Ch.22775. Sword of Chaos.

In battle, in combat, what does it mean to hold the high ground?

Numerical superiority? Combat power advantage? Terrain and climate advantage? Initiative advantage? Weapons advantage? Strategic and tactical advantage?

If we focus on the concept of holding the high ground itself, it would be correct to express it as securing a terrain advantage.

But that’s the meaning based on context.

The true meaning implies establishing a more favorable position than your opponent.

“To do that, you must occupy space.”

Then what is occupation?

Years ago.

In a dream, the Demon King emphasized that one must occupy everything encompassing points and lines, surfaces and voids, and colors.

“It encompasses both the tangible and all that is invisible.”

Let me give you an example.

“When the Demon King’s army invades the middle realm, they cannot exert their original power. What was the reason for that?”

It wasn’t something I didn’t know.

After considering what to say, I answered.

“The difference between magical power and mana, isn’t it?”

“You’ve got the core right. But you’ve skipped over the essence. Well, that’s understandable. Just as a swordsman wielding a sword is different from making one, understanding the manufacturing process and structure of a sword is another matter entirely.”

After that introduction, the Demon King explained briefly.

“The point is, it’s easier to understand if you compare it to air.”

“Air… you say?”

“Have you ever climbed to a high altitude? I mean highlands.”

“……”

“Unlike humans and beasts living in lower regions, creatures in highlands have exceptional lung capacity and cardiorespiratory endurance.”

Let’s skip over oxygen concentration and altitude sickness since those might be difficult to understand.

“For an intuitive comparison, aquatic creatures breathe perfectly fine underwater, don’t they? Unlike you all.”

“…So you’re saying that for beings from the demon realm, the middle realm is like being underwater for us?”

“Roughly speaking, yes. Those who can function well underwater might function well anywhere, but there are limits. After all, they’re not aquatic creatures to begin with.”

Therefore.

“By demonizing the space itself through erosion, beings from the demon realm establish suitable foundations and activity areas in the middle realm to solidify their base. A knight on horseback can’t charge through water, can he?”

Moreover, within demonized spaces, creatures of the middle realm find themselves unable to properly exert their strength.

“So, because the ground has been covered with water, making it favorable for aquatic creatures… conversely, land creatures find it difficult to function. Is that what you mean?”

“Yes, metaphorically speaking.”

This wouldn’t be much of an issue among the creatures and races of your middle realm.

“This is also why the demon race’s invasion of the middle realm is disadvantageous in the long run.”

“……”

“This is an issue that precedes combat. Then what comes next? From the moment combat begins? A warrior fights at the forefront, but commanders and leaders must fight from the rear, not with weapons but with eyes, ears, mind, and mouth. Observe the battle situation, survey the battlefield, and utilize allied forces effectively. Even if you alone face thousands, you can’t match thousands making a single sword strike.”

The Demon King, disguised as a girl, asserted without hesitation.

“Unless your direct intervention has a comparable effect.”

Or.

“If your existence isn’t the determining factor for victory, proper command is what maximizes battlefield efficiency.”

“…Is that why you rarely intervened in the midst of battle, even when you took to the front lines?”

“Indeed, and that’s why my existence was all the more terrifying.”

Even if the Demon King displays astonishing divine power.

When repeated, anything becomes familiar.

For both enemy and ally alike.

Consequently, allies will grow complacent, and enemies determined to face you will analyze and try their hardest to break through your tactics.

Rather, existing as a secret, as a mystery, emphasizing fear is far more useful.

“I was also good with my tongue. I used this well and made many preemptive moves.”

The golden girl pointed to her tongue and then her head in sequence.

“Also, my composure served as a kind of guarantee, proving the strongest faith and advantage for my allies.”

When a commander or leader is anxious and precarious, those emotions and psychological states are transmitted intact to those below.

“So whether on the battlefield or in a fight, when participating in combat, start by accurately understanding your position.”

Therefore.

Whether you’re a leader, a mere warrior, a charge captain, or just a common soldier.

“Remember that the very first step is to occupy space. First and foremost, you must not forget yourself or lose yourself. Only when you know yourself and raise yourself up can battle and war truly begin.”

Only then can you think, plan, and strategize.

“Because you won’t make mistakes. Every minute and second there will determine life and death, victory and defeat for both friend and foe.”

