episode_0055

The body that had been difficult to take even a single step was strangely light. Like an iron bar that had been worn and broken by the wind and waves, the body that had been red and rusted and stiff and disobedient was moving according to the man’s will. It was amazing.

Was it because one of his arms had been torn off? Was it because all his flowing blood had spilled onto the ground? Or was it because the weight of the soul he had been carrying had disappeared, leaving behind only ash?

Even the pain that had been weighing on the man’s entire body disappeared.

The pain that felt like someone was sticking their fingers into the gap between his ribs and scraping his internal organs with their nails, the agony that made him want to cut open his chest and take out his heart because he couldn’t breathe, the pain that made him want to cut off his limbs and tear out the muscles inside – all disappeared as if washed away by something.

Is it because the brain has blocked out the sensation due to the excruciating pain? Or is this a flash of light? Is it because the blade of death has chilled the back of my neck? Or maybe my body is already dead.

But the spirit never died. That was enough, so the man ran.

The man’s stride was not very fast, and there was no wind, but suddenly the hem of his clothes began to flutter.

[Journey], half-torn and tattered, was desperately summoning up her abilities for the man, even though she was held captive by the power of a giant that covered one third of the sky. A dull iron color rose.

As the man set off towards the end of his life, the armor that bore the name of that arduous but dazzling journey shone once again.

It is a good piece of equipment that knows the heart of its owner. The soul of the craftsman contained within it was with the man.

The man picked up his pace a little more, pleased by that fact.

My luck is really good. Okay, let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s make it flashy until the end.

The years that have passed seem so distant.

The long road was rugged, winding, steep, and like a precipice from which one might fall.

But now that was over. A high ground was waiting for the man on the other side of the road.

At first glance, he could see the illusion of the countless people who had passed him by without mercy. Those who had already arrived were smiling brightly and sending encouragement to the man. At the end of this road, which was not far away, they were scattering flower petals.

If that’s the case, then it’s not like we can just slow down so badly at the last minute.

The man is a hero, a unique person in the world… .

No, as their friend, as their brother, as the father of a child,

As the husband of the most beautiful person in the world, I had to run away proudly.

-.-.-

Only after the goal that had swept the battlefield and the pressure that had been squeezing his lungs had disappeared was [Balor] able to take a breath.

He let out a short curse, breathing heavily. He had been through many fights, but the smell of death was something he could never get used to, no matter how many times he tasted it.

‘Damn, you fought this guy well, old man.’

Rather than complaining about the enemy, praise for the old man who fought against such things came out first. Even he, who was second to none in bravery and honor, grumbled like that.

That red dragon was just as absurd.

He knew it would be strong. It was a monster that had cornered the greatest hero he knew. But he didn’t know it would be this strong.

And Liam wasn’t the only one who felt the gap between them and the enemy. The warriors who had almost completely wiped out the red army and seemed ready to pierce the sky were losing their momentum as they neared the end.

The gray-haired demon glanced at his hesitant allies and licked his dry lips with his tongue in impatience.

The force of the elite of the elites was strong, but it was not enough to fight against that dragon. Even if I make a rough estimate, it would be a double-cross at best, and a total annihilation at worst.

The dragon, who had been preparing something terrible, was shaking the axis and expressing his anger. He was confused as if something was not going as he had intended.

Perhaps, this gap was the perfect opportunity. A surprise attack might work now. Liam drew on all the mana he had. [Balor] leaned forward, ready to leap out at any moment, and his single eye glowed with a sinister purple.

But before he could rush in, a thick hand grabbed his shoulder.

“… What is it, inspiration? When did you come?”

“… … .”

The old man had come up to him and was standing behind him. Trying not to show the tension that was clenching his lower abdomen, [Balor] shrugged his shoulders slightly and made a joke.

“How about we rest a little longer? That guy is… No, we’ll figure it out somehow.”

The ending of his confident promise was a little shaky. It seemed like he was bluffing and pretending like nothing was wrong.

“… … .”

The old man looked at him and did not scold or scold him, saying that he was pitiful. He just took off his hat and necklace without saying a word.

The tips of his light beige hat were slightly charred. Liam, feeling a bit impatient, opened his mouth again.

“Inspiration, why aren’t you talking?”

“Ma, last.”

The old man stuttered as he handed Liam the necklace and hat he was holding.

The broken lower jaw was open, and the tongue that could be seen between them was half-cut off. Even just opening and closing it would be painful, let alone speaking, but the old man had a calm expression on his face as if nothing had happened.

