LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 34: Chapter 22
Greetings, darlings~ Another pre-story message~ Teehee~ While this isn't a warning, it's more of a guide.
First and foremost, I hope you enjoy it if you're going to read it~ Secondly, since even I got a bit confused reading it, I'll provide you with who each of the Black Scripture Seats are names (Canonically), at least the living ones, and the only dead one for now. So you don't get confused about who is who or if you're unsure and so~
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1st Seat: Captain of the Black Scripture
2nd Seat: Time Turbulence
3rd Seat: Four Great Spirits
4th Seat: Divine Chant
5th Seat: One Man Army
6th Seat: Holy Justice
7th Seat [Natural Vegetable]: Thousand Leagues Astrologer
8th Seat [Dead]: Myriad Barriers
9th Seat: Divine Chain
10th Seat: Strongest Human
11th Seat: Infinite Magic
12th Seat: Heaven and Earth
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It had been several days of travel, and they were just reaching the edge of the Great Forest of Tob .
"Have we arrived?" For the hundred and eighth time on the journey, the 9th Seat, Divine Chain, asked in a complaining tone.
No one responded, as they had lost patience by the tenth time since leaving Silksuntecks.
It was daytime, and they had spent the entire night traveling without rest on horses they had to abandon a while ago. But of course, the group could travel for weeks without closing an eye and fight without many problems. Although that didn't mean they enjoyed the lack of rest.
"Captain. I remind you that strange behaviors have been reported around the Forest of Tob." The 5th Seat, the One Man Army, mentioned to the 1st Seat, the Captain of the Black Scripture. While he wasn't the sharpest or most intelligent in the group, at least he had a very good memory when it came to mission-related matters.
Although sometimes annoying to some, it was useful to have him repeat important details. From rumors to locations, etc.
"Yes. I have seen the reports." He responded curtly, with no emotion displayed and a face as hard as stone.
And at the memory of his encounter with the Komodo Demon, he tightened his lance with more force. Ironically, this caused him a slight pain in his shoulder. It wasn't anything serious or bothersome in combat. But it was evidence that, even though so much time had passed since that episode, the damage from the blow that blocked the Captain still persisted, now in the form of a nuisance.
He glanced sideways at the group and spoke.
"From here on, we are at risk of encountering the Komodo Demon again. This time, stronger than before if the report is correct." He warned without much more. There was nothing else to say after all.
None said anything. It was obvious that they remembered that day.
They couldn't do anything against that monster. They only drove it away by using the Gods' artifact, which ended in Lady Kaire's sacrifice.
However, this journey was precisely to deal with that monster. To join forces with another monster, albeit the latter benevolent.
The Captain said nothing in response to the lack of reaction and continued walking. His feet were slightly sore from walking non-stop for so long, but it was only a slight discomfort. He could walk from one end of the continent to the other several times before getting tired after all.
They soon entered the depths of the Forest of Tob.
…
"Come, companion. This signals significant progress." The Infernal Archaeologist called to the Infernal Protector, prompting a low growl as the latter grabbed a Barghest by the neck.
It had been a few days since their Queen ordered them to 'gain experience.'
And what success it had been.
He couldn't wait to finally have enough experience to show it to his lady. After all, during their journey through the Forest of Tob, he had gained 10 levels.
Between killing common animals left and right to use their corpses as summoning conduits, slaying monsters, and even wiping out a group of Trolls and Ogres, with a particularly strong leader, with the help of his summons and his companion, his level had advanced quite rapidly.
But considering that leveling up was easier the closer one was to level 1, it wasn't so impressive in general terms. After all, he was now only level 44, while his companion was level 40.
As an Archaeologist, he knew how his classes and races worked and diversified, allowing him to find the most efficient path to follow his build to be useful to his Queen. Additionally, he helped his companion choose the best possible classes.
Now, together, they could kill a minor 'Infernal' squad, which someone like Her Majesty, the Demon Queen, could summon. Still, it would be difficult for them, but it was possible.
