Chapter 1374: Variations (13)

Deadrise Legion First Command. The forward operating base, Paradox Blue, where Ultima Alert was located.

After the Silver Dragon Invasion, an outsider appeared in the heart of destruction, a place so ravaged it was uninhabitable.

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about right now.”

But Lennok, seeing the man who appeared in the ruins without warning, did not move rashly.

A laid-back, leisurely man who clearly existed there but whose true form remained elusive.

His answer, revealing himself as Saul, was more unexpected than Lennok had anticipated.

Lennok, turning with a peculiar expression, tilted his head.

“Are you saying the First Seat of the Ability Awakening Warband is here to play rock-paper-scissors with me?”

The First Seat of the Ability Awakening Warband.

Was this man truly the ability user who occupied the top position of the Warband, which had gathered all ability users on the continent?

It was a difficult answer to believe, especially knowing what a monstrous ability user Eredis Zabelin, the Second Seat of the Warband, was.

Lennok’s deeply sunken eyes rapidly scanned Saul’s aura, standing in the middle of the ruins.

‘Outwardly, there are no traces of innate abilities. Is he not one who wields abilities based on mental power?’

Innate abilities are natural talents that cannot be acquired through training or practice.

Since most such abilities are based on mental aptitude or disposition, powerful ability users often show obvious signs on the surface.

Perhaps their atmosphere or aura is strangely unstable, or they constantly leak remnants of their power.

Or, like Zabelin, their innate consciousness is so enormously hypertrophied that it can be felt even if they just stand still.

‘The scope of innate abilities is broad and comprehensive, so exceptions are possible. But the hierarchy of the Ten Seats…’

The hierarchy of the Ten Seats within the Ability Awakening Warband is completely different from that of the Order Alliance’s Grand Spell Masters or the Cult’s Apostles.

Unlike those who prioritize the value of their order or the order in which they became Apostles, the Warband’s hierarchy is determined purely by the order of strength.

“…”

Zabelin’s clone, encountered in the Four Archangel Demonic Mirrors, possessed the terrifying ability to annihilate any material it touched with bare hands.

There was no need to ask how powerful Zabelin herself was, given that her mere existence influenced the Central Council’s diplomatic relations.

If so, then this man being above Zabelin among the Warband’s Ten Seats meant that–

Lennok, having come to that conclusion, slowly tilted his head. Just as Ermont recoiled with a horrified expression.

“Hmm? Judging by that reaction, I’m not the First Seat now, am I?”

Saul, observing their reactions, scratched his cheek with an embarrassed expression.

For someone who had just calmly introduced himself, he now seemed uncertain, smacking his lips.

“Now that I think about it, I’m not sure. It wouldn’t be strange if the Ten Seats’ hierarchy changed, having been away from work for so long.”

“…”

“Well, I’ve been away for too long, so it can’t be helped if my ranking dropped. If a promising junior took over my work, it would actually be a good thing.”

Saul pondered various things to himself, then finally let out such aimless words.

His outward appearance was that of a man in his late thirties. Though he looked young, his face was older compared to Lennok’s.

A relaxed, somewhat idle impression, with a nonchalant demeanor like a retired soldier with salt-and-pepper stubble.

Given his unique mannerisms, he seemed to possess a laid-back personality rather than living up to the grand title of the Warband’s First Seat.

Lennok asked, not taking his eyes off Saul, who was stroking his chin in thought.

“Ermont.”

“Sorry, but asking me won’t help.”

Ermont replied to Saul in a subtly urgent tone.

“Among the top three executives of the Warband, only that woman, Zabelin, is actively working. Do you think I’d know about the other ability users?”

“Oh, you know Zabelin? Then this conversation will be easier.”

Saul, who had been lost in thought, stroking his chin, brightened.

“About 25 years ago? Around then, I was stronger than Zabelin. Does that still make me the First Seat?”

“…”

“That was useless talk. Just showed my age too much. Never mind. I’ll just say what needs to be said.”

Seeing Lennok, who was silently channeling mana, Saul shrugged awkwardly.

“I need that wing you’ve obtained. I don’t want to fight, but would you consider handing it over for a small price? Or how about rock-paper-scissors, like I mentioned earlier?”

“Why should I do that?”

“To maintain the Zero Seat’s mind, which supports the Collective Thought Network, I’ve been collecting powerful spirits from war-torn regions.”

Saul’s gaze fixed obliquely on the skeletal wing leaning behind Lennok.

