The battlefield surged with raw mana, violent arcs crackling through the air as Raymed, Cobalt, and Istar pressed their coordinated assault against Focalors. Each clash reverberated with explosive energy, sending tremors rippling outward.
"Now!" Cobalt shouted, launching himself skyward, his graceful form spiraling elegantly as gusts of razor-sharp wind shredded through Focalors' feathers. The Demon Lord Envoy screeched in pain, yet something was off—her wounds closed almost immediately, feathers regenerating at an alarming rate.
"Isn't she regenerating too fast?!" Raymed called, disbelief coloring his voice as he drove forward, launching multiple destructive mana arc waves. His blade carved deep into her wing, yet the gash disappeared within moments, leaving no trace of damage.
Istar hovered nearby, her ethereal glow pulsing with urgency. "It's more than just regeneration," she warned, eyes widening with sudden understanding. "Her mana… It's increasing with every injury. Battling it out only makes her stronger!"
Focalors flashed a sinister grin, sensing their growing confusion. Her talons flexed ominously, eyes blazing with exhilaration. "Finally realizing, little insects?" she mocked, wings spreading wider, absorbing ambient mana like a ravenous storm. "The longer we fight, the closer you edge towards your doom!"
Raymed gritted his teeth, feeling frustration clawing at him.
Even with Avalon on his side, which is specifically effective against his foe, can he beat Focalors in time?
Raymed had no time to waver.
"Raymed, wait!" Cobalt shouted, but it was too late. Raymed surged ahead, mana coalescing rapidly as he unleashed magical blades controlled by his Split Flow technique. Destructive blasts shattered the air around Focalors, each impact more devastating than the last. Yet, with every blow, she only seemed to glow brighter, her laughter echoing cruelly.
"Yes! Feed me more!" Focalors roared, launching herself forward in a blinding surge. Her claws flashed, catching Raymed off guard, sending him sprawling backward across the battlefield.
"Raymed!" Cobalt yelled, darting to intercept, barely deflecting another lethal swipe. His voice strained with concern as he addressed Istar, "We need another strategy—she's drawing strength directly from our attacks!"
Raymed stumbled to his feet, breathing heavily, vision blurry but resolve unshaken. "Can't we just overload her?" he growled, eyes blazing defiantly.
Istar shook her head urgently, floating closer. "Her mana capacity seems limitless—unless we disrupt her regeneration directly, our attacks only feed her. It's like her body processes mana as if it were breathing."
Raymed narrowed his eyes, focusing intensely on Focalors, noting the subtle fluctuations in her mana. Suppose the process of growing stronger from battle is as natural as breathing. Then that could only mean...
"Her way of getting stronger is like how my Chronic Eater works. Yet, I suspect." Raymed paused before getting the answer to the problem. "She relied on a specific organ to process it, that's why it's as natural as breathing, yet much more effective than mine.
"Then we strike where her mana gathers," Cobalt said decisively. "Istar, can you pinpoint the place where her mana gathers the most?"
"On it." Istar smiled as her eyes began glowing, looking around Focalors again. Her eyes widened with a slight grin. "Raymed was right, it's her heart—it pulses mana rapidly every time she regenerates. She is using that organ specifically to process all that mana."
Raymed's gaze hardened, mana swirling aggressively around him. "Then let's strike once again!"
***
On the other side of the battlefield, Oryba and Thierus desperately struggled against Vepar. Her movements were elegant yet brutally efficient, effortlessly deflecting and countering their combined attacks. With a mighty sweep of her sword, Vepar sent both warriors hurtling backward, crashing painfully to the ground.
Before Vepar could press her advantage, a soothing green light enveloped Oryba and Thierus, their injuries rapidly healing. A woman appeared at their side, her hands extended as she maintained the healing spell, determination etched on her face.
"You won't touch them again," Carmilla said.