It wasn't very impressive compared to the wonders Her Majesty could perform, as she could bring down Gods at her feet as if they were flies, but progress was progress.
And when it came to the orders of Her Majesty, it was a significant step towards her satisfaction.
"Now, kill it." He said to the Protector, and the latter obeyed, crushing the neck of the poor, motionless Barghest.
The demon let out a whimper before nodding to the Archaeologist.
"Magnificent! Now you are level 41. One step closer to earning the praises of Her Majesty!" With immense happiness at the idea, the Archaeologist congratulated the Protector.
The latter only let out another whimper as he puffed out his chest, notably happy... At least for the Archaeologist and the Imps around him. To an outsider, he seemed simply eager for slaughter and blood.
"Now, level up in your Infernal Knight class. That should keep your build stable without hindering your growth or Her Majesty's orders."
The Infernal Protector nodded, using the 'idea' of 'leveling up' in a 'class' to grow his power. The Archaeologist instructed, guiding him on how to 'distribute' his newly gained 'stats' optimally.
And with a satisfied conclusion, the Archaeologist pulled out the map that Her Majesty had granted him.
"Hm..." He stroked his chin, mimicking a rogue's secret pleasure the gesture that Her Majesty made when she thought. "Considering our location..." He looked to his left. "We should head over there, yes." He nodded resolutely after a bit of thought regarding the map itself.
He didn't have Rogue classes to properly locate himself, but based on approximately where they were, he could tell where they needed to go.
The duty to 'gain experience' was arduous. Especially with so many weak beings all around. Therefore, they would have to sweep through all the rubbish possible to extract the small heaps of 'experience' lying around.
…
The Captain of the Black Scripture, Seraiah Ruvik Isaev, furrowed his brow, his senses as sharp as they could be.
"5th, 12th. Do you detect anything?" He asked, never lowering his guard or taking his eyes off the path.
"... No."
"Negative."
The response from the two 'Rangers,' or the closest thing to them in the Black Scripture, left him uneasy.
After all, no one expected to have a peaceful journey through a forest infested with monsters.
"... This would be easier with Marianna... All of this would be easier..." The mutterings of the 10th Seat, the massive, robust man struggling to walk through the forest without causing a commotion, made Seraiah want to sigh.
He was aware of the things between the two of them. It was trivial in social terms, but he had reprimanded them several times because of how dangerous romantic entanglements were in a military unit that was constantly at risk of death.
And yet, he had to agree.
With the Thousand Leagues Astrologer, the journey would be much easier and less stressful. They would have constant information about their surroundings, so they wouldn't have to rely solely on the 5th Seat's general skills and the 12th Seat's Rogue abilities.
It shouldn't have been like this... But so many things beyond the Teocracy's control had happened lately...
"Captain. Something is approaching. Something big." The 12th Seat warned, causing Seraiah to halt.
"Everyone, take position." He ordered. The terrain was not ideal for a large battle, but if something 'big' was approaching, they wouldn't exactly have the advantage unless it was sufficiently adapted and familiar with the forest...
The formation in such improvised situations was simple. The captain and the 10th Seat would cover two different sides. The 6th and the 9th Seat would cover two other sides, surrounding the rest of the seats, as most of them were medium or long-range combatants. The 2nd Seat would remain ready to break out of the 'circle' and attack the enemy ferociously, while the 12th Seat would hide with his abilities to do the same from behind.
They would efficiently cover all flanks while protecting those who couldn't fight hand-to-hand.
A formation they had practiced so many times... But with the 8th Seat being replaced by the 9th Seat due to his... Permanent absence.
The squawk of a bird distracted the Captain ever so slightly, causing him to glance sideways at it, then return his gaze to the bird.
It was... A red bird. Covered in flame-shaped feathers, with eyes that seemed like pieces of coal.
{Avis Inferno PNG}
That... Wasn't native to the Forest of Tob...
The bird squawked again, only this time with more aggression, and... Did it jump from its branch?
