Ch.349349. Resolution (2)

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I’ve been proven countless times that my specs, when activating various skills, can land solid hits even on the most formidable opponents.

“-Hmm, it’s been a while since I took a hit. That stings a bit.”

“…”

So I’m left speechless seeing the Luminary just dusting off his clothes, completely unfazed after taking a direct hit from me.

Of course, there have been quite a few who survived my strikes, but this is the first time someone has taken it bare-handed without even attempting to defend themselves.

It’s not that his specs are extraordinary or his combat skills are exceptional… it’s something else.

Rather, there’s a strong sense of familiarity. As if he knows me well.

Like someone who has stood with me on the battlefield countless times—

“-No, it feels a bit different from that.”

“…What?”

“You have a strong personality, and so do I. We were married, had children, and lived together for a long time—you think we never had fights?”

“…”

“After doing it more than once or twice, I can predict all~ your movements~ That’s what I mean.”

“…”

What kind of person was I in his world, casually throwing punches at my wife during arguments…?

[…Doesn’t that also mean she pulled knives on her husband?]

“…”

Somehow I feel like I’m being strongly encouraged to stay single.

Especially since both Elia Krisanax and Elnore Erinarise la Tristan now have murderous glints in their eyes after hearing that.

“…I’ll back you up.”

“I thought my neck would break from waiting so long!”

Despite their expressions, it’s clear that both Elia and Elnore, who have been taking hits until now, have regained their spirit.

They probably see this as a turning point for counterattack, since there hasn’t been a battle I’ve joined that we couldn’t win.

But I’m sorry to tell them this.

“We can’t win.”

“…”

“…”

I can see the disappointed expressions forming on both their faces simultaneously.

But what can I do? It’s just a fact.

Wasn’t it clearly demonstrated just now?

Even with a well-timed surprise attack, I couldn’t land an effective hit. That alone proves this guy’s overall combat ability is off the charts.

Even the three of us together won’t take him down easily.

Above all else.

“He’s not our only enemy.”

“What do you—”

Before the question could be finished.

A familiar voice interrupted.

-Therefore, I beseech thee.

-Therefore, I beseech thee.

【May it be pure and righteous】

Elnore’s expression hardened rapidly upon hearing that voice.

My memory is a bit hazy since my body was split in half at the time, but I clearly remember Elnore being beaten without even being able to breathe when facing this opponent. So I understand her reaction.

And then.

-…

“…Hmm.”

I exhale through my nose as I see the Celestial Seal, which always emits light, momentarily lose its radiance.

“I’ve only bound it temporarily, boss.”

“That’s enough. Did you make all the preparations?”

“Of course. We have 10 minutes.”

I look back and forth between the Luminary and the Talker as they converse.

I figured he’d show up around now.

“Ah, but let me ask one thing.”

At my sudden question, not only Elia and Elnore, but also the two enemies who had been whispering to each other turned to look at me with puzzled expressions.

But honestly, I can’t help but ask this.

“You, what’s your purpose?”

I pointed my finger at the Talker—Seon Hwaryun.

“Huh? Me? My purpose?”

“Yeah. You’re the only one whose motives I haven’t heard.”

The Luminary’s goal is clearly the extermination of demons, but I have no idea what this guy working with him wants to accomplish.

I’ve never heard an explanation for his actions.

But his response, accompanied by a slight laugh, was remarkably simple.

“I don’t have any special circumstances. I just do it because I can.”

“…”

“The ultimate desire of sorcerers is to leave the biggest mark possible on the world. In that sense—”

Seon Hwaryun glanced at the Luminary beside him and ran his hand through his hair.

“Helping to kill off all the demons would be quite an achievement, don’t you think?”

“So you’re saying everything you’ve done was just because ‘you could do it’?”

“Yeah. Why complicate things? Just think of me as someone who’s built that way.”

Right. That’s the impression I get.

Without complex motives or circumstances.

“But why ask?”

“I’m not particularly curious, but someone else is.”

Indeed, that’s true.

“—You heard him, Valkarsus.”

