Chapter 76
Chapter 76 – The Land of Demons
Ares, unlike the Arcadia Empire forces that marched from the south through the Depay river, opted to lead the Black Legion elsewhere instead: to the『Land of Demons』 .
To the west of Heinz is a dense forest where demons and magic beasts live . The demon lords’ residences were also scattered in this place . Thus the people of Grants called the forest the [Land of Demon] and never got to develop the region . More like they [cannot] .
[Heinz has the Galia mountains in its east and the grassland in its north from where the threat of barbarians always existed . And there is this Land of Demons in its west . The only open path was from the south . Heinz is truly impregnable as other countries can only invade it through the south . The Land of Demon acts like a natural shield for Heinz, yet also one of the threats for Heinz itself . ]
Ares explained the reasoning behind his decision to Sigurd .
[This area is already like lord Darius’ playground . If we attack through here, he’ll surely come… in fact, this is the only place where we could afford to have a showdown with him]
Ares nodded lightly .
[After that… what kind of hand Rozenheim’s Scion will play next… it’s a bit worrying . ]
According to the information that Ares had, Darius left many soldiers back home and only marched to the Land of Demon with about 10,000 men .
Also, the two forces will clash in two days .
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[Black armored cavalry… this is the first time I’ve seen something so spectacular…]
On Dirk’s comment, Darius squinted his eyes to have a better look at his opponent . He could only agree with his lieutenant .
[None of the soldiers I’ve seen so far are these unified . It shows a high level skill… we should be careful when engaging them… hmm?]
While Darius and Dirk were exchanging thoughts, a single arrow flew towards Darius with loud swishing noise as it cut through the air .
[What!?]
[Boss!?]
Darius caught the arrow with its tip merely a few centimeters away from his face .
[So you are trying to imitate me…hmm?]
Darius noticed that there is a letter strapped on the arrow . He read the contents and grinned .
[……………… . interesting . The enemy general has invited me for a meeting . ]
[… . Boss will just beat him… is he stupid or what…]
[No, this goes to show how confident he is …back then, I only managed to sample his strength for a short while . I might be able to enjoy myself this time . ]
After crushing the paper with his hand, Darius headed to the appointed hill .
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When Darius arrived one the appointed place, a young man in white battle attire was already waiting there .
[This will be the first time we officially meet . ]
Darius laughed at Ares and got down from his bull steed… he’s just that kind of man .
Ares jumped down from Saint as well and also laughed .
It’s like two best friends greeting each other .
[That’s right… If we don’t do this, a lot of lives would be lost in vain . ]
Staring at Darius, Ares continued to speak .
[Anyways, is it really okay for you to come here on your own just because I proposed it?]
[A person’s general characteristics…is easy to understand after exchanging blows with them . But…]
Darius freed his iron spear from its trapping and proudly held it out .
[I’am the Prince of Grants Principality Darius! Never have I tasted defeat in my entire life! I’ll make you regret your decision to cross swords with me! En garde!]
At that moment Darius’ body was enveloped in his golden fighting spirit, attacking Ares in an explosive burst of speed .
[Schwarzer clan heir Ares Schwarzer, going in!]
Similarly Ares strengthened his body with magic power and clashed with Darius head on .
The『Divine Sword Oldeus』of the『Seven Heavenly Swords』was swung into action .
Ares’ bluish magic power collided with Darius’ golden fighting spirit, erupting in violent and destructive shockwave .
[Gaaaaaaaaaa!]
Ares blocked Darius’ great iron spear with the flat side of Oldeus .
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[Ha!]
Then swiftly changed into an attack that targeted the enemy’s hand .
[Weak!]
Darius calmly twisted his spear to evade the sword, transitioning into another attack right away . Ares was forced to retreat, but immediately unleashed [Invisible Sword] to halt Darius from advancing .
[As expected… fighting this way won’t do, huh…]
Ares prepared his sword once more .
On the other side, Darius was also calmly brandishing his iron spear .
[Then let’s try the other method . ]
Having said so, Oldeus disappeared from Ares’ right hand .