It leaped from the branch where it was perched towards them, at great speed, like an arrow.
Seraiah stepped between the bird and the 4th Seat, wielding his lance against the bird.
Normally, the 4th Seat should have been able to scare off a bird. But when the bird burst into flames in the middle of its flight, the Captain had to intervene.
When his lance touched the bird ever so slightly, the animal exploded into flames with the power of a [Fireball], causing the Black Scripture to cover their faces or look away, while receiving only minor burns on the few unenchanted clothes they had, luckily.
And when they snapped out of their stupor, they noticed that the trees surrounding them had dozens of those same birds staring at them intently.
In fact, there were red snakes with disproportionately large fangs for their sizes. Rats covered in ashes. And worst of all, Hellhounds.
"This is...!" The 9th Seat clicked his tongue. "The Komodo brought this to the forest!?"
The Captain raised his lance, indifferent to the emotions he might feel thanks to his long and extensive experience in service. He felt everyone gearing up for combat against the demonic creatures.
"4th, deal with the birds. 12th, the snakes. They might have venom. Don't risk ignoring the rats, kill them." He didn't detail the strategy against the Hellhounds, as it was evident.
And so, the team carried out their defensive strategy against the Demons.
...
"Hm..." The Archeologist deactivated his [Demonic Vision] to see through the eyes of a summoning.
The group of humans that entered his radar would be a good experiment to test his new power and his combat capability alongside his companion.
But when they survived unharmed from an Avis Inferno, a suicidal summoning that could explode with the power of a [Fireball], he decided it would be best to send half of his permanent summonings.
The permanent Imps would keep watch and attack when they found an opening. The Demon Fangs, snakes, would poison them. The Ash Rats would disrupt their sight and smell senses upon dying. The Avis Inferno would attack them relentlessly. And the Hellhounds would launch a fierce assault that should at least weaken their forces.
It was an incredible plan. He mentally applauded himself for his brilliance.
"Don't worry, companion. Soon we'll be able to go." He assured the Infernal Protector, who was eager to tear the group apart.
...
12th crushed the neck of one of the snakes, causing it to shriek before ceasing to move.
4th chanted a spell that made a group of 10 birds squawk before dispersing into motes of light and darkness.
9th whipped his chain against the Hellhound, causing it to growl before threatening to launch a fireball from its jaws, before a huge Basilisk crushed it between its jaws. The Basilisk withdrew to position itself behind the 5th Seat.
10th kicked, shattering the bones of a Hellhound as it ended up crashing into a tree.
3rd and 11th cast protections over their companions before launching some [Magic Arrow] towards the birds and rats.
6th stayed busy entertaining two Hellhounds with ease, while 2nd killed off the Imps that 12th warned were hiding.
And the Captain was countering the birds that managed to get too close to the magic casters.
This was... Quite easy.
The Black Scripture could defeat legendary-level creatures together with hardly any effort, so fighting these creatures wasn't a challenge. The only inconvenience was the terrain, but even then, they prevailed without damage beyond superficial burns or soot stains on their clothes and/or armor.
The Captain, however, remained vigilant... He couldn't ignore the possibility of the Komodo Demon being nearby, or some powerful creature above these lesser Demons...
But within a few minutes, they dispatched all the Demons without any trouble, disappointing Seraiah's paranoia.
"Pff~ Is this all the Komodo can do~?" 9th scoffed as he kicked one of the Hellhounds corpses, sending it flying towards a tree.
The Captain let it be. While it wasn't good to be overconfident, neither was it to completely restrain confidence. He would just make sure that 9th understood that the Komodo Demon, although these demonic creatures were weak and surely placed by the same, was not an opponent to underestimate or feel confident about.
Seraiah gripped his lance tightly and didn't let his guard down.
After all... 12th heard something big... Not a group of lesser Demons.
"Captain, more are coming." The mentioned one informed.
