Evil Avalon

Chapter 129 Attack that penetrates absolute defense

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

――Satsuki Omiya's Perspective――

Thick, gloomy clouds swirled overhead, and occasionally, a thin, mournful wind, reminiscent of a delicate scream, blew across. Powerful undead creatures roamed the area, creating a dark and oppressive wasteland that wouldn't feel out of place even if called hell. This was the hunting ground known as the "Feast of the Undead," located deep within Dungeon Floor 15.

In this seemingly inappropriate place, lively and energetic voices echoed.

"Let's go, big bro!! Do it!!"

"What are you doing, Calamity? Knock 'em out!"

On a mat about 3 meters square laid on sandy ground, the three of us—myself, Kano-chan(Hanano), and Arthur-kun—leaned in close to watch a small monitor placed on the ground. In the center of the screen, Souta and Tsukishima Takuya faced each other, their figures appearing small.

Since this footage was captured by the camera activated on Lisa's small wrist device, the quality wasn't particularly good.

And yet, unlike the unsuitable nature of this place, lively and cheerful voices filled the air.

But this wasn't a safe zone by any means. Cheering like this was bound to attract the attention of undead creatures who, even in this hellish environment, were a constant presence.

"...Grooo..."

With exposed bones and a tattered greatsword in hand, an undead creature tried to run towards us, but each time, Arthur-kun effortlessly shot a magic bullet without even looking, instantly defeating it. As a result, several magic stones were left lying around. I should pick them up later; it would be a waste.

However, Souta and Tsukishima-kun's battle was beyond my expectations. I had envisioned clashes of swords and magic bullets, but what unfolded was a different dimension of combat.

Unknown psychic attacks, summoning of a steel giant and an angel, and the high-speed aerial battle from earlier—all of it was a continuous series of surprises. The skills, tactics, and swordsmanship were all astonishing. I wondered if Lisa had experienced such battles before. I couldn't help but wonder what the two watching with me were thinking.

"That golem that Souta summoned was like a battle from a special effects anime, right? Kano-chan didn't seem surprised at all. Maybe—"

"That's right! When I became a 'Mechanical Warrior' with big bro, I gained the ability to create golems. Watch this—'Handmade Golem'!"

Kano-chan joyfully took out a magic stone, infused a small amount of magical power, and a golem about 50 cm tall stood up from the sand. However, it quickly crumbled after moving a bit, either because it was made from dry sand or because the infused magic power was too little.

There's a job called 'Mechanical Warrior' that allows creating and controlling golems as an advanced skill. The steel giant on the screen—though currently broken—was also created using that skill.

As far as I knew, getting an advanced job required considerable aptitude, and even if one could attain it, I thought it would be only one type of job. However, Kano-chan had traversed multiple advanced jobs. According to her, as long as you had the stats and levels, you could freely change jobs. If that was indeed possible, it would significantly increase the flexibility of skill slots...

And then, there's the astonishing job called 'Mechanical Warrior.' By accumulating experience, one could apparently acquire the skill to create a base inside the dungeon. Kano-chan was eager to build a villa in a comfortable place using that skill... Is that really how skills work?

Perhaps today is an excellent opportunity to let go of the dungeon knowledge I've always considered common sense. Calming my thoughts, which were verging on confusion, Arthur-kun pointed to the screen, indicating a new development.

It turned out that Souta was activating his major technique, "Ruthless Defense Barrier." The arena was bathed in a faint light, and sparkles like feathers danced in the air, while a reddish-black mist clung to Souta. That was Tsukishima-kun's trump card. Watching this, Kano-chan tilted her head curiously.

"So, this is the 'Defense Barrier'... Hmm, it doesn't look as strong as I imagined, but anyway, it's Arthur-kun's turn now!"

"Alright, then let's give it all we've got! Kano-chan, Satsuki-chan, watch my cool moves closely!"

With a beaming smile, Arthur-kun walked on the sandy ground while humming a tune. He then floated into the air, stopping at a height of about 10 meters. Immediately, an immense magical power began to gather, causing the surrounding air to distort. The ground vibrated, and even the undead creatures in the distance stopped and lowered their postures, alert.

What Arthur-kun was about to perform was the colossal magic called "Meteor Strike," which had previously wiped out dozens of "Bloody Barons" during the Feast of the Undead. According to the plan, once Lisa gave the signal, he would create a gate connected directly above Souta and unleash the grand magic through it. This strategy allowed Arthur-kun, who couldn't leave the dungeon, to exert influence on the outside world.

The screen displayed Tsukishima-kun, full of confidence. He seemed to doubt neither the resilience of the "Defense Barrier" nor his victory over Souta. Unaware that Arthur-kun's powerful magic was waiting in the wings.

(Tsukishima-kun fundamentally misunderstands Souta's determination and resolution.)

