ALL NOVEL Chapter 285
285. March (3)
#285
“Come on in. I hope you’ve been given a general idea of the situation.”
“Yes! I brought all the extra blood as you said!”
The soldiers who heard Lohrhon's question answered loudly. Behind the dimensional gate they had exited through, a snowy field with a blizzard spreading out before them.
It was the 2nd Allied Corps that was attacking the northern branches of Nebula Clazie. Lorhorn, who was laughing, gestured for them to come in.
“Yes. It’s cold, so come in quickly and warm up. Kratir, have you gathered from the south?”
“Yes, Master. We’re almost there.”
Kratir nodded. The three portals before him all led into the sweltering jungle.
“I received the order and returned.”
“Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for accepting the sudden call.”
Kratir bowed. His face was noticeably pale, having exhausted his mana after a long time.
The only two space wizards on the continent, Lorhorn and Kratir, were constantly twisting and tearing space, gathering the troops scattered across the continent. This is what was meant by opening.
“It’s still the same there… huh?”
Nabirose, who was admiring the scenery of her hometown for the first time in a long while, raised her eyebrows. A familiar man was walking out from the back of the procession.
“Jarrodin?”
“It’s been a while.”
The man raised his hand and greeted her. With his sunken cheeks and gaunt body, he was worthy of the nickname of the Wear Bug. He was Jarodin, the highest level earth wizard and her nemesis. He approached slowly and stopped in front of Nabirose.
“Looks fine. That stupid knife is still there.”
“···Where did you leave Sunya and come alone?”
Nabirose frowned. His wife, who was always with him, was nowhere to be seen. Even though she had been resurrected, I knew she was still in need of help.
“I asked for protection from the Full Moon Tower. On the condition that I return to the Tower Mage once the work is done.”
“You said you never wanted to work with those blockheads again, but you made a bold decision. Are you sure you won’t regret it this time?”
“I just made a more rational choice. If I lost here, it would all be over. I decided that if I had to fight, it would be better to fight to save the world my wife would live in.”
Jarodin said. Instead of answering, Nabirose snickered. His face was just as grim as when he had fought his former self in the jungle.
“I see you now know how to say something plausible.”
“I came to my senses too late. Then I will go and see Balzac.”
“hmm?”
“I lived without even caring, but when I heard the news of his death, I didn’t feel so good. Don’t die.”
Jarodin, who had finished speaking, suddenly turned his back. Suddenly, the thought of his relationship with the deceased Balzac flashed through his mind. He had been a rival who had not yet decided the matter. It seemed that the shock was greater than he had thought.
If you think about it, there was someone she was involved in a similar relationship with. This one was already decided, though.
As Nabirose, lost in thought for a moment, looked at Jarodine's back, a huge shadow appeared over her head.
“This is surprising. I thought you were definitely one of those who call themselves married to the sword, but you were hiding such a shabby lover.”
“Keep talking nonsense. I’ll skin you and make you a fur coat.”
Nabirose turned her head with a growl. Sure enough, Zaifa was standing there, clutching his back. The sword in his dark hand was still soaked in the blood of the giant.
His face, facing the final battle, was surprisingly calm, contrary to expectations that it would be filled with venom. Nabirose asked.
“You’re so relaxed. Have you forgotten your hatred?”
“I just decided not to get angry about the obvious. That way I can kill bugs better. You don’t get angry when you kill cockroaches or mosquitoes.”
Zaipa answered dryly. It was a part that showed his attitude toward Nebula Clazie. It seemed a bit precarious, but he thought it was worth it. Nabirose smiled bitterly.
“···Yeah. I see.”
“You did well earlier. Your skills have improved, but now I really can’t guarantee a win or loss.”
Zaifa grumbled. He was talking about what he had seen during the battle with the giant Vasagia. In fact, Nabirose's sword skills had improved by leaps and bounds since the second swordsmanship battle.
“You’re saying the obvious. It would be better to enjoy your place until this battle is over.”
“The third challenge is also the first time… As always, I won’t turn down a challenge that comes my way. But I have to hurry.”
“Why?”
“I have a prior engagement, and if I make a mistake I feel like I’ll lose there.”
Suddenly, Zaipa extended his finger and pointed to the center of the battlefield. Nabirose turned his gaze. Schlieffen was sitting on a rock that jutted out, meditating.