Seraiah nodded at this. While it was a shame not to have the Thousand Leagues Astrologer, with Heaven and Earth, the 12th Seat, one could be sure to be attentive to almost anything approaching.
"Try to dispose of the big ones in quick assaults with 2nd. Then come back and we'll deal with the small ones."
"Yes."
"Jeje, more exercise~?"
Seraiah held back a sigh. They should start moving if this wasn't the last horde.
…
The Archaeologist trembled. Not out of fear, but out of anger.
"How can this be…?" His shoulders rose and fell with his tremors as he clenched his fists in rage.
The Protector groaned as he looked at the Archaeologist.
"No… No… Ugh… Alright. We'll have to go ourselves. We can't allow these humans to escape." If he failed… No. He didn't even want to imagine failing Her Majesty.
Not even that. He couldn't fail!
"Come on, companion. I'll throw you some things." Said the Archaeologist, using spells to bolster the Infernal Protector.
After all, each of his summonings had been effortlessly slain. And that said a lot about their opponents.
…
"Targets eliminated."
"Easy peasy~"
2nd and 12th returned, with what seemed to be news that they had eliminated all the Demons heading their way.
The captain nodded as the group sighed in relief.
"Is anyone injured?" Asked 4th. Upon receiving negative responses, she smiled in relief. She was able to heal them without much cost thanks to her Talent. She couldn't alleviate fatigue or restore stamina though.
"Let's get out of here as soon as possible. If more hordes keep coming, we'll never reach the rendezvous point." Ordered Seraiah.
The Black Scripture could only obey and agree, as no one wanted to continue fighting against lesser Demons.
"Captain… Something big is approaching… Now at high speed." 12th interrupted the moment of peace.
Seraiah nodded.
"It might be coming with another horde. Stay in position." He ordered, so that the previous formation would reform. While they could move around, considering the terrain, it would be more of a disadvantage than anything.
"[Fire Arrow]" The chant caught the group off guard, as they hadn't expected someone capable of using magic at all.
And although the shock lasted a mere instant, the fire arrow flew out, hitting the 10th Seat squarely in the chest.
He clicked his tongue as his muscular bare chest received the small explosion of fire, showing the burnt and charred flesh. But he still stood. For someone like him, it was just a minor burn from being in the sun for too long. It would take more than that to defeat a member of the Black Scripture.
And a roar came from another direction.
"2nd, deal with the caster." Ordered the captain. The 2nd Seat, Time Turbulence, was incredibly useful against magic casters, with his speed and abilities, he could catch anyone off guard. Even the magic casting members of the Black Scripture would easily fall to him or have trouble.
Time Turbulence disappeared in the blink of an eye, while the rest of the Black Scripture faced the direction from which the roar came.
…
The 2nd Seat was fast. Surely one of the fastest of humanity.
His Talent allowed him to double the speed enhancements he applied, and with training in his Martial Arts, he could silently and constantly use those that improved his speed.
For example, [Agility] and [Shukuchi]. With that simple combo, Time Turbulence was so fast that to the human eye, it seemed as if he simply stopped time and appeared in front of his target without breaking a sweat, or used teleportation.
And thanks to his stiletto, he could literally slow down time to his own perception, living up to his title.
Of course, against magic casters, who were rarely capable enough to even see him.
However…
Time Turbulence's stiletto collided with a wall that broke, but stopped his charge.
"[Paralysis] [Slow] [Activate 1]" The hidden caster sang instantly upon seeing Time Turbulence disappear, with his words being possible to say as Time Turbulence stopped his charge by the magic shield, which prevented him from reaching him and piercing his throat.
Time Turbulence froze as his muscles didn't respond to his brain, with the effect of his Martial Arts still active, but unable to be used, while the effect of his weapon ended.
He felt as if his muscles were incredibly tense, while his body felt as if it were underwater instead of in the air due to the feeling of slowness.
A magic circle appeared at his feet, and he felt an electric shock run through his body.
And when he saw the sword approaching his still body, he couldn't even close his eyes.
