"Don't underestimate me."
Aegjes dragged his jet-black tail and turned even faster, even using the force of the Holy Hammer to accelerate and swing it in the opposite direction.
In response to this, Ross relied on his own strength, directly defied the law of inertia, and immediately swung the holy hammer to meet the attack.
Bart twisted his wrist at that moment, slightly changing the trajectory of Eggjesus. Eggjesus's blade then slid across the surface of the swung holy hammer and headed for Rouse's shoulder.
Rolls used one foot as a pivot, twisting his body to avoid the attack, then directly stepped forward with a pivot foot, shoulder-slamming into Bart. However, at this time, Bart had already twisted around and was behind Rolls.
Their positions were swapped, but they did not stop moving.
Rouse's Holy Hammer swung with his body, unleashing a sweeping blow. Bart also turned and struck the underside of the Holy Hammer with Eggjesus, sending it careening upward.
Spinning and spinning, Aegjes drew countless black circles in the void, and the crisp sound of the demon scythe blocking the holy hammer echoed all around.
Rouse's Holy Hammer completely disregarded inertia, swinging at a sharp angle to unleash a storm of destruction. However, the more fierce the Holy Hammer's attack became, the scythe that swept it away, leveraging its momentum, its rotational speed increased infinitely.
The infinite circular motion never stopped for a moment, and to others it looked like a spherical barrier composed of countless black lines.
The force of the blow intensified the whirlwind created by the slash; the force of the slash amplified the destructive power of the blow. The incredible synergistic effect generated a localized typhoon centered around the two of them.
"How is it possible... that he fought Lord Rouse on equal terms?"
The White Light Knights, led by Airem, wore stunned expressions, as if they had witnessed something unbelievable.
Before they could react, Rouse seized the momentary opportunity to unleash his soul magic. Ordinary magic was ineffective against the Demon Eater Scythe, but Rouse thought perhaps Age of Gods magic might offer a chance.
“—Soul Charge!!”
"Harvest—Aegjes!"
The dark night-colored wave was cut off by the blue blade. That being said, it didn't seem completely useless, as a slight impact struck Bart. However—
"I know. I can use the magic cycle (perseverance) to survive this move, right?"
Bart grinned without hesitation. If it was the weakened Soul Charge of Eggjess, it seemed he could withstand it.
Ross clicked his tongue and jumped back to create some distance.
Because the fight between the two was so intense and fierce, the White Light Knights were unable to intervene. Only then did they finally exhale the breath they had unconsciously held.
"...What a terrifying skill. You possess that divine weapon, but you possess no inherent magic, yet you were able to defeat me with pure martial arts."
"Thank you for the compliment. It's my honor."
Bart continued to spin his scythe at super speed and shrugged. However, inside, he was sweating profusely. He knew from the leader's report that Rouse could use magic to explosively enhance his abilities.
Although he still had some strength left, Bart was already fighting quite seriously. He could only smile bitterly in his heart and sigh, "As expected, the God-Age Magician is very unfair."
Meanwhile, Ross was also internally smacking his lips. In all these decades of battle, he had never received any reports of the "Knight Hunter" using inherent magic.
Like magic, he perfectly parried and neutralized every incoming attack, even using it to enhance his own combat effectiveness. Truthfully, such skill reached the realm of divine skill. No, considering his nickname, it should be called magical skill. Indeed, such exquisite technique simply didn't seem humanly possible.
Bart, not knowing whether he knew what Ross was thinking, looked at Alem and the others who were beginning to surround him and said jokingly:
"You're surprisingly not that remarkable."
Bart's tone was provocative and mocking, but he was speaking from the heart.
"Are you confused about something?"
"──"
For a brief moment, only Bart, who was facing him head-on, could see that there was a slight wavering in Ross's eyes.
(I was right. He doesn't look like a church member at all... But this is the best for us.)
During the struggle, Bart had vaguely sensed that Rouse was confused, but now he was convinced. He also confirmed that Shim and the others had retreated.
The thick fog almost covered the entire area, and it would be very difficult for Ross and the other federal soldiers to retreat.
"Okay, that's enough for now. I'm tired too, I need to go back."
"You're kidding! You're the only one I won't let go of—"
Airem erupted in a rage, erupting in white flames. The other White Knights were also furious, unwilling to let Bart escape. Royce also glared fiercely, refusing to act rashly.
Bart smirked at them.
"Everyone, die! Eggjess!"
The jet-black scythe continued to spin, emitting a light like an explosion. The next moment—
"! Everyone defend!"
As Rouse shouted, hundreds and thousands of blue magic blades were unleashed indiscriminately in all directions. Bart, far from allowing the magic power absorbed by the white flames to return to him, instead launched the magic blades that continuously fed his own magic power.
Perhaps it was worthy of the White Light Knights, as almost everyone deployed barriers in time or used their own unique magic to neutralize and dispel the attacks, thus remaining unscathed. However, it was also undeniable that they were completely slowed down.