At the very least, there’s someone who wants to know why his kingdom was destroyed by this guy.

“No need to hold back.”

With those words, I remove the Soul Linker.

[…See you in a bit.]

‘Why such a melancholic tone?’

As I respond, I sense Calivan Chrysanyx’s presence fading.

In truth, despite what I said…

This small bracelet—especially Calivan inside it—is practically an extension of myself.

It feels incredibly awkward the moment I take it off and feel that “presence” separate from me.

“Hey. Catch.”

I toss the removed bracelet to Elia.

“Uh, teacher…?”

“Wear that and work with Elnore to handle that monster.”

“…”

“You can handle it. There’s someone inside who will guide you.”

You’re family. You should be able to manage that much.

Elia looked at me and the Soul Linker alternately with a hardened expression.

My meaning was perfectly clear.

From now on.

I’m going to face the Luminary one-on-one.

Without any assistance, without even the Celestial Seal.

“…Win.”

“I will.”

The fact that she doesn’t argue and raises her sword toward Seon Hwaryun shows we’ve worked together for quite some time.

The same goes for Elnore.

“They seem to trust you a lot.”

“We wouldn’t have survived this long together if they didn’t.”

The Luminary nodded with a slight smile.

He seems to understand.

As if he’s walked the same path.

“—Then, respecting that decision.”

For the first time, I feel “ability” stirring in his body.

Mana. Highly refined.

The heroic mana that exudes purity begins to stir within him.

“—Shall we change locations?”

With those words.

Our surroundings changed drastically.

●

“This isn’t your first time near the Void Zone, is it?”

Indeed, that’s true.

I’ve been here before—when I encountered the Purifier, Marquis Riverback, and when I was kidnapped to the Cultists’ headquarters.

But.

“Talker may not be good at much else, but he’s excellent at his job. He even stripped away barriers created by Lightbearer-class beings.”

Like this.

It’s my first time facing it directly without any “barriers.”

A mana storm fierce enough to flay skin from living bodies, unstable ground from prolonged exposure to such forces, demonic energy so concentrated it could corrupt even my mind, terrain that resembles Pandemonium itself as it writhes and spreads, consuming everything around it.

It’s truly a living hell.

“—Just the manifestation of demons turns the world into this state. It’s utterly disgusting.”

“…”

“My desire to erase them all doesn’t seem so strange now, does it?”

“I understand.”

I respond calmly.

I understand. Completely.

Especially considering what this person has been through.

But.

“—Still, I can’t let you do this.”

I don’t know what he’s planning, but he said 10 minutes.

Ten minutes until “something” that Seon Hwaryun prepared, “something” that this guy has set up to exterminate the demons, is activated.

I need to end this before then.

Without further words, I take my stance.

The Celestial Seal is unusable since the Talker has bound it. All I have are my own skills and the combat techniques and experience engraved in my body.

Seeing my posture, the Luminary smiled.

“…This is unexpected.”

“What is?”

“You’re usually the type to use everything at your disposal to win a fight. I didn’t expect you to take such a straightforward approach now.”

Indeed, that’s true.

It doesn’t match my style. I prefer to engage only in battles I can win.

Even so.

“My opponent is you.”

“…”

“You seem to be carrying a lot.”

I don’t know what this person has been through, or how much emotional weight they carry toward me. I don’t know the details.

So, the minimum respect I can show is…

To clash sincerely, heart to heart.

“They say there are things you can only understand when bodies intertwine. Consider it my respect.”

“…Pervert.”

“…What nonsense are you spouting at a time like this?”

“No, you’re the one suddenly bringing up abstract philosophical concepts in this situation.”

“We must have something in common. That’s why we got married.”

“Your mouth really is something else…”

The Luminary grumbled as he raised the swords in both hands.

The atmosphere may seem friendly.

But the killing intent emanating from him is undoubtedly that of someone facing an “enemy.”

“—Well then, shall we begin?”

The final confrontation.

The last hurdle for me to breathe and live in this world is now just this one thing.

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