…
The Archaeologist sneered at the human who charged towards him.
Once he disappeared, he collided with his previously applied [Magic Shield], and then, he only had to cast a level 2 immobilization spell, a basic level 1 slowdown spell, and activate the magic trap with [Electroshock] that he left in front of him to have him in his clutches.
Then, the Infernal Protector took care of everything with a sword strike that cleanly decapitated him.
Although, of course, he had to admit, if he hadn't acted quickly, he would surely have been gravely injured.
He hummed with satisfaction as he felt the experience he gained… That was 2 Levels… Wait… How strong was this human? That big human resisted a [Fire Arrow] head-on…
He would have to be cautious with the rest.
Fortunately, the group of humans seemed to trust the human who was now a corpse by giving him their backs, waiting for the Infernal Protector to come from a place he had never been.
After all, he only had to use a [Recorder] and leave it stored in a [Lesser Spell Seal] in that direction, and cast [Silence] on the Protector so he wouldn't make any sounds, allowing him to advance stealthily. A pretty good strategy for an ambush of this kind, if he was allowed to boast.
Therefore, he grabbed several scrolls that he could make with the Barghest skin from among his tunics. After all, his classes allowed him to make many enchanted items like scrolls.
And the rain of [Fireball], [Fire Arrow], [Lightning], and [Magic Arrow] fell on the group of humans.
…
It was natural for someone who can attack at medium and long distances to stay to protect the backs of the magic casters while the close-range fighters were at the front.
Therefore, the 9th Seat of the Black Scripture, Divine Chain, Beaumarchais, suffered the brunt of the magical attack from the rear.
Much as he was a hero of humanity… He was still a human… And he was still only from the New World… And therefore, the logic of dying instantly upon suffering fractures, which in a game would be ignored as simple 'critical damage', applied.
He died when a [Magic Arrow] pierced his skull while a couple of [Lightning] burned his flesh.
…
Divine Chant and Four Great Spirits, Seats 4 and 3 respectively, felt the magic shields they placed around themselves in case of destruction, while the passive shields they had thanks to their objects were also destroyed.
It was natural, they could only withstand one attack that could break a wooden plank.
At the same time, Infinite Magic, the 11th Seat, saw his constant shield bombarded, depleting her enormous Mana reserve.
The Magic Casters, with their years of training, defended themselves in retaliation almost instantly, activating more barriers as they retreated.
Seraiah looked back in surprise, not expecting Turbulence of Time to be defeated.
He saw Divine Chain charred on the ground while the magic casters protected themselves from the heavy bombardment of level 3 spells and a few of level 2.
If Cedran were here… He wouldn't have his magic casters defending themselves, consuming so much Mana…
He heard a sound, and his instincts and frustration made him react, wielding his lance to deflect an attack of a sword heading towards him.
[Silence] only worked to a certain extent.
The 10th Seat grabbed his massive axe and swung it towards the attacker… A huge knight in white, red, and gold who blocked the attack with his shield.
Although he blocked it, the monster roared as it was pushed back, knocking down several trees as it fell on its feet, showing not so many damages. The trees around were cut by the blow of the Strongest Human, collapsing from their trunks and clearing part of the area as leaves, branches, and others fell.
The monster had blocked the attack, and the fact that its shield only showed a few cracks demonstrated the toughness of the equipment and the monster's resilience to rise without problems.
The 5th Seat opened the magic bag he had, causing a pair of large Adult Basilisks to emerge from it. The creatures roared at the Demon as they stared at it fixedly. The petrifying effect was ignored, which once again demonstrated the power of the Demon.
Seraiah looked at the 10th, and opened his eyes when he saw his hands tremble a little.
"Fu~ That shield made my bones resonate when I hit it. Very dangerous." He said with some excitement but caution. Although he was a battle maniac, he wasn't foolish.
The Demon roared, ready to charge towards the group.
He could hear Divine Chant and Infinite Magic starting to retaliate against the magic caster behind him.