“But most of the spirits who died in this battlefield are bound to that wing. So I need to take it, destroy it, and perform an exorcism.”

“…”

“I know it’s an artifact left by Kundara’s Dragon. I’ll manage it safely so nothing dangerous happens.”

“…Sir, did you just emerge after being stuck on some remote island for decades?”

Ermont’s bewildered question was not entirely without reason.

A request to hand over the wing, openly revealing the weakness of Ophelia, the leader of the Ability Awakening Warband.

And despite saying he didn’t want to fight, an easygoing attitude that seemed almost oblivious to Maleon’s existence.

For someone claiming to be the First Seat of the Warband, he seemed to know nothing about the Central Council’s affairs.

But Lennok neither scoffed nor got angry at Saul’s words.

Instead, he merely countered with an intriguing expression.

“You know this wing was left by an Ascendant.”

“That’s right. I can tell with a glance.”

“Then you must also know that taking it without permission would incur the wrath of an Ascendant, wouldn’t you? Is that really okay?”

“Ah, are you worrying about me now? That’s quite unexpected.”

Saul scratched his head and smacked his lips.

“I appreciate the thought, but it’s fine. No big problems will arise.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can move now.”

“…”

“What are you talking about?”

Ermont retorted with a flustered expression, but Lennok easily understood his words.

Before departing from Vulcan, he might not have immediately grasped the meaning of Saul’s statement.

But now, having encountered an Ascendant on his way to the Central Front, he understood.

The meaning behind the First Seat of the Warband, who had not appeared for so long amidst the Central Front’s upheaval, now being ‘able to move’.

“After the Four Archangel Demonic Mirrors were breached, monsters comparable to Ascendants began to move everywhere.”

Lennok said, slowly taking a step.

“It’s because a causal link was established, allowing those who transcended their limits to move as a part of the Central Front collapsing.”

“…”

“If so, then indeed, the fact that you can finally move now means—”

Lennok, descending an embankment of piled debris and standing before Saul, continued.

“It means you are a monster who has reached the same level as them.”

The reason this somewhat idle-looking man could casually stand in these ruins and converse with them.

Not only did he speak to Lennok without hesitation, but he also seemed unfazed by Maleon’s presence.

Crucially, even his peculiar answer that he could ‘finally move’ within the Warband now.

All his words and actions hinted that the man standing before him was a monster who had reached a similar level to them.

And even the fact that Saul was not bothering to hide this truth.

“I even told you about Ophelia’s situation because I thought it might come to this… It’s regrettable.”

Saul let out a soft sigh.

“As I said, I don’t want to fight you. But I also can’t refuse the Zero Seat’s command. I want to end this as amicably as possible.”

“…”

“I’ll ask again, but rock-paper-scissors won’t work, will it?”

“It will. Rock-paper-scissors.”

Lennok smiled.

“I’ll throw rock, so try to block it.”

“…Hmph.”

Saul grimaced and tilted his head.

“I’m weak at this kind of psychological warfare.”

Kiiiiiiing—

Before his answer finished, the consciousness of both men accelerated at an incredible speed.

In the extremely slowed perception of time, both Transcendent beings simultaneously manifested their abilities.

Immediately after reading each other’s will-thoughts, which transcended and reshaped reality, Lennok and Saul wore strange expressions.

‘No way—’

A subtle similarity felt concurrently with the premonition of their abilities manifesting.

At the furthest reaches of their consciousness, they instinctively recognized that the abilities each had brought forth shared a similar aspect.

And simultaneously, two colossal forms erupted from behind Lennok and Saul, clashing with immense speed, fists swinging.

Kwaaaaaaaang!!!!!!

The Demonic Giant, terrifying in its devilish form, and the ghostly Specter, pale and ethereal, collided head-on.

At the epicenter of the time-distorting impact, they protected their respective masters, overturning the ruins.

The ground was pushed back and crushed, and earthquakes surged like waves.

Ermont’s jaw dropped at the surreal impact, like two monstrous beasts colliding.

“No, that’s…!”

“I wondered how powerful the First Seat of the Warband’s psychic abilities would be, but this is completely unexpected.”

Lennok said, looking at the Specter Giant.

“He’s not a psychic. Was he a shaman or a medium… one who deals with ghosts?”

Unlike Lennok’s Demonic Giant, the Specter Giant that appeared behind Saul was no ordinary summon.