[Holy Sword Excalibur!]
And in its place was a different sword shining in silver light .
[Hmmm…?]
Ares said to the seemingly confused Darius .
[Now let’s do it with pure physical and magical power combined . Here I come!]
This time around, Ares attacked Darius with a speed vastly different than earlier .
[Impudent!]
Not to be outmatched, Darius also wielded his iron spear with an equally fierce momentum . Ares drove his sword in, aiming at the moment when Darius began to swing his spear . But Darius still managed to block his attack in time .
That kind of exchange repeated itself several times .
(Dammit! Even after raising my physical and magical ability with Excalibur, I still couldn’t deal a decisive blow!)
Ares clearly had the faster speed . And yet, Darius blocked each of Ares’ attack with precision and patience as if waiting . Yes, he’s waiting for Ares to be exhausted .
After a couple more exchanges, Ares once again retreated .
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[Is it still too easy for you?]
[Indeed it is… do you still have another thing hidden in your sleeve?]
Hearing that Ares could only sigh .
[To be honest, this will be the first time for me to attempt in real battle while in this body …I’m not even sure if it’ll work… but you’re not someone I can beat so easily, and now that my magic power is enhanced by Excalibur… maybe it might work somehow . I can only try . ]
Ares took a deep breath, then began chanting a spell .
He suddenly roared loudly .
[Hah!]
At that moment, Ares’ body was enveloped by golden fighting spirit .
[!? You can use fighting spirit as well!?]
Ares replied to the surprised Darius .
[Of course . And this isn’t all!]
At the same time, his magic power also blanketed his whole body .
The blue magic power and the golden fighting spirit mixed together, forming a white aura .
[Infusing both magic power and fighting spirit to my entire body… . This is the Sword Saint Shinn Oldeus’ [Magic Sword Style] . Combining physical strengthening and magical strengthening, also Excalibur’s strengthening on top… . This is my ace in the hole… Come, let’s try it again . ]
Having said so Ares poised his sword once again .
[… . . interesting . Truly interesting! One secret move after another . This is the opponent I’ve long searched for!]
Darius showed a ferocious smile after seeing the situation .
[KAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!]
He roared loudly and, along with that, his body also grew even bulkier .
[Just how great of a fighting spirit you have…]
Darius merely smiled widely at Ares’ comment .
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[Yes! Come now, let’s begin anew!]
And with that, Darius jumped toward Ares . Ares also met him head on .
Thus a battle that went beyond common sense continued .
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Later on, after several dozens more exchanges…
The surrounding terrain had been heavily altered, now adorned with numerous craters . Both Darius and Ares were breathing heavily . But Ares evidently was more exhausted than the former .
(No way… There is no way I can win if this goes on . )
In his short moment of respite, Ares calmly thought .
What he needed to defeat Darius is not speed . Without enough strength, his attacks will only leave little to no damage to Darius . All he needed to do was to disarm him of his iron spear… yes . A blow strong enough to break even the hardest of iron used to forge that long spear .
Ares current attack was not enough to destroy Darius’ weapon . If only he could use his entire magic power reserve to strengthen his physical strength to the utmost limit .
Thinking so, Ares undid the 『Holy Sword Excalibur』
[What’s wrong? Want to stop?]
Seeing the situation, Darius provoked lightly despite his rough breathing… but he never left his battle stance . He knew that this young man before him isn’t someone who would easily break down under such pressure .
Ares quietly closed his eyes, ignoring Darius’ provocation . His hand grasped the bladeless『Seven Heavenly Sword』tightly
(All I need now… is a sword that could break through his defense . I should be able to unlock it now!)
[This is a magic sword, an ancient one forged in the fiery flames of hell . ]
Muttering to himself, Ares raised his hand .
[Magic Sword Gram!]
At that moment, a dazzling light and powerful magic were emitted out from the hilt . Many who witnessed the duel couldn’t keep their eyes open due to the blinding light .
When they opened their eyes once more… they saw a new sword within Ares’ grasp . One with an ebony colored blade and crimson colored magic power swirling around it .