He would leave the magic combat to the magic users.
The 12th appeared behind the Demon, with a large knife in his hand, and stabbed it into the visor of the Demon, where its left eye would be.
The monster roared painfully as it turned sharply, causing the 12th to fly out. But the Assassin simply landed on his feet, his knife covered in black blood.
The Captain waved his lance, getting into a crouched position and ready to charge with his weapon inherited from the Gods.
This could be a complicated battle.
…
The Holy Queen, Calca Bessarez, finished casting her spells, causing her beauty to shine as it should.
She smiled at herself in the mirror, and looked out to the balcony overlooking the capital of the Roble Holy Kingdom.
Ignoring the foolishness of Remedios she would have to deal with in a meeting soon, she could then spend time with the Custodio Sisters.
However, the subject of the meeting did not please her. It was a meeting to discuss the Komodo Demon, the infernal being that attacked the capital of Re-Estize not long ago, causing countless deaths and threatening to destroy the entire city.
Only the teamwork of 3 Adamantite Groups managed to scare it off. But no one knew where it was, or what it was doing.
She sighed with heaviness.
If that monster reached the Holy Kingdom… No. She shouldn't think like that.
They were specially armed with the weakness of that monster. They had orders from Paladins, Priests, and many others who had the power of the Gods with them.
At least they should be able to scare it off before it causes enough damage…
She sighed again as she looked at herself in the mirror.
…
This couldn't be...
This couldn't be!
The Infernal Archaeologist cursed internally.
These humans... He had underestimated them. He had killed two, but only because he caught them off guard.
The rest... Only the magic casters were pushing him back.
They were all capable of casting magic between level 5 and 6, with one holy magic caster.
The only reason he wasn't dead yet was because he had enough scrolls with defensive spells to keep their attacks at bay...
But now he couldn't attack. He had no space for it.
Nothing he did could penetrate the defenses of these magic casters...
Even he, with his new level 48, having gained 4 levels just by killing those two humans, could only cast level 5 magic. So, against 3 magic casters with spells between levels 5 and 6, he was losing, even if he had depleted quite a bit of his mana with his initial attack...
And at a glance, he could see that... His companion was losing.
His attacks were blocked or dodged by the spear-wielding human. The assassin human was too fast. And the big one seemed to match or surpass him in physical strength... Not to mention the pair of Giant Basilisks supporting them. Although their petrifying gaze couldn't affect the Protector, their teeth and claws could be annoying at a bothersome level.
He... Had underestimated them.
"[Hellfire Ball]!" He cast the spell of infernal flames, with the explosion colliding against a beam of light emanating from the divine magic caster.
The explosion luckily diverted the magical arrows aimed at him. How did that work with spells? Well, magic deals with magic. While a normal explosion couldn't deflect a magical arrow, a magical explosion could. At least according to logic.
"Tch..." If he continued like this... Not only would he run out of scrolls, but also mana... And he would lose... No, he would die...
No! Worse yet! He would fail Her Majesty…
"Graaah!" He exclaimed in frustration. "[Hellfire Ball] [Create Lesser Demon: Avis Inferno] [Petrification] [Invisibility]!"
With his spells, the infernal fireball flew, having the same effect as before while protecting the Archaeologist, and the Avis Inferno circled around him with the intent of protecting him.
His petrification effect was directed at the assassin fighting the Protector, causing him to stiffen for a moment, allowing his companion to hit him squarely with his cracked shield.
And the third effect allowed him to jump aside to avoid the barrage of spells about to hit him.
His mana was in the red...
His invisibility lasted only 5 seconds, as he put the minimum mana into it.
"[Flash]!" A bright light made the magic casters look away to avoid blindness, allowing the Archaeologist to hide behind a tree after casting a scroll with [Hellfire Ball].
He clicked his tongue and cast a [Message] scroll to avoid spending mana.
(Companion! Retreat, I'm going to-)
The message was cut off with a 'No!'...
To which he heard the Infernal Protector roar.