It was merely the materialization of a vengeful spirit or ghost, an entity without physical form in reality, manipulated as a summoned being.

In terms of magical lineage, he was closer to a Possession Sorcerer or a Spirit Army Sorcerer than a psychic.

“Souls twisted by curses or grudges during the process of death acquire unique and powerful abilities.”

Saul replied.

“My spellcraft is about invoking such vengeful spirits. It’s the power to materialize the abilities that ghosts possessed from birth, you could say.”

“…”

“The only difference is that the active agent is a ghost, not a human. Strictly speaking, it’s also a type of ‘innate ability.’”

Saul asked from between the Devil and the Specter, who were simultaneously rotating their shoulders, transcending their respective casters.

“Aren’t you going to tell me what you’ll throw this time?”

Uduuk!!!

The Demonic Giant, wreathed in black chains, and the Specter Giant, shrouded in pale mist, grappled each other in mid-air.

A struggle of monstrous beasts, beyond human scale. Muscles ripped and veins bulged over the colossal arms of the two giants.

Tududuk, Tududududuk…!!!

“…Indeed.”

That Specter Giant summoned by Saul, purely in terms of physical strength, was slightly superior to the Demonic Giant.

Even though the Demonic Giant’s abilities specialized in black magic and its left arm couldn’t be properly used right now, this was the first time it had been outmatched in raw strength.

It was proof that the Specter Giant, summoned by a mere gesture from Saul, also possessed strength equivalent to Level 8.

Saul’s power, freely manipulating such transcendently strong ghosts, was indeed—

“He himself isn’t a psychic, but his spellcraft exists to materialize innate abilities into reality, then.”

Lennok said, walking through the ruins.

“I can see why he isn’t controlled by the Warband. He’s not even an ability user affiliated with the Collective Thought Network, is he?”

“Not all ability users belonging to the Ability Awakening Warband can benefit from the Collective Thought Network. Unlike Zabelin, my spellcraft belongs to a category that cannot be bound by the Zero Seat.”

Saul replied.

“By the way, you wield a remarkably powerful summoned entity. It seems like a sorcerer-type summon, but does it possess such immense physical strength?”

“…”

“The Zero Seat said you were an extremely powerful lightning wizard, which means you haven’t even brought out your main magic yet…”

Saul reached into his pocket and said.

“If I don’t do this properly, I might die.”

Despite not having come here expecting Lennok, the opponent already knew about him.

Had information about Adamant Thunder spread so widely within the Warband that it reached the higher-ups?

The thought was brief, but no time was given for contemplation.

Hwa-reuk!!!

Saul pulled out a purple talisman from his pocket, tossing it into the air. Simultaneously, a pale sword light flashed.

Then, a long, slender ghost emerged from behind Saul, tearing through space and stepping out beside the Specter Giant.

Cheol-keok…!!

Ooooooh!!!!

A bizarre warrior ghost, headless and dangling, riding a skeletal ghost horse, wielding a greatsword.

The warrior ghost, oozing chilling killing intent from its entire body, led its ghost horse, its sword lowered.

“Damn it, it’s not just one—?!”

Kwaaaaaang!!!

Before Ermont could finish his sentence, the Demonic Giant and the Warrior Ghost clashed in the center of the shattered battlefield.

The warrior on the ghost horse, the pale Specter, and the fist-wielding Devil rotated with full force towards each other.

Then, they collided at an invisible, immense speed, scattering shockwaves like bombardments.

Kwagwagwagwagwagwang!!!!!

The Devil, the Warrior, and the Specter—all three, having no true physical form, were insanely fast, yet heavy and sharp.

Each strike they unleashed was as weighty as an artillery shell, possessing destructive power that crushed the surroundings extensively.

“Uwaaaah!!!!”

Craters formed as if missiles were falling onto the fragmented plain, and the ground shook violently.

Ermont, screaming disgracefully, was thrown into a deep pit, muttering in astonishment.

“No, what kind of summoned beast battle is this enormous!!!!”

Kwaaaaaaaang!!!!!

The Demonic Giant, black chains wrapped around its hand, snatched the Warrior Ghost’s greatsword with one hand.

The haunted blade twisted, trying to cut through the chains, but the moment the blade was blocked was enough.

Eujik!!

The Demonic Giant’s form, which had vanished into shadow while rotating its shoulder, reappeared behind the Specter Giant.

Its sharp, claw-like hand plunged directly into the Specter’s severed neck, twisting it.

Eujijijijik!!!