When the storm of magic blades subsided, all that was left was a thick white fog, and Bart was no longer visible.
Returning to the silent battlefield, Ross sighed.
"retreat."
The order was responded to by countless sounds of gnashing teeth.
——The "Son of God" imprisoned by the savage orcs must be recaptured.
Under this righteous cause, the [Erbad Divine Kingdom], the base of the Holy Light Church, declared war on the [Republic of Hartrina]. Nearly a month had passed since that declaration.
The total number of Knights Templar mobilized for this war was approximately 11,000.
The First Army, led by Lilith, and the Third Army, led by Zeba, each numbering 5,000 men. The White Light Knights numbered 500, the Beast Light Knights numbered 500, and the fifty-man Priesthood, led by Cardinal Baran Distak, who was responsible for the care of the Son of God upon his return.
To ensure that the Son of God—the Age of God Magician—accepts the will of God as entrusted to him by the "Oracle Priestess."
Originally, the Divine Kingdom should have mobilized its entire military might for an attack, but if the host nation left its cities empty, the consequences would be disproportionate. Therefore, approximately half of the participating knight orders, the Second and Fourth Armies, and the Knights of the Light, whose primary mission was to protect the Pope, did not participate.
That being said, it's said that the Templar Knights' combat power alone rivals the combined might of an entire human nation. As for the Knights of the Three Lights, while each group only has around a thousand men, their combat power ratings are similar. While their combat power is only one-fifth of the full force, it demonstrates just how seriously the Divine Kingdom is taking this war.
Furthermore, the military nation [Odion Federation] also sent about half of its total combat strength—100,000 troops—to participate in the war.
The Kingdom of God has the power to recruit, mobilize, and command the armies of other nations in the name of God. The Odion Federation's deployment of troops this time was also due to the Kingdom of God's use of this power.
To suppress the natural fortress [White Forest], a stronghold is needed, so it is naturally necessary to mobilize troops from the neighboring country [Odion Federation].
It takes about ten days to travel from the Kingdom of God to the Sea of Trees using the latest airship.
Before the Knights Templar arrived, the Federation Army, following the Kingdom's orders, had initiated the battle. Initially, they assumed that even if the Federation Army couldn't reach the Sea of Trees, they would easily accomplish their assigned mission.
Their mission is to control the combat power of the Republic Warriors, reduce their combat power to a certain extent, and confirm the identity and whereabouts of the "Son of God".
Judging from past events, the Republic's total combat strength is approximately 100,000. Of course, with some exceptions, they do not use magic. While their physical abilities are superior, the Federation Army is also a major military power, with a strong army and the ability to use physical enhancement magic, making them a strong enough match. With the White Battle Plains and the Great White Forest, invasion is difficult, but the Orcs themselves are not a significant threat.
I originally thought that the orcs were only relying on the sheer power of the land to protect them.
But after the actual battle and being defeated, I realized that it was not the case.
"Even after deploying 'White Light' and 'Beast Light', they can only reach the outer edge of the sea of trees..."
──The frontline base, the capital of the Anguliv State of the Odion Federation, Agris.
In the central castle, voices filled with frustration echoed. In a corner of the city, transformed into a military stronghold, a long, heavy table sat in a hall used for military meetings.
Sitting at the two ends of the upper seats were Ross and Mulu, and sitting next to them were Lilith and Zeba. After them, the deputy leaders of each group, bishops, and federal personnel sat down in the order of each group.
The one who had just spoken was the old man sitting at the head of the long table as the Pope's deputy. He held the highest position in the Kingdom of God, Cardinal Baran Distarch. He usually wore a smiling mask to hide his cunning and treacherous nature, pretending to be a kind old man. But only at this moment did his true nature show up slightly.
Seeing his appearance, the bishop and federal officials turned pale and fidgeted as if they were being interrogated.
"This, this is also the Federation's responsibility! You guys didn't help at all!"
"That's right! What military state? That's ridiculous! That's right, it's all you who are holding the Knights back! It has to be that way!"
"It seems the Federation doesn't understand the meaning of God's command! They've been toyed with by a mere barbarian tribe! Your faith isn't strong enough!"
In order to ease their inner worries, the priests and others began to look for war criminals.
"...I'm deeply sorry, but the power of the individual beastmen is beyond imagination—"
"You're making excuses! How shameful!"
Detelf Ernst, the leader of the [Odion Federation] and also the Alliance Marshal, muttered to himself, "These guys do nothing, but their shit-throwing skills are getting better and better."
Despite being over sixty, he exuded a domineering aura that rivaled even those of Legion Commanders like Rouse. Though human, he stood two meters and fifty centimeters tall, his entire body covered in muscle armor. His hair and beard were white, and his eye, cut to pieces, was now single. While this man was undoubtedly a formidable warrior, he was also a distinguished politician.