Vepar smiled coldly, moving forward. However, she halted abruptly as another presence made itself known—a red-haired female elf appeared before her, mana swirling fiercely.
"You're fighting me next," Killiar Il Lupache stated sharply, unleashing multiple spells simultaneously toward Vepar. The demon seemed unaffected, charging forward with her sword raised. Killiar conjured a spectral blade in response, meeting Vepar's strike with fierce resolve.
Their duel soared into the sky, blades clashing with thunderous intensity.
Suddenly, another blade appeared, grazing Vepar's cheek. A silver-haired elf, Trish Il Lupache, hovered alongside Killiar, with Lulu clinging onto her back in bunny form.
"You won't fight her alone, Killiar," Trish declared confidently.
Killiar looked briefly stunned. "....how are you flying?"
"Lulu learned a levitation spell just for this!" Trish replied, grinning proudly.
Killiar smiled warmly, encouraged by the presence of her kin. Together, the two Lupache elves launched their combined assault against Vepar.
***
As the battle to protect the Lupache estate continued, Diko was inside a meeting room with other directors of different races.
"I am Diko, Director of Humanity. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Diko said as he stood up, introducing himself to the other directors.
"Well then, shall we discuss a plan to win this fight at Lupache estate?" Celathis is the Vice Principal of Vanguard Academy. Currently, she is substituting for the Principal of Vanguard Academy to lead this meeting.
Their discussions came to a standstill.
As the condition stands, no other races except Humanity are willing to lend military aid towards helping the Lupache estate.
"This is bullcrap and you know it Celathis. The elves don't care about anyone other than themselves, why should we care now?" A wolf demi-human spat.
"That kind of comment is highly speculative. What did we ever do to you, Director Loval of Demi-human?" An elf with blonde hair and a green outfit spoke. "And besides, this isn't the time for personal distaste. If we let Lupache's estate get taken, then every United Front's regions will soon be attacked by the Other Demon Lord Envoys."
"Bah. Now, who is being speculative?! You are just the same as me, Director Tels." Loval said with a distasteful expression.
Celathis put a hand on her chin, "In truth, Demon Lord Envoys attacking isn't particularly anything new, and with our current strength, we can repel that kind of attack without a doubt. Yet what's concerning is that they're brave enough to start attacking in the United Front's region."
"So you suggest this may be a trial attack to test the United Front's strength. Our success in winning this war will determine whether or not they decide to do another forward attempt like this again." Diko asked the board. "That personally didn't sound right."
"You have something to add, Director Diko?" Celathis asked.
"What I meant to say is that the Demon Lord Envoys didn't target Lupache's estate for the reasons you have mentioned. They aren't trying to test their strength. That is a mischaracterization of how these Demonfolk think. Signifying the board's lack of understanding in this situation."
The other directors of the races looked at Diko with a raised eyebrow.
"How dare you, human? What the hell do you know?" This time, Loval was targeting his words at Diko. "You calling us dumb?"
"I am."
"You wanna go?" Loval stood up as he raised his mana.
"Order or I will be forced to expel you from the room, Director Loval," Celathis said as she stared towards Loval with murderous eyes. Seeing this, he gritted his teeth and sat back.
"Then what are you suggesting, Director Diko of Humanity?" A woman wearing a yukata spoke.
"Director Yu of Spiritfolk and the board, there is one thing that makes the demonfolk, and us all, already know about it." Diko proclaimed, gathering everyone's attention. "The only thing the Demonfolk saw as potential threats were High Humans. Their natural race's archenemy. Which is why they are attacking Lupache's estate."
"Ha! What are you talking about? There are no High Humans in Lupache estate, heck, we don't even have a clue where the High Humans are."
"No. But we do have something that can easily be mistakenly seen as High Human traces now, don't we?"
"I see... You are suggesting..." Celathis spoke as if finally catching on.