“Ughik…!”

The Demonic Giant, holding the Specter Giant’s neck, violently slammed its form onto the ground, grinding its face.

Such a brutal act sent shivers down Ermont’s spine. If the opponent hadn’t been a ghost, it would have been even worse.

But the price for momentarily concentrating power to kill the Specter Giant was harsh.

Seu-reung…!

Behind the Demonic Giant, a sharp sword light flashed, and chilling slashes crisscrossed dozens of times.

It mercilessly mutilated the Devil’s entire body, stained with darkness, and unleashed explosions along the trajectories of the cuts.

Peobeobeobeong!!!!

The Warrior Ghost’s innate ability to trigger secondary explosions in succession along the trajectory of its sword cuts.

The moment the Demonic Giant faltered, the Specter Giant, with its twisted neck, slammed its fist into the Devil’s side.

Kwang!! Udududuk!!

The two ghosts—one unleashing slashes from behind, the other delivering punches from below—damaged the Demonic Giant.

But the Demonic Giant, even amidst the assault of the vengeful spirits tearing its body apart, did not cease its counterattack.

With its side pierced, it burst the ghost horse and grabbed the Specter’s neck, breaking it and flinging it backward.

A vast shockwave erupted from around the Demonic Giant, sending the ghosts flying backward.

However, the Demonic Giant’s power, having faced two ghosts simultaneously, was clearly depleted.

Kwoooh…!!!

The Devil’s form, bleeding thick darkness like blood from its entire body, swayed unstably.

It endured without a single scream, but it seemed precarious, as if it could be unsummoned at any moment.

It was a sensation of violent depletion almost entirely new to Lennok since acquiring the Demonic Giant.

It was proof that the ghosts Saul wielded were transcendently powerful war-machines.

The ‘First’ of the Ten Seats of the Ability Awakening Warband, gathering all the continent’s psychics.

A monster almost like a one-man army, wielding various innate abilities by himself.

Seueueueu—

Watching the Demonic Giant, the Specter with its broken neck and the Warrior who had lost its ghost horse slowly rose to their feet.

Saul, observing them from behind the ghosts, spoke with a subtly admiring expression.

“You’re not just tough, you’re monstrous. It’s truly been a long time since I’ve seen a summon superior to my ghosts.”

Jjeojeop—!!!

No sooner had Saul finished speaking than a pale arm, covered in scars, burst forth into the air.

A ghost giant with four arms and sewn-up eyes, as if tearing space with its bare hands and crawling out into reality.

A vengeful spirit far larger than the Warrior Ghost whose body had just been ripped apart by the Demonic Giant.

Saul, having summoned a third ghost, spoke.

“But can you endure one more time?”

“It would be difficult.”

Lennok admitted.

“In fact, I’m already at my limit. Merely ensuring it doesn’t get unsummoned is all I can manage.”

Since the release of its left arm’s confinement, the duration for which the Demonic Giant could be summoned had shortened.

He had been refraining from even using black magic to maintain the summon for as long as possible, but simply enduring was not enough.

If he were to use lightning magic here, his location would immediately be exposed to other monsters.

Yet, there was a reason Lennok had continued to summon the Demonic Giant to face Saul.

“What I gained when the summon’s confinement was released wasn’t just enhanced power.”

Lennok slowly raised his hand and said.

“A powerful sensory synchronization, almost like my own… With that, there’s a spellcraft I can use, ignoring all risks.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about—”

At that moment, Saul’s words cut off.

Because the ominous silver stars, still fallen and glowing throughout the ruins, the corrupted essence left by Maleon Gnosis, began to violently churn at Lennok’s gesture.

Kuguguguugu…!!!!

The ground shook, and the entire ruins trembled violently.

With an eerie vibration, the silver stars floating in the air ominously rotated, approaching Lennok.

Then, they were precisely grasped by the Demonic Giant’s left hand, stained with darkness.

Kiiiiiiing—

Primitive Mysteries, which had been difficult to use for a long time even after learning the knack from Maleon.

The Dragon-kind’s stars, too severe in their power and corruption for Lennok to handle directly.

But here, there was a summoned entity that had undergone sensory synchronization with Lennok, and whose physical fortitude was far greater than Lennok’s own.

“No way…!”

“Primitive Magic activated.”

Lennok, manipulating the Demonic Giant’s hand to grasp the silver stars, opened his eyes.

“Star-Linking Eight Extremes Style, release.”