Correct judgment.

Appropriate intervention.

Understanding the enemy’s intentions.

Recognizing when allies are in danger.

Hold it all in one hand, capture it all in one glance.

“That much is necessary to do your best. If that’s not enough? Just blame your limitations, or blame the heavens.”

====

Judge clearly, decide swiftly.

Identify what can be done, and select the most appropriate option.

Where should I intervene for maximum efficiency?

What is the approximate scale of expected damage?

I’ve persistently experienced how judgments can rapidly narrow or widen the gap between victory and defeat.

‘……’

However, unlike before, if this isn’t a solo operation, if I need to pay close attention to other areas as well.

This should be considered a group battle, a war.

Including those supported by Odin, the scale has met the requirements for conducting a war.

And the golden girl.

She once told me this.

Even if I face hundreds or thousands, I cannot match hundreds or thousands making a single sword strike.

But what if that strike falls on meaningless ground?

That too is damage and loss.

Therefore, to minimize losses, their sword strikes, movements, responses, attacks, and defenses must function meaningfully at every moment.

Combat would be possible even if left unattended.

But is that sufficient?

‘The great raven banner (hrafnsmerki).’

So for the warriors who have arrived on this land, I’ve newly invaded this space to grant them their god’s blessing.

This alone should provide an effect equivalent to adding hundreds of combat forces from now on.

Hrafnsmerki (raven banner).

Originally it’s a smaller, more triangular flag, but I’ve implemented it arbitrarily for now.

Precisely, it’s a flag bearing wishes and prayers for Odin’s blessing.

Since the symbol and divine beast depicted on that flag exists, its meaning and effect will be even more pronounced.

I sent it with the Valkyries.

The fact that Odin sent Valkyries means he’s also determined.

More accurately, his insight is extraordinary.

They must have descended both to assist on the battlefield and to check that other me, that damned war god.

However, that is not the main battlefield.

This place, where I am, will likely be the main battlefield that determines the actual outcome.

So another measure is needed here.

“Athena. Can you guess what I need?”

So I sought Athena’s help.

Now I could arbitrarily implement divine power and divine objects through the application of Dark Star technology.

But since I’m not their rightful owner, unless I receive permission from the one who governs them, the one who owns them.

It’s nearly impossible to fully implement them.

[Then what’s perfect for the current situation is this, perhaps?]

What Athena recommended to me was a wooden guardian statue symbolizing herself.

-It would be a Xoanon (ξόανον).

The golden girl briefly adds.

Normally I shouldn’t know this, but the knowledge flows in effortlessly.

A worship statue said to have been erected in Athens, the great city-state that once led the Greek era.

It also carries a curious anecdote: losing it to theft turned a nearly-won great war in mythology into defeat.

The golden girl indicated that while not the best option, it was at least a suitable second choice.

-It’s an object suited for fortresses… not a bad choice for establishing a temporary domain.

Especially if it’s a domain constructed by a deity rather than someone’s amateurish territory.

-For you who directly receives that blessing, there couldn’t be a better windfall.

And so.

I constructed the Palladium.

……Indeed.

My body became incredibly light, unbelievably so.

Despite being less efficient with mana or ordinary divine power than others, I could feel explosive power surging throughout my body.

But this is far from enough.

“……”

Nevertheless, there’s still a mountain of preparations and responses to make.

I can feel power approaching infinity from Hevabein.

However, the limitations of my vessel are clear.

If I control the power incorrectly, my body will be completely incinerated before I can attempt anything.

Therefore.

Legarn, who was designated as the rightful owner.

The fact that Heva’s power is now with me, this seemingly inevitable situation, was beyond luck or good fortune—it was simply absurd.

‘Everything that can be done…’

I’ll try it. Use it. Implement it.

What lies before me now, even if its origin is rooted in falsehood.

It is clearly divine holiness and divinity incarnate that can legitimately deceive the world.

-Didn’t someone say? It’s an excellent ability for tormenting the arrogant.

The golden girl, the former Demon King, sneered.

-Experience firsthand the meaning of those words filled with mockery and acclaim.

“……”

It’s clearly not an insult, but why does it sound like one?

I snort and head in their direction.