Perhaps because they saw the king of a country showing a submissive attitude, they got carried away and began to throw dung even harder...
"The reason is the magic of the gods."
A physically heavy sound echoed, and the whole place fell silent.
Everyone's gaze naturally shifted to the voice's owner—Royce. Although he sat with his hands folded across his chest and his eyes quietly closed, his entire body exuded a tingling aura.
Only then did the priests seem to notice the atmosphere on the scene.
A closer look revealed Mulu, his cheek resting on his hand, looking impatient. Lilith's forehead was bulging with veins, and Zeba was drumming his fingers on the table, seeming quite anxious. The vice-captains, led by Aram, also looked at the priests with icy eyes.
Balaam coughed.
"We are currently in a military meeting. I understand your feelings, but if you want to hold someone accountable, please look elsewhere."
The implication was that the priests should not interfere with the military meeting. He spoke directly on behalf of the leaders of the group. The priests apologized in panic and each of them retreated to their seats.
However, the reasons why Rouse, Mulu and others were angry were completely different.
Balan was unaware of this, and he urged Royce to continue explaining.
"Lord Baien, could you please explain?"
"That's not really an explanation, Lord Distak. The warrior group's power has suddenly increased dramatically... They can't use body-strengthening magic. Even if there are those with inherent magic, they can't strengthen almost all the warriors on the front lines. There's no other possibility except the Age of Gods magicians."
"So, Miko-sama's power is related to strengthening magic...right?"
"Yes, and it's not just physical enhancement. I've fought warriors with inherent magic, and I feel they're even stronger than the knights of our order."
That means that magic can not only strengthen the body, but also enhance abilities, or even enhance a person's special abilities...
Rouse continued in a heavy tone:
"The limit of my ascent is unknown, but for now, it's probably about the level of my 'Second Limit Breakthrough'."
"That's double..."
Among Ross's soul magic, there's a "Limit Break" function that can lift the soul's limits, boosting its abilities. This can ultimately reach as much as five times its original power, but its extreme power also comes with side effects. To optimize its use according to the situation, Ross has mastered an eight-stage technique.
"Yes, just as Ross said. The wind controlled by the Winged People I fought was even capable of bringing down a Holy Dragon. Ordinary Winged People can also keep up with Holy Dragons in terms of flight speed and maneuverability."
Mulu's inherent magic "Holiness" has a powerful brainwashing effect on monsters. It can also greatly enhance the abilities of monsters, allowing them to use various light-attribute magic.
Thanks to this inherent magic, all the sacred beasts of the Beast Light Knights can continuously deploy barriers, so they cannot be easily shot down unless the attack is of higher-level magic or above.
"As much as I hate to admit it, that bunnyman who seems to be the captain of the Secret Warriors is a real threat. Once she's in hiding... I think it'll be very difficult for anyone other than Lord Royce to find her on their own."
Zeba now looked so angry that he was about to bite his teeth, and Lilith added angrily:
"Because she not only vanishes, but even her presence vanishes completely. I don't know how she does it, but even the mist remains motionless, and I can only detect subtle changes in her footsteps... She's a natural-born assassin."
Plus, there was a werewolf whose gravity would be disrupted if he got close, so even though it was a stretch, he could still handle his near-instantaneous movements—Lilith said with a bitter expression.
Rouse sighed and said:
"Even we were struggling, and it's only natural that the Federation Army, with no prior intelligence, would suffer casualties. No, it should be said that the fact that we, a minority, were able to avoid being surrounded was entirely thanks to the Federation Army. Lord Detelf, thank you for your help."
"...Yes, this is an honor for our country."
Detelf blinked, looking confused. For a moment, his eyes met Routh's, and he saw that this was also an apology for having just treated him as a war criminal. Detelf couldn't help but smile bitterly inwardly.
"Regarding that fog...you said it was a little unusual this time?"
A priest asked the question awkwardly, and it was Balaam who answered.
"Based on past records, we can infer that the fog barrier was man-made."
The fog only erupts from the trees when needed, covering even the larger trees. This phenomenon has been occurring for centuries. Therefore, it can be seen that someone must be interfering with the fog, and that this power is passed down from generation to generation. This means that this person must be the king of the Republic.
"That being said, the precise concentration of the mist at the point where it's blown away, the delicate manipulation that seems to dissipate our own power, is something no one has ever managed across an entire battlefield before."
Airem reported with a frown.
"The sea of trees regenerates at an unusual rate. According to records, it takes about a day..."
Incineration operations had been conducted against the Sea of Trees in the past, but after just a day, vegetation would grow, and the troops were always left in the middle of the sea of trees, utterly annihilated. However, when Erim used the "Holy Flame" to incinerate it, the vegetation grew almost instantly.
Lilith folded her hands across her chest, as if she was thinking about something.
"If Miko-sama's Age of Gods magic is 'All Power Up'..."
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