Was… He... Going to...?
...
Seraiah deflected the Demon's sword that tried to take advantage of the weak state of the 12th Seat, who for some reason froze and was hit with a force that almost equaled that of the Strongest Human, the 10th Seat.
However, the monster was losing. It was overwhelmed by beings of its own power level and more.
Not to mention that the Captain hadn't used 'all' his power.
He hadn't used abilities so far except for the Martial Arts [Parry] and [Counterattack].
Furthermore, the Demon was just that. Strength and endurance.
Was he able to easily block the attacks of the 10th Seat? Yes. Could he withstand even the two Giant Basilisks and the attacks on his weak points without flinching from the 12th? Also. Did every time they hit him feel like his bones and muscles were painfully trembling? Indeed.
However, the monster was a barbarian. A savage without advanced strategic capacity.
In a one-on-one, he would win against the 10th Seat, as the man was also not a strategic genius, relying on his years of experience just like this demonic knight seemed to do.
However, with the strategy and teamwork of the Black Scripture, the monster stood no chance.
So it was only a matter of time before the monster was defeated.
The rest of the Black Scripture, the survivors at least, seemed to be doing well on their side.
Having 3 magic casters who even came close to Fluder Paradyne ensured victory against anyone. Even if, hypothetically, the enemy were slightly stronger than the mage of the now-defunct Empire, against such a number of magic casters, the enemy had no chance.
Seraiah frowned at having a great flash of light coming from the other side, narrowing his eyes.
The Demon took advantage of the distraction to rush towards the Basilisks, using his shield to strike the side of one's head and plunging his sword into the eye of the other beast, causing the tip to come out the other side.
The first Basilisk, stunned, had no chance when the Demon drew his sword from his companion and began to brutally strike it with his sword.
However, the 5th Seat, recovering from the almost blinding flash, grabbed a bottle of Holy Water and threw it towards the Demon while opening his backpack, with a small army of 15 Adult Wargs starting to surround the Demon while it seemed unaffected by the Holy Water no matter how much the sound of something burning was heard...
Instead, he froze for a moment, and then let out a roar... Almost determined. Brave?
Seraiah frowned at seeing this but pushed aside his thoughts. It was foolish to think that thing could have such feelings. It was a monster. It had no emotions. It wasn't human. It was just a wild being whose only desires were blood and destruction. It was a Demon.
The monster withdrew his sword from the Basilisk and stared fixedly at the Black Scripture.
And with a powerful roar, he struck his own chest, making the metal of his armor resonate... Before charging with his shield forward towards the 5th Seat.
The captain looked at the 10th Seat and nodded to him.
The Strongest Human caught the signal and prepared for a devastating blow.
"[Greater Ability Boost] [Greater Strength] [Smashing Hit] [Gravity Power]!" He shouted the Martial Arts as several auras of different colors covered him for a moment.
Seeing that the Demon was simply charging blindly, the 10th Seat unleashed a devastating blow with his axe. The force capable of making mountains tremble, castles crumble, and pushing back the Extra Seat of the Black Scripture.
And before the blow hit the Demon's shield... He made his shield disappear into red motes and crouched... He slid under the blow with incredible skill for someone so large and used his sword to cause a deep cut in the 10th's leg, before jumping high into the sky and manifesting his shield beneath his feet, using it as a surfboard.
Seraiah froze at the sudden intelligent capacity of the Demon, who moments ago was nothing more than a wild beast.
The 5th Seat seemed too shocked by what had just happened to react in time, and by the time he came out of his stupor, the giant's shield fell on him as the Demon used him as a foothold to jump again.
Seraiah watched as Quaiesse, the 5th Seat, brother of the former 9th Seat who escaped with an artifact from the Theocracy and all, was crushed by the shield, with an unpleasant sound of bones breaking and a groan of pain.
The Wargs barked furiously and chased after the Demon, who now... Was falling towards the 4th Seat, with his shield under his feet again blocking all the spells that Infinite Magic and Four Great Spirits threw at him...
