every ounce of strength I had, I prepared to unleash everything I had cultivated as a Holy Angel.
Super Storm (Tempest)
Lord Chronoel had praised me, saying that if he wished, he could stagnate the Celestial Realm’s civilization for three hundred years. This power did not merely destroy matter and life; it severed the very essence of existence, cutting off the desire for life along with the crystals formed by nature and living beings. Aside from the likes of Life Angel Sephiel, who could manipulate fate itself, nothing could withstand me. I would counter the approaching annihilation light. No, at worst, I could serve as a bulwark. If my life could save the Celestial Realm, it would be a small price to pay. This Super Storm awaited—
Storm Angel Stormael took 545,432,110 damage! Storm Angel Stormael has vanished! HP 0/350,000
I would unleash—
In the Human Realm, in front of the Avangarde Royal Capital
“Phew, I really gave it my all, didn’t I?”
“Is this even possible…?”
Elmera’s achievements were remarkable. The Celestial Army was down to just one remaining—Diael. A scapegoat that rendered itself invisible and immune to all interference. The Anti-Might Anti spell, which weakened stronger foes, and the Help Sitter, which activated spells based on the situation when in a pinch. All of these spells had given Lua-chan a hard time. The scapegoat couldn’t be maintained for long, and against something as absurd as destruction, it was powerless, but otherwise, it was invincible.
“I just imagined a spell that drastically lowers the resistance of Celestial beings—‘Angel Curse.’ Ah, I’m really bad at naming things. Maybe ‘Anti-Angel Anti’ would have been better?”
“You were hiding your power, weren’t you…”
“More like I was supporting the human folks here so they wouldn’t die, so I had to allocate my magic there. Even with Elmera’s magic, it was tough to protect everyone in Avangarde.”
“We were able to hold our ground against the Celestial Army thanks to Elmera’s Enhancement Magic…”
Ritta, exhausted and looking pale, was using her spear as a makeshift staff. Even with the Enhancement Magic I distributed, she was that weakened, which showed just how terrifying the Celestial beings’ power was. I hoped there were no casualties, but there were likely many with severe injuries that would leave lasting effects. Even if Kurinka could help with regeneration, caring for their hearts would be impossible.
“Not yet… Where is the enemy…?!”
“There! Take that!”
“Calm down! The only remaining enemy is that Diael!”
“I can’t… stand anymore… Everything is dark… Captain Kirkton, where are you…?”
Some were still fighting unseen enemies, while others had lost their sight. The battle had been so fierce that some were losing their sanity. Without Elmera, we would have surely faced total annihilation. Speaking of which, I wondered how Kashiram and the others were faring. Well, it wasn’t my concern. I couldn’t cover everything.
“So, what about Diael? What are we going to do? Still up for it?”
“Do as you please…”
“I’m asking what you’re going to do.”
“I want to live… I haven’t yet fully lived up to the name of my friend, the Angel…”
“Oh, nice. Much better than someone who asks to be killed. Right, Captain Kirkton? The right to decide life and death lies with Elmera, doesn’t it?”
“Normally, this would be unthinkable, but it cannot be helped… I’ll leave it to you. I will take full responsibility.”
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
Tiferia, who was clapping beside me, looked almost unscathed. Maybe my Enhancement Magic wasn’t needed for her after all.
“Isn’t it refreshing to have fought together and protected each other, Argil?”
“…Hmph. In the end, we were saved by that woman.”
“I think it’s more straightforward than relying on some strange god for power. Yes, I think so. Even you, Enkal, seemed quite eager.”
“Such opportunities to hunt Celestial beings will not come again.”
“Everyone else, too, I believe this has been a significant experience. If we can all get along after this, this continent will be peaceful.”
The Death God Argil and the head-hunting Enkal were the ones who had been taken down a notch by Lua-chan. Just hearing about it was utterly pathetic. Speaking of that strange god, it was his voice that prompted me to gather the surviving races. I wondered why I hadn’t been granted any power. Perhaps it was because he deemed Elmera strong enough without it. Truly, a god.
“While Elmera’s contributions are significant, conversely, I think it would have been difficult for her alone to break this situation. Isn’t that right, Elmera?”
“I’ll just say you’re reading the air correctly.”
“Well, that’s not cute.”
In reality, that was true. If I had to deal with that many foes alone, it would have been a race to see if they would run out or if my magic would. With a decent number of allies here, I could use Enhancement Magic to strengthen them and efficiently whittle down their forces. Then, Elmera could finish them off in a short battle like she just did. Yes, I was saved. I should probably thank her properly, or my sister would scold me.
“…Thank you.”
“Yes, everyone! Elmera is saying thank you to everyone! Yes, she really said it!”
With applause and cheers, I felt embarrassed by the unexpected reactions. Damn it, this isn’t my style. Didn’t I initially think that elves were the strongest and that I would stand above the humans? When did it come to this? It was all because of that strongest duo. Because of them, I am where I am now. The fluttering feeling in my chest was also their doing. Ugh, this wasn’t how it was supposed to be.
“Thank you!”
“…Huh?!”
Suddenly, my quiet voice echoed back at me with a loud volume. Was there still an enemy left? To provoke my anger with such a meaningless taunt was akin to those fools who dared to challenge Lua-chan without understanding her power. But then I realized the culprit was right nearby. My sister was waving her hand in front of the gate.
“I’m relieved to see you can express your gratitude.”
“Stop that! I’m so glad you’re okay, sister!”
“That switch in tone is lovely, Elmera.”
She stood there with an air of composure, but my sister was nearly out of magic. She must have wanted to rest immediately, yet she came over here. With that, at least the Avangarde Kingdom was safe. But that alone wouldn’t solve the fundamental issue.
“Now it’s up to Lua and the others.”
“If those two are involved, I’m sure they’ll be fine when they return—”
“Not good…! The dimension…!”
Diael was in a panic. Looking up at the sky, I could see a faint crack. This resembled what I had seen when those Celestial beings arrived. Something else was coming, no, this indescribable feeling—just after we had won, an ominous chill wouldn’t leave me.
“A power that could easily destroy the Celestial Realm…! It’s about to reach the Human Realm too!”
“What?! Who’s doing that?! Ah, Madias?!”
“It’s the end! Both the Celestial Realm and the Human Realm!”
The light of annihilation bursting forth from the crack appeared for just a moment like an aurora. The meaning behind such power being unleashed across dimensions was that those two were—
Shin Report
That frail brat is Madias.
It’s clear that’s a human, a member of the human race.
This is Chronoel; he’s hiding something.
Before we fight, we need to extract the details from him.
It might be that he asked Lua and Kurinka for help because he couldn’t win alone, but surely it’s not just that.
No matter what I do, my attacks won’t reach him.
A miracle that surpasses the power of destruction.
Hmm, what is a miracle?
Ah! I understand! The word miracle is the answer!
A miracle is—