In the first place, Souta never intended to fight fair and square at a one-on-one ratio. With an abnormal level of dungeon knowledge and combat sense, he probably believed he could win in a straightforward battle. Nevertheless, he anticipated every possible attack pattern, calculated numerous strategies to ensure victory, sought assistance in every possible way, and made thorough preparations to ensure he wouldn't lose in this duel.

So, I believe there is absolutely no chance that Souta will lose, and Kano-chan, who cares deeply for her brother, can watch with peace of mind because she knows that.

However, there are still concerns. One is that the location for casting magic is inside the arena. Arena 1, boasting the sturdiness that Japan is proud of worldwide, is the building, but it probably won't withstand that grand magic. Dealing with the aftermath... well, for now, I have to look away.

And another concern is the possibility of Tsukishima-kun dying. Since Lisa insisted on extracting the motive behind the duel and making it a guideline for future actions, it's already decided not to let him die. But to not kill Tsukishima-kun after breaking through the "Defense Barrier" requires exquisite control. Can such delicate control be achieved against that grand magic?

Hoping for everything to go well, I silently clasped my hands in prayer. Then, on the screen, Lisa's hand appeared prominently, pointing at Tsukishima-kun twice. The GO signal had been given.

"Lisa just gave the signal!"

"Go for it! Do it!"

On the left side of Arthur-kun, floating in the sky, a giant and intricate magic circle, about life-sized, was drawn, crackling with overflowing magical power. It was in a state ready to be activated at any moment. Nodding once as my voice reached him, Arthur-kun thrust his open right hand forward, creating a purple light. Beyond that was the arena where Souta and the others were.

"A little exciting souvenir from me! A present of passionate feelings!! 'Meteor Strike'!!"

Unbelievably dense magical power transformed into a dazzling flash of light, being released and drawn towards the gate one after another.

At the same time, the monitor screen, previously tinted with a faint light due to Skuld's "Defense Barrier," was instantly replaced with Arthur-kun's magical color.

　*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

――Hayase Kaworu's Perspective――

Returning to the spectator seats with the student council president, I'm left speechless by the unbelievable battle. I can't comprehend it at all. It's not just me; the people around me seem equally bewildered.

"What the heck is this... a youkai war!? Who are those guys? Hey, hurry up and spill the beans about what you know!"

"An array of concealment skills... truly fascinating. Tactics change so much when you can fly. And that masked guy, his swordsmanship is at the master's level. I'd really like to hear an explanation."

This guy with a muscular build and a small chin beard should be the head of the first kendo club. He's shouting angrily at Suou-kun with a peverted face. The tall person sitting next to him also exudes a sense of dignity, clearly another member of the Eight Dragons. They came running to explain things when the battle between the masked man and Tsukishima-kun began.

A little distance away, the first magic club's head, with long red hair tied in the back, is also seated. While their indifferent eyes seem to be focused on the arena, they appear to be eavesdropping on our conversation.

Even from the perspective of the Eight Dragons, this battle is still abnormal. I've seen the battles of top-notch dungeon-clearing clans a few times in videos, but they were more within the bounds of common sense. There are countries where dungeon clearing has progressed much more than in Japan, and perhaps the masked man and Tsukishima-kun are adventurers from overseas. Nevertheless...

(How beautiful...)

What deserves attention is the sword of the masked man. It's extremely rational, free, sharper than anything I've ever seen, and beautiful. In reality, it was too fast to follow with the eyes, and the time the sword was swung was brief. However, the trajectory of the slash, the three-dimensional movements, the instant tactical insight—everything surpassed my ideals. Truly a master. My heart has been pounding since a while ago. How happy it would be to fight like that.

That's why, if he knows information about that person, I also want to hear it. While Suou-kun is being pressed by the Eight Dragons, I secretly listen to what he says. He answers in a calm, quiet voice.

"I don't know who the masked man is, and I'm also a bit surprised by the many unfamiliar skills... but as I explained earlier, Takuya-san has a trump card, and there's no chance of him losing. Regarding his identity, we can investigate after defeating the masked man."

"Well, that may be true, but... is that the trump card?"

After the masked man and Tsukishima-kun faced each other and seemed to talk for a while, Skuld spread her arms and uttered a voice as clear as crystal, facing upwards. Soon after, a tremendous magical power spread.

"[Let us demonstrate the power of unwavering justice here, the merciless void to the wicked—'Unyielding Defense Barrier']!"

A gentle light fills the entire arena. White, feather-like objects start fluttering from nowhere, creating a sensation similar to relief. Normally, other people's magical power is either uncomfortable or intimidating, but feeling comfortable within such dense magical power is clearly abnormal.

On the other hand, the masked man is surrounded by a black mist-like substance. It gives off an eerie and unpleasant presence. Despite being called a defense skill, it might be a curse, like the golden light.

Even the student council president, who is watching nearby, has a very severe expression.

Before this battle began, he insisted that the masked man would win. Of course, even from my perspective, the masked man's strength is unquestionable. Moreover, he is said to be a member of one of the world's leading clearing clans. However, what can one do against such an abnormal power that nullifies everything?

