Evil Avalon

Chapter 163 A step towards reversal

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

— Satsuki Omiya’s POV —

There was a huge hole torn into the outer wall. And through that hole, I saw an overwhelming presence radiating immense magical power—Mikhail Maxim. In his right hand, he was clutching a white spider—Arthur.

“Satsuki-nee! What do we do?!”

He was still alive. But blue blood was streaming from wounds all over his body, several of his eight legs were gone, and his breathing was shallow and weak. Seeing our precious companion in such a pitiful state, Kano-chan let out a small scream and panicked.

Arthur possessed knowledge and combat sense rivaling Lisa and Souta, and his level was extraordinarily high. In terms of overall combat ability, I’d always believed he surpassed any adventurer I knew. And yet, even he was defeated. That reality struck me hard.

But that white spider was only a temporary body made by magic. Arthur’s true body was safe, waiting in the castle on the 38th floor of the dungeon. No matter what happens, no matter how badly injured this body gets, he won’t die. Knowing that is the only reason I’m able to keep calm—but I need to explain that to Kano-chan too.

Still… now that Arthur is down, who can hold back Mikhail?

There’s no way someone like me could buy even a moment of time. Among those here, the strongest is Mammiya-sama, so naturally he’s our last hope… but when I glance around, wondering where he is, I find he’s already standing next to me, having ended his fight at some point. He raises his hands in a surrender gesture, as if to say, “Don’t count on me.”

“My power’s unusable for a while. Not that it would matter—I doubt it would work on Mikhail anyway.”

“If even you can’t handle him, we have no choice but to run.”

“…Do you really think it’ll be that easy?”

Kirigaya-san insisted we escape immediately since Mammiya-sama can’t stop him. But Kusunoki-sama pressed him: how do you run from an enemy who could destroy this entire building if he wanted to?

Fighting is impossible. Even fleeing seems impossible. Yet no other ideas come to mind—and while we hesitate, Mikhail, who had been floating outside observing us, drifts through the hole and enters the building.

When we saw him at the clan party, he wore a suit. Now, he’s clad in a grand white robe adorned with geometric magic circles—the very attire of the legendary “Eastern European Sage” from the textbooks. Combined with the sheer magical power distorting the air around him, it was enough to rip away any will to resist.

This was Mikhail Maxim’s true form. Seeing it made me want to applaud Arthur for holding him back so long, even as despair gripped me.

Mikhail’s icy blue eyes swept across the room, then stopped on us. He stretched out his left arm, and suddenly the density of his magic skyrocketed.

“Incoming! Ngh—!”

Chizuru-san hurriedly raised her staff and cast a barrier, just as a blazing light struck in an instant. The two forces clashed violently, but she barely managed to deflect it—the barrier shattered with a single hit.

But that wasn’t even a full-powered attack. It was just a probe, a test. And now, as he lit up his left hand again to launch another shot, we tried to hide behind Chizuru-san—only for her to shake her head with a grim, “It won’t hold,” making us panic.

Mammiya-sama reluctantly picked up a fallen sword, intending to face it head-on, but before he could move—
a red-black blur sliced through the air like a gale.

“Like hell I’ll let you! Uoooooorahhh!!”

The figure stepped in deep, twisted his body like a batter going for a home run, and with incredible force, struck the magic projectile back with his sword.

His suit was tattered and dirty, but that firm back… and when he turned, a daring grin on his lips—Kano-chan, who had been cowering beside me, burst into tears and leapt into his arms.

“Onii—! You’re back! You’re safe!”

“Of course I am. Like I’d ever die. Satsuki, thanks for protecting my sister.”

My best friend came back, just like he promised.

The magical power pouring off him was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Yet strangely, it wasn’t unpleasant—it felt almost comforting. Proof of that was Kano-chan, narrowing her eyes happily as he stroked her head with those red-black energy-clad hands, clinging to him without fear. Perhaps magic with no hostility truly can soothe people.

On the other hand, Kusunoki-sama and Chizuru-san were frozen in shock, unable to breathe, because his magic was so absurdly strong. He must be using some trump-card skill to boost himself far beyond his limits. And the strain it puts on his body… that much was clear from the gentle smile on Souta’s face.

As I quietly felt a pang in my chest, more powerful allies arrived behind him.

“Haa… I’ve got plenty of questions for the brat later, but for now… beating that guy should settle things, right?”

“That’s the hardest part. If we could at least capture Sanada-sama… but for now—Kirara, you did well.”

“Rokurogi-sama! Toudou-sama!”

Drawing a white-glowing blade, Rokurogi-sama strode forward. Beside her came a woman in a ninja suit—judging by Kusunoki-sama’s reaction, someone of considerable rank. Behind them, an entire squad of kunoichi in red waited, making it clear just how many forces had gathered here.

From the edge of death, it felt like we’d taken a half-step forward. Yet even with all these allies, how many could truly stand against Mikhail?

