Chapter 1197: Military Parade (11)

Clank!!

The moment Lennok stepped onto the training ground, thousands of gazes converged on a single spot.

Soldiers from various legions watched Lennok brush off his coat with an expressionless face.

But Lennok ignored the torrent of gazes and looked at the man standing on the opposite side of the training ground.

A high-level superhuman designated as the new candidate for Deadrise’s 10th Legion Commander. Was his name Sloar Bane?

He held a polite stance, yet there was a reason he chose Lennok as the examiner for the Legion Commander assessment.

“You never intended to ask another Legion Commander for the evaluation, did you?”

Lennok asked, rubbing his shoulder.

“Did you arrange this situation beforehand with the 8th Legion Commander?”

“Is that something you need to ask to know, Mr. Martinez?”

Sloar Bane slowly raised his gaze and retorted.

The smile on his face had subtly changed.

“The moment I called you out here, it was as good as telling you what the other Legion Commander candidates think of you.”

“……”

“An outsider appointed as a Legion Commander based solely on his reputation from the Central Council. And not even a Vulcan native, who are considered the sacred core of the legion.”

“So, you deliberately chose me because my presence displeases you?”

Lennok had accepted the challenge because of Ethan’s situation, but it was different for the other party.

Given that Sloar Bane specifically nominated Lennok and requested the test, it was clear there had been some kind of deal.

Judging by the gesture Sloar Bane exchanged with the 8th Legion Commander just before, there was no need to confirm who that party was.

“From my perspective, I made a choice that ensures I won’t suffer any losses, one way or another.”

Sloar Bane replied, slowly stretching his body as he walked sideways.

“Even if I lose to you here, my assessment won’t be diminished. But if, by some chance, I land an effective hit on you, my standing within the legion would skyrocket.”

“……I see.”

Considering Cheonbeon’s prestige, for Sloar Bane, merely putting up a good fight would be a huge gain. A loss wouldn’t be surprising.

It was an opportunity for a Legion Commander candidate to showcase their abilities against Lennok and gain high marks, all without suffering any real loss.

Considering he had challenged Lennok, it was a surprisingly logical answer.

“Was that also a method suggested by the 8th Legion Commander sitting over there?”

“It was the result of my own judgment after receiving advice.”

Clatter!!

Sloar Bane pulled out a long chain from his waist, gripped it, and let it hang limply.

“Because you haven’t appeared on the battlefield for a long time since fighting the Conjunction Spell Master. Which means you were in a situation where you couldn’t engage in combat for a while.”

“……”

“It doesn’t seem like you sustained a major injury fighting the Spell Master, but after such a battle, your mental strength or mana might have been depleted, leaving you unusable for a while.”

He walked forward, flicking the sharp spearhead attached to the end of the chain, and whispered in a low voice.

“I speculate that your fire magic requires a long time to recharge after a single use… That would explain your skill, which is unfitting for your origin or age, and your tremendous track record, surpassing even Legion Commanders.”

Bwooooo-

With the slow blast of a horn signaling the start of the duel, Sloar Bane took his stance and unleashed his mana without hesitation.

“If your magic hasn’t recovered or recharged yet, then I too have a chance to win, with-!!”

Whoosh!!

Before he could even finish his sentence, Sloar Bane moved with full force.

The moment Sloar Bane flicked the chain, the whip-like, elongated end of it vanished.

The spot where Lennok stood exploded, shattering the training ground’s flagstones and scattering fragments.

CRASH!!!

The chain accelerated, coiling like a serpent within the thick dust cloud.

Sloar Bane rode atop the surging chain, rapidly closing the distance to Lennok.

Rat-a-tat-tat!!!

In an instant, Lennok and Sloar Bane exchanged dozens of blows, and shockwaves erupted.

As the air violently churned, the rotating chain between them dramatically swayed.

The soldiers erupted in enthusiastic cheers at the splendid hand-to-hand combat unfolding on the training ground.

“Whoaaaa!!!”

“He was confident challenging Cheonbeon!”

“Colonel Sloar Bane. Was he always that skilled?”

“That’s already enough to qualify as a Legion Commander…!!”

BANG!!

As the lashing chain grazed his side and detonated the air, Sloar Bane closed in and whispered.

“As expected, you have some proficiency in physical combat, as rumored, but that’s all…! Aren’t you going to use fire magic?!”