(If it comes to the worst, I have to... intervene)

Entering there now would require much more courage than when I entered earlier. While forcefully gripping my trembling hands and reprimanding my weak heart, I keep an eye on the masked man's condition, but he doesn't seem to be shaken even after receiving that curse.

For someone of his caliber, it wouldn't be strange if he could deduce how powerful Skuld's skill is. Perhaps he has no plan and has given up...

Watching with such anxious thoughts, the masked man slowly raises his arm and points straight up. Following that direction with my eyes, a suspiciously glowing, small purple orb appears near the ceiling. It soon expands to about one meter in size.

I wonder what effect that has. I hear the head of the first magic club nearby gasping, but if they know what it is, I want them to tell me.

『...Tsukishima. I wanted to ask what you're trying to achieve, what you're aiming for, but it doesn't matter now. First, I'll shatter that confidence of yours and correct your misunderstanding.』

"What are you babbling about... What is that... a Gate?"

〖Ha! Master, evacuate immediately! Protection!〗

The enlarged purple light sphere showed no sign of change for a while, and I thought the conversation would continue. However, Skuld hurriedly stepped forward, creating a barrier-like object. Immediately afterward, an intense light, as if the sun had appeared, manifested.

『—Take this! Meteor Strike!』

With thunderous cracking sounds, the light struck the ground in an instant. The supposedly sturdy floor made of mithril alloy momentarily revealed signs of being gouged and curled up.

The light continued to pour down like a torrent. The overwhelming energy and explosive sounds numbed the senses, and before understanding what had happened, consciousness seemed on the verge of fading.

"Hayase-san, over here!"

Startled and frightened, someone pulled me. In the midst of the chaos, I was taken to a place where the storm and explosions had subsided somewhat, allowing me to finally open my eyes and assess the situation.

"What... what is that! Ugh!"

In front of me, the head of the First Magic Division was vigorously fluttering his red hair while creating a barrier several meters in size, standing with both hands supporting it. Thanks to this barrier, this place was protected. Nitta-san was still holding my right hand, and I could tell that she was the one who had quietly taken me away.

Subsequently, Suou-kun, the Eight Dragons members, and the captain of the First Kendo Club slid in behind her to take refuge.

"I examined the energy gauge with the magical tool I brought, and it showed a value of 'Level 38.' Can anyone explain what's happening right now!?"

"What the hell is this? Horai! But damn, this is outrageous!"

"Do your best, Isshiki-sama! Only you can create a barrier!"

"Ugh... But, Kusunoki-san, this is intense... I can't keep this up for long!"

The Eight Dragons members, along with Suou-kun, seemed unable to grasp the current situation, but that was natural. The arena was enveloped in intense light, making it impossible to see anything, and on top of that, the dust and debris made it unclear what was happening. Building materials, tiles, and rubble were being forcefully thrown against the barrier, making it impossible to move.

How much time has passed?

Contrary to a short while ago, it was now eerily quiet. Although it felt like a long time in terms of subjective experience, in reality, perhaps not even a minute had passed.

I tried to peek around from the debris piled up in front of the barrier, but I couldn't see anything due to the dust and debris. However, the wind started to blow, gradually clearing away the dust. The first thing visible was—the arena.

The walls and spectator seats on the side other than ours were almost completely destroyed, and the ceiling and other parts had completely blown away, revealing the blue sky. It was understandable that the sturdy arena had partially collapsed, given such an unconventional attack. However—

(Is Tsukishima-kun... alive?)

The place where he presumably was still looked hazy due to the dust. Nonetheless, the mithril alloy floor, which was supposed to be sturdy, had been destroyed along with the foundation of the building, leaving several large craters visible here and there. At this rate...

Disaster seemed to be unfolding, and I, along with the Eight Dragons members and Suou-kun, watched with bated breath. Finally, the remaining dust and smoke were blown away, revealing Skuld disappearing into light particles.

Tsukishima-kun was... there. His clothes were charred, and he was crouched down, spitting out a large amount of blood. His left arm was missing from the base, and he was in a semi-conscious state.

Surviving after receiving such an attack alone was surprising, indicating that Skuld's power was indeed extraordinary. Alternatively, there was the possibility that he had finely adjusted the magical firepower, but that was hard to imagine.

In any case, if left unattended, he would undoubtedly die. I hurriedly tried to find the Priest teacher to seek help, but before I could, the masked man appeared behind Tsukishima-kun, raising his sword, ready to strike.

"Tsukishima, you will die after all."

"...Ka... haa... haa..."

The masked man's magical power became murderous. I was about to shout to stop him, but before that, a female student with a huge sword intercepted the sword. The force was considerable, and dust radiated radially, accompanied by a dull metallic sound.

It was Nitta-san. She had been next to me just a moment ago.

"The conclusion has been reached. I hope you'll listen to Tsukishima-kun's reasons for taking such actions."

TL Note- Lisa was a double no triple agent....

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