"The weapons some of the 2nd Year Hero Candidates use. They are Pseudo Artifacts, items created based on the spoils of war and fragments recycled, originating from the Demon Lord Envoys that have attacked before. Now, where was it again, the great elder blacksmith workshop that produced those Pseudo Artifacts?"
"It was all in Lupache's estate." Tels said. "Well done, analyzing this, Director Diko."
"The Demonfolk are drawn to the mana signature of Pseudo Artifact. Because it resembles the signature of High Humans, that's why they started attacking the place with the most mana with that signature, which is the Lupache estate."
"I see, then, this is the price of United Front abusing the use of Pseudo Artifacts to fight the Demon Lord Envoys." Director Yu spoke with a soft tone.
"More like Fey creatures, particularly the elves, abusing the power of Pseudo Artifact if you asked me," Loval said with a grin.
"I agree. Yet, I think it's a good thing." Diko interjected.
"What?" Loval raised an eyebrow.
"Then does that mean you have another opinion regarding this matter, Director Diko?" Celathis asked.
"I do." Diko smiled confidently.
Thalamik, I can never thank you enough for all of this.
-~A few minutes before
"Hmm, why do the demonfolks attack the Lupache estate region?"
"Ah, that's because this and that..."
"Wow Thalamik... your analysis is rather comprehensive. Do you think this is the explanation?"
"In all honesty, I already predicted A Demon Lord would soon attack the Lupache Region. Yet I never get to know the exact date. I also already have a plan that would work if we managed to win this war."
"I see, but you will be going soon, right? If only a war isn't going on, I would take you to the director board as you lay out your plans."
"Don't worry, Director. I have it all on here." Thalamik gave a paper sheet. "This is the detailed plan and countermeasures that I have planned. It is detailed, but doesn't cover the details of how we can defeat them. So all of this planning is based on the assumption that we win the war."
"I see, but it's good enough, I'll be sure to convey this to the board."
"Ah, and just take the credit. I don't need it. But there's something else I need that you probably already know, right?"
"Haha. A good trade. I'll be sure to work hard and find a way to meet Zuatha. I'll remember this favor."
-~
Now it's up to you, Thalamik, if you manage to lead them to victory, we can win this war.
***
Suddenly, an overwhelming surge of dark mana burst forth from Focalors, shrouding her in an ominous, malevolent aura. Her body trembled violently as the power within her reached a terrifying apex. Her eyes, previously fierce but controlled, now blazed with wild, unrestrained fury.
"Witness true despair!" Focalors roared, her voice warped by the immense energy. With a single devastating beat of her wings, she sent a shockwave stronger than ever before that blasted Raymed, Cobalt, and Istar off their feet, scattering them helplessly across the battlefield.
Raymed coughed harshly, pushing himself up shakily. "What just happened…?"
Istar, her form flickering weakly, spoke gravely. "She's unlocked her full power. We must retreat—now!"
"Retreat?" Raymed wiped blood from his lip, staggering upright. "There isn't much time yet for people to evacuate! Everyone will all be left behind—"
"Then we stop her here," Cobalt cut in, rising beside him, battered but unbowed. "Or we die trying."
Before they could ready themselves, Focalors descended upon them with merciless speed. Her claws blurred, striking relentlessly, leaving deep wounds that pulsed agonizingly. Raymed desperately tried to counter, but his strike seemed futile, barely scratching the empowered Demon Lord Envoy.
Cobalt surged forward, summoning a gale of piercing wind blades, but Focalors laughed, brushing aside the attacks effortlessly.
"Useless!" she sneered, striking Cobalt with a crushing blow that sent him spiraling violently into the ground.
Istar, panicked and desperate, conjured a barrier of radiant energy. It shattered like glass under the force of Focalors' wrath, and she was hurled aside, landing in a broken heap.
Raymed, eyes wide in horror. Yet he didn't give up. He channels his mana into his katana.
With a defiant yell, he lunged forward, delivering a strike infused with all his might. He used his Split Flow technique to properly control the mana. Avalon was now fueled with his Mana.
