Chapter 163

Chapter 163

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 163: Ashen (7).

Ashen.

The ashen hue was approaching.

The sky spread a dark gray, as if covered with storm clouds. It was like a massive fire had erupted, scattering ashes everywhere, causing terrified beasts to cry all day, fleeing crazily, and dying.

It was as if hell had unfolded on this land. Not only ordinary citizens but even seasoned mercenaries trembled in fear.

Monstrous creatures appeared in the city, and ghosts wandered. People suffered terrible nightmares every night, and those who saw hallucinations committed accidents.

It was the descent of a demon.

However, Group Leader Allen managed the Allen-Mercenary Group and the conscripted ones without the slightest falter amidst any tricks.

“Do not be deceived by the demon’s tricks. Never forget that you have families to protect!”

Parents took up arms for their young children, and the youth for their aging parents and the city.

The cathedral, where the Holy Spirit was worshipped, was bustling all day. The Blind Saintess, Ordnung, blessed those who visited her whenever she had time, granting them peace and stability.

And the reconnaissance team that had left early two days ago returned quickly to report the enormous wave of ash approaching.

-The demon army will arrive here as early as tonight, or by dawn tomorrow at the latest!

As soon as the reconnaissance team finished their report, Group Leader Kallihill ordered the mercenary group leaders to head to their assigned areas.

On the city walls, the hastily assembled security forces and mercenary groups took their positions. Inside the city, a few knights on horseback and retired mercenaries formed a militia to prepare to fend off occasional incoming enemies.

In the large jars placed on each fortress wall, water was filled to the brim, and a few drops of holy water were added. Although the low-concentration holy water would be much less effective than the pure version, it was still better than nothing.

The blacksmiths, without a moment’s rest, even melted down farming tools to produce weapons. Fortunately, each member of the security force received a spear, but they were still without helmets, let alone a single thick cloth armor. At least each household managed to crudely fashion armor by layering leather and attaching iron plates to their leather garments. It was uncertain how much that would help, but it was better than having nothing.

Meanwhile, the ash in the sky became thicker, and people felt the acrid smoke growing more intense.

The once green and beautiful nature disappeared without a trace and turned into a world of ashen gray.

…And, five days after the subjugation force arrived in the mid-city of Armo, the army of ash finally appeared.

It was exactly as the subjugation force had described, a wave of ash.

The city guard who witnessed the demon army struck the bell loudly with a hammer.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.

ENEMYYYY!** **

The shout soon spread throughout the entire city.

Old and young, parents and children hugged and kissed each other, perhaps for the last time, before hurriedly heading to their designated positions.

The Allen-Mercenary Group also went to their assigned area, silently watching as the enemy approached beyond the city walls.

Newbie Kori, who had never experienced war, trembled with fear. Seeing this, Allen firmly gripped his shoulder and encouraged him.

“We’re here. Don’t worry. Just do as usual. Then we can defeat them.”

Furball Geese, who cared for Kori like a younger brother, wrapped his arm around the guy’s neck and laughed heartily.

“You’re lucky, you rascal. Now you’ll drink for free for life!”

“…I have to survive to drink for free.”

“Who’s dying, you rascal?! We’re all definitely returning alive! Damn it, it would be unfair to die after finally making it big!”

Even in the brief moment they chatted, the army of ash relentlessly advanced toward them.

Along with the subjugation force, the mercenary groups affiliated with the Count gripped their weapons, preparing for the imminent battle.

Doong, doong, doong, doong.

The sound from the giant leather drum heightened the morale of the combatants to the maximum.

Allen drew the small sword strapped to his waist. Though he wouldn’t directly participate in the battle, he couldn’t just stand there unarmed.

He spoke to the members one last time.

“I won’t give you the same old speech. Once this battle is over, I’ll generously give everyone a bonus! That means you’ll be able to enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”

After all, they were mercenaries who risked their lives to earn money. Naturally, they wouldn’t dislike additional bonuses beyond their hiring fees.

“Even if they’re demon bastards, they die if you cut off their heads! Kill them! And let’s make some money!”

“Yes, sir!”

The Allen-Mercenary Group, united by money, strengthened their resolve. Allen also promised the security forces fighting in the same area that they would receive a reward from the Count’s family. Though it was uncertain how many of them would survive until the end.

The army of ash advancing towards the city had come close enough to be visible to the naked eye. At this point, Allen gestured a signal to Group Leader Kallihill. Simultaneously, the signal was relayed to the other mercenary groups.

And the mages began chanting their spells. The number of mages present here was roughly six.

“Elena, give us a good blast.”

“Yes, Group Leader.”

The Milk-Jug Mage decided to give her all for the first time since awakening.

With a short, deep breath, mana began to gather slowly towards her. It was so tremendous that even Allen, whose [Mana] level was basically rock bottom, felt a tingling sensation on his skin. Naturally, those who were more sensitive were even more astonished.

Especially the surprise of the Blind Saintess, who could feel the aura more vividly than others, was beyond words. Clearly, this far exceeded the level of the Milk-Jug Mage she knew. No, it was absurd to say she was the same person, as she had transcended so far beyond.

!!!