He swung the chain, lashing Lennok like a whip, while his other hand sought and struck Lennok’s openings.

A precise technique that landed punches and kicks at high speed without diminishing the power of the swinging chain.

“No. I’m just a little surprised.”

But Lennok evaded Sloar Bane’s fierce assault and replied with a hint of admiration.

“Among those who’ve challenged me, you’re one of the few who actually thinks. Is that to be expected from a superhuman who’s made it to Legion Commander candidate?”

As Cheonbeon’s reputation had skyrocketed, those who dared to pick a fight with Lennok had drastically decreased.

But he hadn’t imagined there would be someone who would scheme a challenge by leveraging Cheonbeon’s already high reputation.

Even if he only put up a good fight against Lennok, it would be a gain. A loss would be natural, so there would be no harm.

Perhaps it should be said that he cleverly chose a position worth gambling on, even if the odds were low.

“It was a good attempt, but I have no desire to participate in a scheme to elevate your value by using me as leverage.”

Lennok shook his head.

“Considering the Marshal’s business, I will make this conclusive here.”

“No, at this point, it’s as good as my victory…!!!”

He had already put up a sufficient fight against the Apostle-Slayer, the War-Mage who defeated the Conjunction Spell Master.

Even if he couldn’t win against Cheonbeon here, his initial objective had already been achieved.

While he couldn’t expect the reward of a private audience with the Marshal, merely concluding the contest now would secure the compensation promised by the 8th Legion Commander.

Just as Sloar Bane finished that thought and was about to pull back with all his might, seizing the chain.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Snap!!

Lennok grabbed the chain Sloar Bane swung with his bare hand.

“…!!”

Lennok’s figure openly snatching the chain, which was lashing at supersonic speed, out of the air.

The battle, which stopped with such disheartening ease, momentarily distorted the expressions of the onlookers, who had been watching with fascination.

“Huh? Wait…”

“What in the-”

“Kuk…!!”

The moment Sloar Bane’s expression stiffened and he channeled all his mana, the rotating chain simultaneously split into dozens of strands, lashing at Lennok.

[Constructed Golden Whip] [Shattering Chains]

Whoosh!!

Thump-thump-thump!!!

Dozens of chain strands snaked towards Lennok, violently shaking the air and scattering shockwaves.

A chilling tearing sound, visible to the naked eye, rippled out behind him, ruthlessly gouging the ground.

“It’s not as if fire-heat magic only reaches its full power when it takes the form of flames.”

Clang!

Pieces of the chain, shattered by Sloar Bane’s swing, were clutched in Lennok’s hand.

“Just by compressing this heat and holding it in my hand, it can serve as a shield.”

“…!!!”

Sizzle!!!

As Lennok opened his hand, the fragmented chain pieces clattered onto the training ground.

A bizarre sight of glowing red-hot chain fragments melting like water on the ground.

Soldiers watching the scene gasped, their mouths agape, uttering voices filled with horror.

“How can this be!”

“How can a wizard with bare hands…!!”

An overwhelming result, unbelievable given the intense exchange of blows that had just taken place.

As Sloar Bane, his face pale, took a step back, Lennok walked forward.

“Your assumption that you’d suffer no loss even if you lost to me was nothing but a delusion.”

“This…!”

“Once you’re crushed to a level where you can’t even be seen as a fellow Legion Commander candidate, do you think you’ll still be treated the same?”

Whoosh!!

For the first time, crimson flames ignited in Lennok’s hand.

The moment Sloar Bane’s gaze was inadvertently drawn to the flames, Lennok had already placed his hand on his chest.

“I’ll leave the evaluation of that to others.”

BOOM!!!

With a deafening roar, Sloar Bane’s body was sent flying backward, slamming violently into the training ground.

His body slid across the ground, crushing dozens of flagstones as it was pushed back, scattering blood.

Skkkkrrrt!!!

“Cough…!!!”

Before Sloar Bane could desperately regain his senses and stand, an Incendiary Orb exploded behind him.

It drove his body forward again, dragging him back to Lennok’s front.

CRASH!! Thump-thump-thump!!

Once from the ground. Once again from above his head. Once from all eight directions, front, back, left, and right.

Incendiary Orbs appearing all around Sloar Bane exploded in succession, their recoil alone pushing and striking him repeatedly.