He landed lightly as Sanada-sama knelt to greet him. Holding Arthur by the neck, Mikhail extended his arm, as if to say “Resist, and he dies.” Kano-chan cried out in anguish again, but Arthur’s eyes weren’t dead. In fact, they burned brighter than ever.

“Ghh… I bought you time… The rest… is up to you… bring ruin…”

“Count on it. Tell them to hurry up with the ace in the hole when you get back.”

“That’s it then… Mikhail Maxim. I’m giving you… your first-ever defeat as a present… heh…”

Blue blood dripped from his mouth as he grinned wickedly and declared, “You’ll lose.” Mikhail raised his other hand, gathering light for a magic shot. Arthur smirked one last time—“Later, bastard.” Then he dissolved into white mist and vanished…

That “ace in the hole” must mean Lisa. Her level was about the same as mine, but to defeat the Eastern European Sage… how reckless will she have to be? It worried me. But Lisa understood the importance of surviving this battle—and she’s resolved herself. Then so will I. I’ll back her with everything I’ve got.

Meanwhile, Mikhail stared at his empty hand for a moment, then fixed his eyes on us as he began chanting separate buff spells with both hands.

“So the regular army was taken out by that black barrier?”

“Yes. But as long as you remain, Mikhail-sama, the plan can proceed without issue.”

“…I see. Then I’ll move forward myself. You handle the corpse recovery.”

“As you command.”

Sanada-sama’s reply—“As long as we have the corpses, we can obtain the God-tier knowledge and succeed.” Which means, as long as we live, their plan fails. So our only option is not to die—and hold out until Lisa is ready. That’s our victory condition. I reaffirmed that in my heart.

Souta must have reached the same conclusion, because he whispered, “Buff me,” and stepped forward, brimming with energy and magic to shield everyone.

How I wish I could fight by his side. But my strength isn’t enough to keep up with him at full power. So instead, I raised my staff high, praying for everyone’s safety, and invoked the strongest magic I could muster—《Accel Vision》.

"Sanada and Mikhail—who do we go for first?"

"I'll take Mikhail... I want to see just how strong this so-called legendary adventurer really is."

"Then I'll go for Sanada-sama. I missed my chance to finish him off earlier."

Souta gripped his sword with resolve shining in his eyes, Rokurogi unsheathed her blade clad in a wet-looking bluish-white aura, and Mamiya-sama, now exuding a dark surge of magic, picked up two bloodstained daggers from the ground, twirling them in his hands. It looked like he was planning to fight dual-wield this time.

"Satsuki. Sorry, but... I'm leaving Kano in your care again."

He said that apologetically, then turned his back to us as his magic flared up, positioning himself right in the line of fire between Mikhail and Sanada-sama to block their advance, ensuring we could escape safely.

To honor that friend’s wish, the first thing I needed to do was get Kano out of here using the teleportation item. After that, I had to decide whether to help evacuate the guests or destroy the remaining magic circles.

Then, a strange flow of magic started to ripple across the wide room, like something sinister was stirring beneath the surface. It felt like two massive beasts glaring at each other at point-blank range. The invisible clash had already begun.

I quickly pulled Kano and Chizuru by the hand, backing away toward the exit—but Chizuru suddenly said she wanted to stay and fight alongside her brother. Thankfully, Kano grabbed her other hand and helped drag her along with us.

The battle that was about to unfold would be beyond anything we could imagine—a fight that would shatter all sense of normalcy. Maybe Chizuru, who had reached Level 30, could keep up, but it would also make her a potential weakness and put her in mortal danger. For pulling her away in time, I had to give full credit to Kano for that lifesaving move.

Out in the hallway, we found Kusunoki, Kirigaya, and a crowd of kunoichi dressed in red filling the space. Their leader, a woman named Toudou, quickly gathered information and unified the plan.

"—I see. If it’s true that there are no explosive magic circles, then we should prioritize locating and destroying any remaining interference circles. Kirigaya, as Kinrankai, what do you think?"

"Fine by me. That way we can sync up with my old man and focus on slaughtering those white-robed bastards."

"But Mikami-sama is still in the clan party hall—!"

Kirigaya agreed to prioritize destroying interference magic circles, and just as Kusunoki started to say something, the door blew inward with a massive blast of wind. The fight had begun.

I tried to pull Kano and Chizuru farther away, but how far would we have to go to actually be safe? That thought slowed my steps.

I figured I should ask Toudou for a decision, but before I could turn around, the teleportation item in my pocket started glowing so brightly it was almost obnoxious. A call was coming through from the other side.

『Kanoooo! Satsuki-chan!! It’s me, me, meee!!』

Normally, a teleportation item had to be held close to your ear to hear the voice, but whoever was calling was pouring so much magic into it that the voice boomed loud enough for everyone around to hear.

Everyone, including Kusunoki and the kunoichi, stared wide-eyed that it was working despite the interference magic field. Kano lunged forward, holding it to her face, and replied.

