117 Dragon Hunting (2/2)
Even the tallest buildings are built from the lowest foundations. Before Bastlar became a Heroic Spirit, he was a normal Wood Elf Ranger, but he advanced to become a ‘Nightfall Blader’. Nightfall Bladers are adept at enchanting their equipment to counteract their opponent’s strengths and attribute.
It seems that even now, Bastlar still remains as a Nightfall Blader. He still specialises in enchanting his own equipment, just that the enchantment he uses possesses Dragon Slaying effects, an enchantment normal Nightfall Bladers are unable to wield. That is also the reason why he always has a large bunch of Dragon Slaying equipment with him.
If so, the reason why the situation developed to its current state is apparent.
When the giant chains and shackles fall from the sky, Bastlar, who has overcome innumerable hopeless situations, didn’t let this golden opportunity slip by. He immediately used his abilities to enchant ‘Dragon Sealing’, ‘Dragon Binding’ and ‘Dragon Slaying’ effects on it, thus forcibly converting the giant chains which the Hydra could easily disintegrate into a godly weapon that could bind a SemiGod Dragon, not to mention the fact that the chains are already around the Hydra’s massive body.
”No matter who he is, I, Bastlar, thank him.”
The scales of the battle fall completely towards one side. Bastlar made use of this opportunity to conduct a series of savage assaults against him and it seems that the Hydra is already on the verge of dying. Charging all the way here, our group managed to witness such an incredible sight.
Even when bound tightly, the savage Nine-headed Dragon before us should not be underestimated. This mountain-like giant beast occupies half of the entire river by himself. Every time a Dragon head fails to break free of its shackles and crashes onto the ground, a powerful shockwave would cause the surroundings to tremor. Also, the Dragon Breaths from the Dragon heads travel far and wide, easily devastating the green mountains in the distance.
Bastlar, who holds the upper hand, is even more impressive. With a casual wave of his hand, the sword by his waist floats in midair for a moment before enlarging into a massive Dragon Slaying Blade. Magic runes that represent ‘Dragon Slaying’ flash on the sword. As the gigantic blade comes surging down, venomous blood spurts out of the gigantic Dragon head as it falls into the river.
Honestly, in the face of such a battle, I really want to just turn around and leave. Given our current strength, if we were thrown into such a fight between top-tier powers, we would end up dead from the shockwaves alone. However, the Hydra’s gigantic body is blocking the road to the underwater base. There is nowhere we could retreat to now.
Wait for Bastlar to emerge victorious? It is too hard to tell who would win. There are only 20 minutes left to the Great Judgement and when the time runs out, all of the ‘sinner-binding shackles’ will disappear immediately. Regardless of what Bastlar does, when the enchanted weapon disappears, the effects of the enchantment will also dissipate. Thus, the Hydra would regain his freedom.
Hope that 20 minutes would be sufficient for him to end this battle? For a battle between SemiGods, if their strength is around the same level, it is possible for them to fight for several years straight. If the Hydra was so easy to deal with, forty to fifty minutes should have been more than sufficient for Bastlar to kill him. Due to his powerful regeneration Race Talent, the Nine-headed Dragon Emperor had been dubbed by many as the Master of Prolonged Battle.
Staring at the carts behind, I silently pull out my sword. However, I didn’t have the intention of allowing any of the others to join in the battle.
Under such circumstances, even though the classical saying depicts that the brave one would emerge victorious when two people meet on a narrow path, in reality, the both of them have to be at least around the same strength. Otherwise, the sacrifice of the brave would just end up meaningless.
Getting involved in a battle of this level would mean certain death. Thus, I could only think of a way to avoid it. This is a demanding trial on my eye for discernment, battle experience and flexibility. Currently, our strongest fighting force is Krose, who is Saint-rank under the augmentation of the Forbidden Spell. However, this isn’t something he, who has never undergone a fight between SemiGods, can interfere in.
”Charge! Let’s get rid of that evil Dragon! That enemy is worthy of a battle!”
Just when I was still thinking of a solution, someone seems to have misunderstood my action of drawing my sword. The action seems to have given her courage. Reyne smacks her horse and rushes forward!
”Damn it! Stop creating death flags! Hurry up and return!”
There is a reason for Reyne’s overconfidence. Reyne has risen to Silver-rank under the effects of the System’s gold fingers. After receiving her Frigid Nightmare, she barely crosses the boundaries to become a Gold-rank. Then, under the Forbidden Spell, she gains the strength of a Legend and the overwhelming power within her that she has never felt before made her feel invincible. Not to mention, slaughtering those powerful Seafolk on the way here built up her confidence.
However, in my opinion, any Silver veteran would be capable to dealing with this inexperienced ‘Legend’ easily.
Just as I rush forward to stop her, a blood-red figure blocks my path. He is a red-robed Mage. Despite the silver hair, his face is red like an infant’s. There is a kind and warm smile on his face and he looks like an amiable elderly.
”A courageous and mighty Legend Aurora Knight, as expected of the great Knight Princess! I am Auland Empire Advisor Marsolit. Under the orders of the Emperor, I have come to protect the Princess. Allow me to lend her my strength! Also, I could make use of this opportunity to avenge Deimos!”
Raising his staff, crimson-red light shines on both us and the enemy. Under the effects of ‘Bloodthirst’, Reyne charges with greater speed and might towards the Nine-headed Dragon. On the other hand, the attack directed towards the Nine-headed Dragon is a vile Blood Drain Curse. The Dragon head which the Hydra is trying to regrow spurts out a large amount of blood and the regeneration fails.
”Blood Mage Emperor Marsolit? Why would he be here?”
Any other person would think that he is a kind person. However, I instinctively felt guarded and alarmed by his actions. This Auland Empire Advisor has always kept a low profile and maintained the image of a good person before others. However, ‘history’ has exposed his true face as an uncontrollable bloodthirsty maniac.
Just as mentioned previously, Mages who train in the art of unorthodox Water Magic, Blood Magic, would become bloodthirsty. Marsolit is already at the stage of viewing other lifeforms as living mobile blood bank. Personally, he favors the blood of females and infants. The crimes he has committed are innumerable and unpardonable, even sentencing him to death a hundred times would be insufficient for him to pay for his sins.
As for his claim to avenge Deimos, that is even greater bullshit. Indeed, when the Hydra first appeared here, he killed the ‘Dragon Hunter’ Deimos and severely wounded Marsolit, who was attacking the Seafolk from the fleet. However, in ‘history, they were both mortal enemies. The reason why Marsolit was willing to cultivate in the art of the depraved Blood Magic was to exact vengeance on Deimos. He should have been happy over his demise.
For a bloodthirsty demon to suddenly spout a bunch of lies, it immediately heightens my wariness against him. At this moment, Reyne is already at the edge of the battlefield between the SemiGods.
”Darn it! Scram!”
PS: Previously, when he said he is using close-combat Magic Sword as his primary choice of offense, it doesn’t mean that he is giving up on the others. The King of Undead Lich, the Envoy of the God of Law, the Winter Knight of the Northern Country and the legendary Holy Knight Prince Roland. Every one of these jobs are a source of power, his identity as well as the companions beside him. In order to realize their ultimate aim of reversing fate, every single one of this identity is important, so naturally, he cannot give up on any one of them.
Really sorry for changing the terminologies now and there (caps)I know I keep saying that I would go back and edit the previous ones to standardize. Even though I haven’t got to doing it yet, I really intend to do so but I have been a bit busy recently (a bit of procrastination as well)
Well, if anyone is interested in doing it feel free to apply and look for me :D