Boom-boom-boom-boom!!!

“Cough!! Kkkhhh!!!”

The sight of him reeling and spitting blood from the impact of Incendiary Orbs exploding all around him, unable to simply fall.

The training ground fell silent at the grotesque and bizarre spectacle, as if he were dancing, enveloped in flames.

Soldiers, who had crossed countless thresholds of death, quietly murmured with pale faces.

“M-monster… He’s a monster…”

“To use magic only now… Was he toying with us from the start?”

“The new Legion Commander has a very strict personality. He’s not one to tolerate defiance.”

Envoys from various factions, invited to the military parade, were also quietly conversing as they watched Lennok.

Many were daunted by his ruthless display, but not a few viewed Lennok favorably.

“Isn’t he alright? At least, I think his response so far is understandable.”

“His ability alone is among the best of all Legion Commanders. With that man, we won’t die unfairly.”

“A competent, devilish commander saves our lives on the battlefield, more so than an incompetent, kind superior.”

“Cough!! N-no…”

Faint despair colored the face of Sloar Bane, who collapsed powerlessly at Lennok’s feet.

He realized that the moment Lennok used magic, and he was crushed without resisting for even an instant, the entire fight up to that point had become meaningless.

At this rate, even the Legion Commanders watching the contest from the viewing stand would have no choice but to re-evaluate.

Just as Sloar Bane instinctively realized this and desperately tried to get up, Lennok stepped on his neck.

Thump!!

“Cough…!!!”

Lennok, standing on the struggling Sloar Bane, looked around the now silent training ground.

He gestured towards the other Legion Commander candidates watching from outside the training ground with stiff expressions.

“Since you nominated me, I will evaluate your qualifications as you wished. All of you, come up at once.”

“I’ve heard a lot of stories, but he possesses a more violent and dangerous temperament than I imagined.”

Deimus said, looking down at the training ground with calm eyes.

“I can see why Cheonbeon’s reputation is so exceptionally high in the Central Council.”

“……”

Mirva didn’t reply to his words. Instead, she puffed on a cigarette and glanced away.

Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh!!

A gigantic serpent of fire rampaged in the center of the training ground, erupting with heat.

Superhumans charged into the swirling flames, but were crushed without exchanging even a single blow.

Wings erupted from the back of the serpent, whose entire body was made of flames, and teeth grew, as it shed its skin and transformed into the shape of a dragon.

[Blazing-Scaled Fire Dragon]

Woo-woo-woo-woong!!!

The serpent, transformed into a Blazing-Scaled Fire Dragon, coiled around the stone pillars rising throughout the training ground and inhaled.

In the fleeting moment of its slow breathing, the air from all directions was drawn and converged as if being sucked into one spot.

The moment it exhaled, a dragon’s breath swept across the training ground.

KWAHHH-AAAAAHHH!!!!

“Aaaaahhh!!”

“Help, help me!!”

“I surrender!! I surrende…!!!”

The dragon’s head split into nine, and the dragon heads bit and slammed down repeatedly onto the melted training ground, where superhumans lay.

Amidst the surging inferno, Lennok was nowhere to be seen, only the flames he commanded incinerating the battlefield and the humans in a grotesque spectacle.

The Legion Commanders watched the one-sided duel from the balcony.

“He intends to crush the other Legion Commander candidates to the point of no recovery. Is he the type who has to finish what he starts once he begins a fight?”

Deimus closed the document he was holding with a ‘thud’ and tilted his head.

“He’s not the kind of person who’d live long, in many ways. If not for his peculiar genius, he might have died an untimely death somewhere already.”

“Conversely, it means he’s a wizard with monstrous skill, strong enough to survive with such an unyielding personality.”

Mirva said in a languid voice.

“Do you think such a person could have achieved the feat of subjugating an Apostle and defeating the Grand Spell Master of the Alliance if he weren’t like that from the start? Your premise is flawed.”

“……”

“Either way, it’s a stroke of luck that such a wizard left the Eyes of Blue and is here. We must endure the minor burns of borrowing his flame.”

“Lieutenant General Neosoto. Do the Legion Commander candidates currently being trampled by Cheonbeon only look like minor blisters to you?”

Deimus’s expression turned cold.

“They may not compare to Cheonbeon, but these are talented individuals scouted and recognized for their abilities both within and outside the legion. Their ruination is more a loss than a gain.”