And the Captain frowned and advanced.
...
He had no name.
He was just a summoning of Her Majesty, the Demon Queen.
The order given to him upon existence was to protect his fellow summon, an Infernal Archaeologist, and gain experience alongside him.
And so he did. During his journey in the Forest of Tob alongside his fellow, he rose up to 10 levels, with a couple more after killing a human who fell under his fellow's trap...
However, the group of that human had entities with power levels equal to or greater than his, with a greater number, a wide variety of skills and capabilities, and incredible teamwork.
Therefore... They were losing.
Even as someone not very intelligent, he understood that. He didn't need to think. He just needed to follow orders...
But when he saw that they were losing... That he wouldn't only fail Her Majesty's orders, but they would both die... Then he reached a conclusion.
His life didn't matter. Because, above all, he had to protect the Archaeologist. And if both died, then he would be failing.
His camaraderie towards his fellow Demon, combined with his loyalty to Her Majesty, led him to his decision.
Therefore, when he received the [Message] from the Archaeologist... He told him no.
He could reject his orders if they conflicted with those of Her Majesty. And if he prevented him from protecting him, then he would disobey him. And he would never disobey an order from Her Majesty.
Using the 5 levels he gained between killing that human and killing the pair of Giant Basilisks to become stronger, tougher, and more skilled... He charged towards the group of humans.
He cut the leg of the biggest one after dodging his attack with a feint, then crushed the beast summoner with his shield, and went to attack the magic casters, thus distracting everyone while preventing the Archaeologist from being attacked.
He roared powerfully as the blonde woman using divine magic watched him.
"[Holy Shield]!" She shouted, causing a white barrier to appear between her and him.
The Demon fell onto the barrier, and only his weight and strength were needed to break the divine shield.
"[Essential Spear]" He heard from the side.
The pain was dulled by his resistances, but his back was pierced by a spear, with the tip coming out of his stomach.
"[2nd Edge]" The same voice was heard.
The already embedded spear caused damage from within the wound, making him roar as he felt the Bleeding effect. Sure, it was minimized and practically negligible, but it was still there.
However, despite the immense damage he had received, his mission was accomplished, capturing everyone's attention.
"[God's Fatal Hit] [Ultimate Thrust]" His wound doubled in size, causing him more damage, as the spear was withdrawn and thrust back into him, this time into his nape, emerging from his visor, dealing penetrating damage that bypassed part of his defenses.
From the corner of his eye, he saw the human who attacked him coughing blood with wide-open eyes.
The human had greatly injured him... And had harmed himself due to the Infernal Protector's ability.
He gripped the spear with incredible determination, refusing to surrender at all. For his loyalty and fighting spirit were indestructible.
He kept the spear where it was while invoking a shield, using an ability to blind all those who were looking at him, then kicked backward, hitting the human's face with his heel. The spear did not leave his iron grip, but the sound of something crunching was heard. It wasn't the skull, but it broke the human's nose.
A gurgle came out of him instead of a roar, but it didn't matter.
Even if his blood spilled liters from his huge wound as the once minimized bleeding increased. Even if his armor was in tatters. Even if he could feel a numbing effect from the damage and blood loss. He wouldn't yield.
He manifested his sword and raised it to the sky.
He shook his head to disorient the spearman who attacked him.
The Infernal Protector fought as the forest began to burn in flames.
...
"Graaah! [Fireball]"
The fireball shot out from his finger, further depleting his mana reserve in the red.
The spell hit a tree, causing an explosion of flames that began to spread.
"[Empower Fire] [Fire Nest]!" He shouted furiously.
The fire caused by the [Fireball] became more intense, spreading faster.
A forest fire was taking place...
And the perpetrator ran towards the opposite side, teeth clenched and fists tightened, while thanking and lamenting for his companion, who decided to sacrifice himself for their success...
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Name: Infernal Protector (+)
Summoner: Dont-Say-My-Name
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