Raymed lunged in a speedy movement towards Focalors as he swung his blade with a red tail light.
"Split Flow: Star Striker! HAAAA!!!!!!!"
.
.
But then.
KWANG!
Focalors merely caught the blade with her bare claws, snapping the blade into two effortlessly.
"How pathetic," Focalors said.
"No more games," Focalors hissed darkly, her voice chillingly calm. Her talons seized Raymed's throat, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. He choked, struggling weakly as darkness crept into his vision.
"This ends now," she whispered coldly, tightening her grip.
"Raymed!" Istar cried, trying to rise, light magic flickering desperately in her fingers.
Cobalt, crawling through dirt and blood, spat out grit. "Don't you… touch him…"
Focalors turned her head slightly, eyes half-lidded in boredom. "You still breathe? Annoying."
Raymed's vision blurred as his arms dangled, but a flicker of blue light pulsed from within him.
"I'm not… losing here…" he growled, forcing a hand upward.
I have to abandon Split Flow...
10%
20%
50%
Focalors frowned, sensing the mana twist. "Still struggling? How dreadfully human."
Then—burst.
A final eruption of unstable, raw mana surged from Raymed's body, forcing Focalors to recoil slightly. It wasn't enough to hurt her, but it made her release him.
Raymed collapsed to the ground, coughing violently.
He reached for the broken remnants of his katana. He grabbed Avalon's hilt and slowly stood, trembling as he began gathering mana.
"I'll end this… even if it costs me everything."
His body began glowing, mana roaring wildly around him.
Avalon slowly began regenerating itself as Raymed supplied the necessary mana and willpower to still fight.
80%
88%
90%
99%
"HAAA!!!!!!"
He was channeling 99% of his total output—a suicide-level blast, just like when he fought Baal.
Flashes of memories flooded his mind: Thalamik's lectures, Carmilla's gentle smile, their laughter.
"I'm sorry, Thalamik, you were right," he whispered. "This happened because of my foolishness…"
I don't know how many times he had my back.
I don't know how many times he tried so hard to protect me.
I am sorry.
I am sorry that I always nitpicked your plans.
I am sorry.
I am sorry. This may be my last battle.
Raymed gritted his teeth as he toughened up his will to once again fight.
No matter how tired I am, no matter how much Mana I have to give.
I will defeat Focalors.
That's my promise to you, Thalamik.
Please take care of Carmilla.
I'll see you both in the next life.
Raymed saw glimpses in his mind of a person he met not so long ago. A woman with blonde hair who came into his life so suddenly.
My only regret is that I can't meet Kourin again.
"HAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Raymed broke his limit. He was holding no expense towards his Mana Output.
Then...
A golden beam of light tore across the battlefield, striking Focalors' wing with blinding precision. She shrieked in surprise, flailing midair as feathers burned away.
Raymed blinked, stunned.
That light…
"Shining Strike of Victory, Ezel!" Golden flash emerged like a thunderclap as the light zig-zagged, cutting clean through Focalor's wings.
"That's!!!"
.
.
.
.
There stood a woman who was no longer cloaked, no longer hiding. Her ponytailed hair danced in the wind, white robes gleaming under the sky.
"Kourin!?"
"I came just in the nick of time, huh?" she said with a faint smirk, stepping beside Raymed.
"You shouldn't be here," Raymed muttered, shaken—but thankful. "But… I won't ask why."
He rose again, posture steadying.
"Hey. It's the first time we're fighting together. Try to keep up."
"Sure will," Raymed replied, smiling back.
Across the field, Focalors trembled as she laid eyes on Kourin.
Her expression cracked—genuine fear seeping in.
"No… it can't be… You are—"
Tap.
"Shush," Kourin interrupted softly.
In the blink of an eye, she appeared beside Focalors, plunging a blade deep into the Demon Lord Envoy's stomach.
Focalors screamed. "Damn you, human!"