“I have a favor to ask.”

“… Tell me.”

“To reach that guy… . Time… . And, this, thing… . ”

“… … .”

… Was this why I had to speak with difficulty without using the [Communication] skill? Because I was so sorry for wasting even a single bit of mana, so I could use that power solely to defeat that enemy.

Liam met the old man’s gaze and silently swept his forehead. A few strands of gray hair fell out and fell back into place.

There are things that I know without even having to say them.

For any man, there are times when a single line of earnestness in the eyes is more touching than ten words of appeal.

This was especially true between Liam and the old man. He was the man he had always admired. He was a comrade who had been with him for over a dozen years, regardless of country, culture, or age.

Their expressions were tense and stiff, and their eyes were trembling with fear. Although they looked fierce, their eyes had a firm light, and their mouths were smiling softly, as if they were happy or relieved.

Liam. No, the warrior who was a boy knew that look. People who were ‘senior’ to the boy often made that kind of face.

And now the boy’s ‘senior’ was making a face that he would never see again.

My heart felt heavy as if lead had been hung on it, and my eyes involuntarily became hot with tears.

I know. It was a breakup that had to happen at some point. It’s just that the timing has come a little earlier. When the time comes, he, my junior, will also make that kind of face to those behind me.

However, that did not mean that the emotions that were welling up in my throat would disappear.

Liam had no way of breaking that firm resolve. The old man, who had become weak, was asking him a favor he couldn’t refuse.

The masseter muscle bulged out from the forcefully clenched jaw. Agreement was reached with difficulty through clenched teeth.

“… Okay.”

“Oh my god.”

[Balor] turned his back for a moment and roughly washed his face, then raised his voice. He shouted with a loud voice, even pouring out his mana, so that everyone could hear.

“[The old man is leaving! What are you kids doing! Clear the way for me-!!]”

“[Have a comfortable journey…!]”

The last voice was a little wet.

-.-.-

The dragon was disgusted with this disgusting land. Ever since he appeared here, nothing had gone his way. He was sick of it.

What kind of being is he? Wasn’t he the incarnation of inevitable destruction?

The red king, the destroyer of worlds, the seven fallen churches, the old great serpent, the blasphemer, the one who causes a third of all the stars in heaven to fall, the red dragon of the Apocalypse, Satan.

The numerous names clearly revealed the dragon’s great power and authority.

He traveled through the dimensions of Nayuta and ruled over worlds close to Asunggi. The worlds he destroyed alone were on the verge of reaching the extreme.

Who can resist natural phenomena? Water vapor rises and clouds form in the sky, cold air circulates with hot air and wind blows. Rain pours down, raindrops fall to the ground and become clouds again.

It was the same logic. The moment the dragon appeared, their destruction was already decided.

It was right to conform and accept fate. Because it was inevitable. Because it was impossible. Because trying would be useless.

But now, what is this? Wounded by a worthless mortal, these disgusting creatures who dare to embrace the light of the stars have shown themselves to confront the dragon. And now, even the power they possess is bound by something.

Why must we suffer such humiliation? Why do we deny the end? Why do we oppose it?

The dragon was so absurd that he couldn’t help but laugh.

Look, they are shallow and weak things that cannot even withstand the passage of time. Inferior beings who have difficulty living even for 100 years.

A foolish race that had neither accomplished nor accomplished anything in their short lives dared to point their weapons at the dragon. They did not back down.

I was overcoming my fears and mustering up my courage.

Dare I hope in the face of this dragon of death.

The dragon’s wrath gave rise to questions, and questions to humiliation. And humiliation, once again, burned into fierce anger.

-… stones on the roadside that roll underfoot.

-The rice straw that will fall to the ground after being cut by a sickle after the harvest.

-Leaves that will eventually fall and rot.

-That’s you, you insignificant creatures! No matter how much you struggle, you can’t change the outcome that has already been decided-!!!

The dragon with its eyes rolled back raised itself with a roar. It was so large that just twisting its body seemed to move the red mountain.

Even those farthest away could smell the sulfurous smell so strong that it made their noses itch.

“Don’t be afraid! We can do it!”

“Let’s go! Towards victory!”

-Don’t make me laugh!

Dozens of thick shields spread out to block the dragon’s fiercely swinging front legs, but it is too much. They only stop it for a moment, and it is quickly broken and destroyed.