Just as Mirva and Deimus were appointed Legion Commanders based on their command ability rather than individual might, not all candidates were superhumans excelling in combat.

Among them were superhumans still at Level 7, who had not yet reached Level 8, but were recognized for other capacities and existed as candidates.

Of course, the power of a high-level superhuman is not solely determined by their level, and there were plenty of cases where a Level 7 superhuman was stronger than a Level 8.

But it was impossible for candidates who hadn’t even become Legion Commanders to win against Cheonbeon, who was regarded as a transcendent War-Mage even in the Central Council.

They hadn’t hoped for an exceptional performance, but they also hadn’t expected them to be trampled into irreversible ruin in front of thousands.

At this rate, the evaluations and prestige of all candidates except Cheonbeon and Euphoria Aosel would plummet to the ground.

“Just as you and I are, even standing under the same legion banner, we cannot be fundamentally on the same side.”

Mirva averted her gaze.

“Cheonbeon is demonstrating his power before his appointment ceremony. He’s still holding back, but he probably won’t indulge in such tricks again.”

“……”

“At this point, rather than worrying about those candidates, shouldn’t you consider how to manage this situation?”

Mirva, with a cigar in her mouth, looked at Deimus with a subtle smile.

“Especially if you want to make that flame a part of the subjugation force.”

“You still haven’t grasped that wizard.”

Suddenly, Commander Townsend, the 8th Legion Commander, who was sitting next to them, spoke.

“He’s a madman who burns everything indiscriminately, regardless of friend or foe, as long as there’s fuel. Once there’s nothing left to burn, he’ll quickly lose interest and subside.”

“Brigadier General Townsend. Is that a lesson you learned by sacrificing Brigadier General Matisse, who was your subordinate?”

“He has no intention, nor the ability, to conform to rules and regulations. He’s nothing more than a barbarian, running wild, trusting only in his own talent.”

He sneered, looking at the surging flames below the training ground with a sharp gaze.

“The Eyes of Blue probably used and discarded him in the same way. It’s obvious without even checking–”

CRASH!!

At that moment, the flames filling the training ground exploded and split left and right.

Lennok emerged from the surging tide of fire, gripping the unconscious Sloar Bane by the collar.

Thud.

“The winner among the Legion Commander candidates gets a private audience with the Marshal at the appointment ceremony, correct?”

Lennok threw Sloar Bane’s barely living body in front of the training stand and raised his gaze.

“Was this enough?”

“Evan Martinez. You are mistaken.”

Townsend said coldly, looking at Lennok.

“That qualification is a privilege granted to a candidate who defeats an active Legion Commander. It’s not a right obtained by crushing fellow candidates, no matter how many.”

“……”

“Besides, didn’t you yourself say you had no interest in the Legion Commander position? To covet an opportunity given to candidates now, don’t you think that’s shameless of yourself?”

Townsend sneered, looking down at the expressionless Lennok.

“Indeed, it’s no wonder you have no sense of shame. To brazenly flaunt your power in this training ground, after daring to burn a legion general to death, is truly hideous–”

“Yes. You are right.”

Lennok nodded.

“Come to think of it, since I’m not a Legion Commander either, it would be fair for me to also undergo a test like the other candidates.”

“How absurd, now of all times–”

“8th Legion Commander Townsend. Step forward.”

Lennok slowly cracked his knuckles and smiled.

“I will receive my evaluation directly from you.”

“……”

At that moment, all the other Legion Commanders understood why Lennok had deliberately stated incorrect information earlier.

His act of listening to Townsend’s words all this time was precisely to lead to this very flow.

The gazes of the other Legion Commanders naturally turned, and Townsend’s expression crumpled terribly.

“……How dare you.”

Amidst the ruins of the training ground, burnt and melted into disarray.

Two people stood facing each other in the center of the field, piled with overturned flagstones and collapsed pillars.

Lennok, exhaling crimson flames mixed with his breath, and a middle-aged man with an unpleasant expression, arms crossed.

Far more people had gathered around the training ground where the two stood than before.

“Deadrise Legion Commanders dueling each other?”

“Cheonbeon personally designated his opponent, they say. This is worth seeing.”

“A clash between the most famous War-Mages of the Central Front – a spectacle you couldn’t buy with money.”

Not only soldiers of the legion but also guests of the military parade, who had heard the rumors, had come.