Moreover, the Milk-Jug Mage’s specialty was in elemental magic.

Even if the efficiency was lacking, there was no dispute that its destructive power was undeniably the best among all magic.

In fact, the reason Allen boldly jumped into the war against the demon was largely due to the presence of the Milk-Jug Mage. The magic of a Gate Opener was truly strategic weapon-level.

Thus, an enormous mana bomb was soon completed, and Elena hurled it forcefully into the middle of the army of ash.

And then… Boom!

!!!

It was a power on a different level compared to the petty magic other mages threw around.

Seizing the opportunity, Allen shouted loudly towards the surprised mercenary group and the security forces.

“We have a great archmage! Do not lose courage! If we fight to the end, victory will be ours!”

With a glance from Allen, the Milk-Jug Mage awkwardly smiled and raised her magic wand high. And then came the pouring cheers.

“Well done, Elena. Once more!”

And then the second spell flew towards the enemies and exploded. However, its efficiency was as lacking as ever, making continuous rapid-fire attacks still impossible. She needed some time to recover her mana after casting two big spells.

If it were a regular army, their morale would have plummeted from such magic, but their opponent was the demon army, who knew neither fear nor dread. Despite being hit by magic, they charged towards the city without a care.

Baaaaaa.

With a chilling goat’s cry, the ash fiercely collided with the fortress wall. It was a shock powerful enough to shake the entire wall.

…And thus, the battle began.

The walls of the mid-city weren’t very high, and the ash that began to pile up below them quickly rose to the top. At the same time, the army of ash started climbing up en masse.

The terrifying sight of the demon army was so horrifying that it could make one wet their pants. Among the hastily assembled fighters, there were many who were shocked and panicked or fainted.

However, people were not in a situation where they could afford to worry about their incapacitated comrades.

The enemies with goat heads and dog bodies fiercely charged at the humans. They wouldn’t stop unless their heads were smashed.

“You damn!”

The mercenary group swung their weapons and shields wildly to fend off the enemies, but there seemed to be no end in sight.

Right at that moment, something massive descended from the sky.

!!!

The massive bird-shaped entity was precisely targeting the Milk-Jug Mage. Surely, not even a demon would take a Gate Opener lightly.

Fortunately, the Blind Saintess, having sensed it beforehand, leaped up with all her might and struck the bird’s head to the side with her fist.

The redirected entity crashed into a building below the castle walls. Naturally, the building shattered and half collapsed.

“Damn it!”

The incident happened in the blink of an eye, so Allen couldn’t stop the curse that reflexively escaped his lips.

Nevertheless, the performance of the Allen-Mercenary Group was far more overwhelming than that of other mercenary groups.

Two verified named characters, one awakened character, and the other members were also equipped with decent stats and considerable experience.

We can do th—

Just as Allen thought they could manage if things continued like this, a powerful mana blast struck the main gate and its surroundings.

!!!!

No matter how inferior the walls of a midsized city were compared to those of a large city, a wall was still a wall. Yet, with this powerful blow, part of the wall collapsed, and the main gate was half destroyed.

The militia hurriedly pushed carts loaded with heavy stones behind the gate to hold it. If it was breached despite this, they were prepared to set it on fire as a last resort.

At that moment, a gigantic silhouette began to slowly emerge in the distance.

Ah.

A giant of ash, twice the height of the wall, was thundering closer.

“Elena!”

Allen cried out desperately for Elena, as if seeking a panacea.

The Milk-Jug Mage, having regained her mana, wiped her ash-covered face with the back of her hand and began chanting a spell again.

It was the magic specially taught by Fire Ghost Grenzo for his successor.

A vortex churned in the ashen sky for a moment.

-What is the name of this magic?

…And then, a massive pillar of light struck down upon the head of the giant of ash.

-It is… Divine Punishment.

The immense pillar of light was powerful enough to momentarily push back the surrounding ash.

Divine Punishment.

Though the Milk-Jug Mage had expended most of her mana, with this single blow, she obliterated the giant of ash in an instant.

…Damn…!

Even Allen, who wasn’t easily startled by most things, couldn’t help but be shocked upon seeing it. Perhaps this was why Group Leader Viola coveted her so much.

Of course, the battle wasn’t over just because the giant of ash was eliminated. The fight continued to rage intensely, with a significant number of casualties already mounting.

And then…

Something flew fiercely from afar and swung a powerful blow towards the Allen-Mercenary Group.

!!!

And Itty Titty Swordsman Natasha forcefully swung her sword to deflect it.

Unlike other ash soldiers, it had a human body except for the goat head and even wielded a sword.

Allen instantly recognized that it was a half-demon possessed by the demon. It had probably inhabited the body of a powerful swordsman.

…Surely it had come out personally to eliminate the Milk-Jug Mage, who was a threat to them.

“Natasha, be careful! It’s the demon!”

The demon, having reconstructed a human body from ash, stood loftily atop the fortress wall, looking down at the audacious human female who dared to glare at it.

Baaaaaa…

The demon’s gloomy bleating created an atmosphere of terror.

Long ago, it was once called the Sword Emperor.

Transcending decades of time.

It clashed with the next Sword Emperor.