"Arthur-kun! You’re alive! Hey, can you use Gate?"

『Gate? No way there. You could only use it in a dungeon or near an adventurer school, at best.』

Arthur sounded frustrated, grumbling about losing to Mikhail and wanting revenge, but Kano cut in, asking if he could use Gate.

However, Gate had strict activation rules: it could only be cast near a registered Gate Room or near a registered person or location. Arthur was right—the only places that worked were inside a dungeon or near an adventurer school.

But then I remembered—the room we’d just been in had a Gate tablet, and Souta was right nearby and registered, so… wait, what?

『Whoa, it worked?! How?!』

"Everyone, inside! Chii-chan, you too!"

"Huh? Kano, is this—"

A violent surge of purple light appeared without warning a little ways down the hall. The kunoichi mistook it for an attack and hurriedly drew their kunai. Kano, however, shouted for everyone to get inside and, dragging Chizuru by the hand, dove in first.

Then—DOOM!—the corridor shook violently several times, cracking the walls wide open. There was no time left to argue. We had to go in, even if just to regroup. I raised my voice too, urging everyone forward.

"No clue where this leads, but guess we’re doing this!"

"In for a penny, in for a pound! Let’s go!"

Kirigaya vanished into the light first, followed by Kusunoki, Toudou, and the kunoichi one after another. Another deafening crash rang out, shattering some of the ceiling lights and plunging the hall into darkness.

The other side of this Gate had to be Arthur’s house. It would probably be freezing over there, so I’d better grab a coat as soon as we arrived.

After confirming I was the last one left, I turned back toward the room we’d just left, whispered a prayer, and stepped into the violet glow.

"Souta, I’ll be right back… Wait for me."

My vision flared bright, then turned to darkness as gravity seemed to vanish. When I opened my eyes a few seconds later, I found myself in a world of endless frozen silver.

　*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

“Hey, hey, hey! Quite a crowd you’ve brought along… Welcome to my home!”

As soon as we arrived, I started pulling winter coats with hoods and boots from my magic bag. While I was doing that, a boy approached us, stomping down the snow as his large horns swayed.

I already knew he was safe, but seeing him alive and well in person made me breathe a sigh of relief. Kano, with tears in her eyes, hugged him tightly. He didn’t seem to mind it at all, and just this once, I’ll allow it.

“Where… is this place? Who are you? And what is that castle?”

“It’s… so cold! Please, anything will do—just give me something to wear!”

“More importantly, look at the mana concentration! These numbers are off the charts!”

Kirigaya exhaled white breaths that looked like smoke as he darted his eyes around nervously. Meanwhile, Kusunoki and the kunoichi in their ninja suits—exposing their arms and shoulders—shivered in the biting cold, standing knock-kneed as the chill pierced their bodies.

The sky was stormier than usual, and the snow blasted sideways, stealing body heat the instant it touched skin. Coming from midsummer Tokyo to this freezing tundra, it was no wonder they were trembling. But… when I jumped here earlier, Arthur should have been inside the castle. Why is he outside now?

Meanwhile, Toudou and a few of the kunoichi stared intently at their wrist-mounted mana density meters, as if to say they didn’t have time to worry about something like cold.

This was the deepest part of the 38th dungeon floor, commonly known as the “Demon Castle Area.” That massive Western-style castle built on elevated ground was Arthur’s home. When I first came here, I was stunned by the cold, the thick mana in the air, and the sheer size of his house—but at least there are no monsters around, so everyone can relax on that front.

That said, this place was far too cold for a discussion. If only there was some kind of solution… but I only had a few spare coats left.

“Hey, Arthur, let’s head over to the entrance for now! Everyone’s going to freeze out here!”

“Ah, right! Guess this might be a bit cold for humans. Okay then—let’s go!”

Kano pointed toward the castle entrance, and Arthur, finally realizing how cold it was for us, started striding forward with long steps. With the promise of warmth ahead, the rest of us had no choice but to hurry after him. I’d heard demons were resistant to status effects and environmental hazards, but this? Not even flinching in a blizzard? That’s taking it to an extreme.

Clutching my chest tighter against the biting wind and snow, a thought crossed my mind: Being able to return to this place was a huge advantage.

We managed to get Kano and Chizuru to safety. Now we could regroup, assess the situation, and discuss strategy. Plus, from here, we even had the option to escape to the surface. I had no idea what was happening outside the building now, but with this many people, there was a lot we could accomplish.

Until now, everything had been so sudden—I’d been completely swept up, desperately fending off crisis after crisis. But from here on, things would be different. None of us had given up, and we could still take that first step toward turning the tables. I believed that with all my heart, and as I steeled my resolve for what came next—

“Achoo!”

…first, I needed to get out of this cold.

TL Note- Grand Battle in next chapter(probably) tbh I am suffering from cold too.

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