Mines stands beside me, the giant detaches a wooden monster from the World Tree.

And then the current Demon King, Lutesia, watches this side with strange pupils mixed with gold and blood-red, both brilliant and crimson.

Her entire body has turned bright red, even her wings changing to a deep crimson.

Rather than an angel, she resembles a fallen angel who has descended into hell and become a demon.

On one hand, a holy demon… an ominously fearsome form.

Beauty and transience, emptiness and void coexist… but what fills them through this mixture is immaculate mystery and abstract unknown.

Even the crown of light shining above her head is now stained with dark red light and color.

<…>

“Mines.”

No preliminary skirmishes or reconnaissance battles.

From the start, full power.

Intense cold surges from Mines’ entire body.

But that cold goes beyond simply deceiving the senses, manifesting as a substantial material and phenomenon.

Frost spews like steam, and eventually the air drawn to it fluctuates.

Bringing a frost storm.

“……”

Its scale is by no means small.

It completely dominated the area from the World Tree.

That power to summon a natural disaster, a calamity, as a single person must be a privilege of those who possess the legacy of the Great Demon King.

And.

I too.

From my grasp, I burn uncontrollable, immense firepower.

Gripping the staff with my left hand, I plant it shallowly into the ground.

With my right hand, I concentrate all my consciousness.

‘Not one, but two.’

The Dark Star uses tremendous power in reverse, making it its driving force.

Then it neutralizes that power, or discharges, radiates, and releases it, using all power and output intentionally.

Most of what I’ve demonstrated so far has been limited to neutralizing that power.

But if I can go beyond neutralization to deliberately control and utilize that power.

…This in itself is an endless possibility.

‘Beyond this, there’s no room to retreat anyway.’

I made my judgment quickly, but doubts still remain.

However, through Ennea, I immediately compose my breathing and concentrate my consciousness to control my mind.

Unified consciousness finally focuses on the purpose and its execution.

Proper immersion brings stillness even amid noise and storm.

‘……’

I observe with blurred eyes as the frost storm unleashed by Mines sweeps over them.

It doesn’t work.

The chilling cold has no effect on Lutesia’s surrounding domain.

Is it difficult to inflict damage with simple physical force and phenomena?

What could be understood from this was clear.

However, as long as she’s bound to this world.

She can’t be beyond the laws of this world.

Because the world, the universe… never allows unreasonableness, disadvantage beyond its standards, under any circumstances.

If I didn’t know this, it would be different, but knowing it, there will be no exceptions.

In this world, there are gateways that cannot be overcome by ignorance alone.

But for me now.

…Such things don’t apply.

“Come forth.”

What everyone calls Dark Star, Black Light Star.

Grandeus called it this.

The one and only sword.

This is.

What was once believed to be the only weapon that could defeat the Great Demon King.

“Pavis sarte (Pavīs sarte).”

I shall repel and return.

Therefore, the disloyal Dark Star.

“Soris leta (Sōris lētā).”

Savior, grant rest.

Thus, the unfaithful Black Light Star.

Vora eludo dia ara

(Vorā ēlūdō dux ārā)

Destroy! The false king’s paradise!

Fanis diva pavis

(fānīs dīva pavīs)

The sanctuary and the god! I shall repel!

“Behold. With this [sword] you told me about.”

I shall defeat you.

The tenth.

Deca (deca)

“Para ensis (Parā ēnsis).”

Prepare the sword.

The first.

“Micate (Micāte).”

The ice storm and the intense flames burning in my right hand.

All of it is sucked into a tiny point that appears before my eyes.

The phenomenon separates from surface to point and line, and is sucked in.

Thus it.

In the void and emptiness.

Became one, became two, merged and separated.

Coexists and perishes together.

“Necata (Necāta).”

There was no precursor.

But at the point of my whisper.

Light, enormous light enveloped everything around, the entire sky and earth.

Before the intense heat storm could shake the area.

An explosion and massive vibration shook the entire space.

――━━━━――

All sound ceased, and all scenery in the world was covered in light and white.

…I couldn’t quite destroy the entire world.

But if not approaching that level.

I couldn’t have defeated him, my beloved Great Demon King.

This is, therefore, a controllable realm of disaster.

Thus, in the sense of calamity and disaster.

It is the sword of chaos that shatters order.