The Fairy Conjunction Master fanning herself with a languid expression, and a Cardinal of the cult, eyes closed, reciting prayers.

Grisha and the Watchers watched the training ground with stiff faces. Even Senator Konrad Haven, whom Lennok had met in the satellite city, was present.

Druids and knights, or high-level superhumans of unknown affiliation. Envoys from various cities were also in attendance.

Even the soldiers on the training ground had given way to them, unable to stop the influx.

“A most unpleasant sight.”

Townsend, the 8th Legion Commander, clicked his tongue as he watched the surroundings and averted his gaze.

“Let’s keep it short. You, too, wouldn’t want to be a spectacle for other factions.”

“Perhaps.”

Lennok smiled, scattering crimson flames.

“That would only be true if you hadn’t incited the Legion Commander candidates to play a useless trick.”

“Is that so? Then let me ask you the opposite. Did you think you could kill Brigadier General Matisse and get away without consequence?”

“……”

“Just because you possess a little superior talent, acting willfully and violating legion rules is not tolerated here.”

Townsend’s expression turned cold.

“You should realize that even condoning your atrocity like this, instead of bringing you before a military tribunal, is an excessive privilege.”

“I’m not sure who crossed the line first. Or perhaps you just don’t want to think about it?”

Lennok shrugged.

“Enough, let’s begin. I won’t kill you. If another Legion Commander position becomes vacant during the military parade, the atmosphere will become chaotic.”

“You speak freely for having a mouth.”

Townsend sneered, channeling his mana.

“I, your Commander, am a being whose command ability and military might have both been proven among the Legion Commanders. I am on a completely different level from the half-baked candidates you’ve faced.”

Woo-woo-woo-woong…!!!

At that moment, an immense will-thought exploded from within Townsend, filling spacetime.

A vast and overwhelming torrent of will, distinct from Townsend’s own, yet whose true nature could not be guessed, a kind of spellcraft familiar to Lennok, one that borrowed the power and existence of others rather than his own.

“I will teach you that capturing Robert Loveride was nothing more than luck.”

Townsend clasped his hands together and declared in a cold voice.

“Summoning Magic.”

[Phantom Beast. Water God Phoenix.]

Swoosh-swoosh-swoosh!!!

A vast current surged from beneath Townsend’s feet, fluttering like a bird’s wings.

A gigantic phoenix, its entire body made of flowing water, flashed with blue divine light, instantly enveloped the air, and soared skyward.

KWA-GA-GA-GA-GA!!!!

The heat surging around Lennok lost its power in the torrential water and faded.

People looked up with surprised expressions as heavy rain began to fall from the sky.

“Level 8 Summoning Magic.”

Lennok murmured, looking at the phoenix floating in the sky with an expressionless face.

“And you were a powerful enough summoner to directly summon a Phantom Beast species.”

“You didn’t expect things to go your way, after rampaging arbitrarily before the appointment ceremony, did you?”

Kwoooh-oh-oh!!!

Townsend, with the gigantic Water God Phoenix floating behind him, walked forward and declared.

“What you did is an unacceptable act of violence from the perspective of command. Not only did you fail to evaluate the candidates, but you crushed them to the point of no recovery?”

“……”

“The Legion Commander position will certainly not fall to you as planned. Since you have cast away your own good fortune, you ought to receive a just–”

“Indeed. That’s not entirely wrong either.”

Lennok interrupted Townsend and nodded.

“I never intended to be bound by a position like Legion Commander from the start. That’s quite far removed from the goal I’m trying to achieve.”

“…What?”

“I did consider it for a moment, but it’s still not my way. Such limited authority isn’t enough reason to join the legion, not even temporarily.”

The authority to completely own an entire legion and the privilege of having the entire vast military production facility as personal territory.

Reputation and honor recognized across the continent, and various benefits granted by cities and factions.

While he had weighed the pros and cons, what Lennok desired was already decided.

Even this moment, confronting Townsend, was merely to confirm Ethan’s identity and question him.

He had come this far with the intention of burning and crushing anything that stood in his way.

It was time to clearly define his ambiguous position.

“From now on, I intend to do everything as I wish.”

Lennok murmured, raising his hand.

“I will demonstrate the new spellcraft I have learned here.”

Grrrrumble…!!!

The sky slowly began to darken.