Chapter 33: Holy Knight vs Hero ⑤
This is a fleeting moment of offense and defense.
The preparations were complete. I felt an unprecedented surge of power emanating from the Holy Sword—Guardian Sword Rifire. Yet, even that felt insufficient, as if it was calling out to me, urging me to lend my strength.
—Rifire… lend me your power.
As I wished for it, the blade shimmered. In that instant, an additional force flowed into my body. Yes… I know this sensation. You have always fought alongside me…
—Thank you.
As I expressed my gratitude to Rifire within my heart, I sensed a familiar holy power manifesting behind me. Alongside Holy Knight Ashley Noble, two other Holy Knights, Adam Arrogance and Nelly Virtuous, had come to lend me their strength at her request. They donned the treasures bestowed upon them by the king and activated their respective abilities. I had already received words of encouragement from these three Holy Knights.
—Show them what we can do, Ichiro.
☆Affirmative Sword☆
Mythic Armament (Mysis).
A catalyst that amplifies the sealing skill, Demon Seal, possessed by the Holy Knights of the past, sealing the Sealed Labyrinth. Due to its previous contributions and the role it played in the disappearance of the Sealed Labyrinth and Sealed Domain, it was granted to Holy Knight Ashley Noble by the king.
☆Sanctuary Genesis☆
One of Ashley’s skills.
A skill befitting a person with a pure heart like hers.
The effect is to create a sanctuary that reduces damage taken by 75% for allies recognized by the skill user from the moment the skill is activated until the end of combat. After use, the user becomes unable to act.
This time, when used in the Throne Room, its effect was further enhanced by the use of Affirmative Sword.
—Brave man, I shall fight alongside you.
☆Nodding Gear Armor☆
Mythic Armament (Mysis).
A catalyst that amplifies the sealing skill, Demon Seal, possessed by the Holy Knights of the past, sealing the Sealed Labyrinth.
Due to its previous contributions and being the first to defeat the fog that emerged from the Sealed Labyrinth, it was granted to Holy Knight Adam Arrogance by the king.
☆Banish the Evil (Rely on Adam)☆
A skill of Holy Knight Adam Arrogance.
The effect is that the more evil the existence, the greater the damage taken within this space, and debuffs are significantly more effective.
While the definition of evil is largely subjective to him, it is a fitting skill for Adam, who despises wickedness. Additionally, by using the Nodding Gear Armor as a catalyst, its effectiveness is further enhanced.
—Thank you for defeating the Three-Headed Dragon. Without you, I would probably be dead.
☆Grasp Damage Shield☆
Mythic Armament (Mysis).
A catalyst that amplifies the sealing skill, Demon Seal, possessed by the Holy Knights of the past, sealing the Sealed Labyrinth.
Due to its previous contributions and serving as a mediator between the Order of Knights and the Magic Nobility without a single casualty, it was granted to Holy Knight Nelly Virtuous by the king.
☆Power to You (I Trust You)☆
A skill of Holy Knight Nelly Virtuous.
The effect is that those deemed trustworthy by Nelly within this space receive a tremendous boost in all aspects, including physical strength and mana.
Moreover, by using the Grasp Damage Shield as a catalyst, its effectiveness is further enhanced.
A brilliant light radiated from the three Holy Knights. It was a warm and gentle light. When the three lights merged, they surged forth and flowed into me. I was ready to face whatever came next.
From Ryuguin, a black aura erupted. It was a dark, malevolent essence, like tar boiled down to its most primal form, embodying an insatiable desire.
In the past, I had been powerless against even a fraction of Ryuguin’s strength, left to be toyed with. But after enduring the rigorous training with Sena and Sensei, I had come to understand and grasp the extraordinary powers at my disposal.
The terrifying manifestation emanating from the black aura was the very embodiment of evil. That black aura was the true essence of Ryuguin’s power, the source of all calamity.
It’s alright. This is just as I expected from him—
The viscous black aura writhed and stirred, released from Ryuguin, and began to expand explosively towards us, towards the world—
“I won’t let you!!”
I consciously activated Skill Defender, unleashing the power surging within me through Rifire. The energy I released through Rifire clashed head-on with Ryuguin’s black aura, transforming into a radiant light.
“Rifire—suppress and annihilate it!!”
Until now, I had been unable to even comprehend the power I had faced, repeatedly trampled underfoot. But this time—
Though I had previously used this power unconsciously, I had trained to resist and break through Ryuguin’s might.
“Uoooooohhh!!!”
The forces clashed,
“Submit!! I won’t lose to you!!!”
Gradually, my aura began to push back against Ryuguin’s black aura.
“I can do this!! I’ll push through!!”
Yet, Ryuguin’s aura was overwhelming. He had suffered numerous debuffs and was far from being at his best. Even so, I was receiving a multitude of buffs. Despite that—my mental strength, mana, and physical stamina were all being drained at an alarming rate.
“But—what does that matter!! It means nothing!!!”
In response to my shout, even greater power surged forth from Rifire. I could hear a voice from Ryuguin that was almost a scream.
“Why!!”
My aura was steadily cornering Ryuguin’s black aura.
“Why!! Why is this happening!! Why!!”
And then, I completely subdued Ryuguin’s aura.
“I won’t let you! I won’t let you get away with this! Help me! Someone help me!!”
The aura I released enveloped him and the surrounding black aura entirely.
“Everyone!! Defeat Yamada!! Please!! I’m begging you!!”
Tears welled in Ryuguin’s eyes as he sobbed. Just a little more…