“[Indestructible Diamond], [Iron Wall]!”

“[Physical Reflection]! [Damage Swap]!”

“[Steel Mantle]! [Guardian]!”

Eventually, several people jumped in and began to stop them by supporting them with their bodies. Thanks to this, they were able to block the attack, but the damage was considerable.

Nearly a hundred people were hit by a powerful force and were thrown high into the air before falling and rolling on the ground.

The shield is crushed and broken, and he falls down with his limbs broken.

“You fucking radioactive lizard, eat this!”

[Balor’s Eye]!

Liam jumped high and fired a purple laser barrage condensed to the limit.

The target was the front paw, the part where the scales were peeling off and the area was sunken! The dragon screamed at the decisive blow aimed at the spot where it had already been wounded in the fierce battle with [Chungmugong] the other day.

Blood flowed from gaping wounds that exposed bone, melting the ground and polluting the air.

-Okay, I’ll kill you first!

The dragon swung its tail and swung it towards Liam.

An unavoidable blow, if it hit Liam he would be flattened like a bug swatted by a fly.

No, it would be fortunate if there was even a little bit of form left. However, they are not foolish enough to just stand by and watch their comrades die.

“Get your breath together!”

“Aim for one spot! Focus!”

Led by He Bailong, the assembled warriors use all their might to blow away the strongest spells they can.

The target was the tail, focusing on one point. The mana held in the sword and spear became sharp aura and struck the tail.

The scales were scratched, and with repeated scratches, the scales split and exposed the delicate skin. The surface was further scratched, and then another scratch was added to the other, continuing to cause wounds.

Broken spear and sword blades flew, sending up iron dust.

“The dragon-slaying inspector, what a heart-pounding sound!”

“All hands, fire!”

This time, samurai led by Hayato Kayaba stepped forward.

He took a sharp breath and held the sword in his hand with extreme tension, and [Draw] followed.

The slashes shine one after another, and finally the attack cuts through flesh and muscle, reaching the bone and passing through even the bone.

With a bang, half of the inspectors collapsed, spitting out blood, with their weapons shattered.

However, they finally succeeded in cutting off the tail. The huge tail, reminiscent of a skyscraper, was cut off from the middle.

-Kaaaah!!

The dragon’s mouth gaped wide. The evil dragon gathered an ominous light in its snout as it glared at those who had fallen with their weapons rendered useless.

Dragon’s specialty, Breath! Although the number of breaths released has been reduced by half, the breath of destruction that swept through Jeju Island still targets those who have hurt it.

“Hahaha, it’s been a while since I’ve seen this kind of combination magic!”

“Don’t stop the singing!”

“Squeeze it to the limit! Keep it up!”

It was then that the space above the dragon began to bend, and soon a giant meteorite appeared.

[Hee Na-ri] The magicians and sorcerers who joined forces with Hong Yoon-ha completed the casting, even with their faces gaunt and nosebleeds pouring out.

The ultimate group skill and annihilation skill that can be used by those called the Flower of Firepower.

“[Meteor]!”

The shooting star that rumbled through the air and cleared the clouds was headed straight for the dragon’s head.

Feeling a sense of crisis, the dragon had no choice but to let out all the breath he had been holding in his chest.

The meteor, which had been advancing little by little while being hit by the breath, finally lost its power, turned red, and disappeared with a magnificent explosion.

Although it was blocked, one of the dragon’s heads was unfortunately in the range of the blast and was mangled and hung limply.

“Ugh… .”

“Fuck… !”

Those who had no strength left to stand, even with all their might, knelt down. There were countless people who had fainted. They sat down and complained of dizziness due to severe mana depletion.

But, but.

-Keu, hahaha! It was quite fierce for a final struggle! Mortals, but this is the end!

A head, a tail, and a foreleg. It was a dazzling achievement made by the world’s greatest Awakeners, but unfortunately, the dragon was still alive.

Although I was hurt, it was only this much.

The spirit was virtual, but in the end, that was all.

The dragon laughed madly and looked down at the things lying before him. He soon anticipated the screams and laments they would let out.

But the despair that had plagued the dragon was not there.

-Why…!

Even as they spit out foam and tremble at the knees, they rise up in indignation and fight again.

Because it is human to challenge the impossible.

The dragon was astonished to see those who stood up to the cruel reality.

So the evil demon didn’t notice.

Before I knew it, a gray light had arrived nearby, erasing the red light.