“······”
It was to calm his mind before rescuing Iril. Pale Road, the treasured sword of Grancia, was lying next to him as if sleeping. Nabirose's eyes narrowed.
“What is a pre-arranged promise···”
“Yeah. That’s the kid.”
Zaipa chuckled. Schlieffen sat still, but he was not sitting still. Even from a distance, he could sense a chillingly powerful murderous aura.
Is this what cold anger is like? It felt like a north wind was blowing around Schlieffen's body. Zaifa shook his head as if he was tired.
“I’ve been watching you for the past few months, and you’re a total monster. I guarantee you that we won’t see someone with that kind of talent for another thousand years.”
“How does it compare to Ronan?”
“Ah… there was that kid too. It’s hard to tell which is better.”
Zaipa, who snapped his fingers, began to worry. Nabirose sighed and looked up at the sky. He was worried that he would be swallowed up in anger, but at the same time, he felt proud.
“···When did you grow up like that?”
The melted sun was casting its sunset over the wasteland. It was a cool evening, unlike summer. The voices of those preparing for the final battle could be heard from all directions.
“Be careful not to spill a single drop!”
“Now that dawn has come, there is no time to make more!”
The remaining soldiers were busy transporting the diluted liquid made from Ronan's blood. Since this would be the final battle, they had no intention of leaving any extras. The transport vehicles that would be used in the battle to capture the headquarters were being remodeled into tanks, with armor made of black iron or mithril added.
Bang! Bang! Bang! The sound of iron striking iron could be heard from all directions. Doron, the blacksmith who was hammering, extended his hand without turning his head.
“Didikan. Bring me some iron plates over there.”
“I see. I’ve never seen my husband do something like this before.”
“You work hard too. This could be our last hammering.”
“Huh, don’t say such nonsense. I can’t die until I surpass my inspiration.”
Didikhan held out the plate, chuckling. However, as usual, it was not a cheerful laugh. Doron tried to ignore the fear contained within it and took the plate.
“Yes. I hope so.”
“I’m sure things will work out well this time too… Hey? It’s been a while since I’ve seen those guys.”
“hmm?”
“Why, Ronan’s friends. They’ve all become so manly.”
The corners of Didikhan’s mouth went up. His gaze was fixed on Marja and Asel, who had just reunited. Marja, who had exited the dimensional gate, waved her arms and shouted.
“Axel!”
“Ma, Marya?!”
Axel gasped in surprise. The one running towards him with her blonde hair fluttering like a lion was definitely Marja. Come to think of it, I said I had provided supplies to the Northern Front.
It was the first time I had seen her since I had started to fully eliminate Nebula Clazie. She quickly closed the gap between us and hugged Asher tightly.
“Ugh. I can’t breathe…”
Asher, who couldn't breathe, flailed her limbs. Her hair, which had returned from the North, was covered with white snow flakes. Marja smiled, pulling Asher's cheeks with both index fingers.
“I heard about the award for your outstanding performance. You’re amazing! Of course, it’s not a situation where I should be happy right now, but you’re amazing anyway!”
“Ah, it hurts···!”
“Are you being deployed this time too?”
It seemed that he had somehow heard about the exploits in the Battle of Basagia. Asher, who had been laughing and crying, nodded.
“Uh, uh.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you! I won’t let anyone interfere with your magic!”
Marja said, rubbing her nose against Asher's. Asher's face hardened for a moment. Unlike her smiling mouth, her eyes were dripping with fear and anxiety.
“I’m sure it’ll be okay. Now that we’re here, what could possibly happen?”
“Marya···.”
It would be stranger if he didn't fear the dangers of the giants, even though he knew them. After all, Asher had been trembling in fear just a moment ago.
But strangely, looking at Marja’s face, the trembling subsided. I couldn’t figure out why. Asher, who was holding her two hands, smiled.
“Thank you. I will protect you too.”
“What···.”
Axel said. His voice was unusually calm. Marja, who had been dumbfounded as if shocked, turned her head.
“What? All of a sudden.”
The ear that was sticking out from between the hair was dyed red. Realizing that he had said something quite embarrassing, Asher hurriedly let go of his hand. Suddenly, a hearty laugh echoed from somewhere.
“Hahaha! It’s nice to see. It seems that love blooms in desperate situations!”
“Brahm?”
Asher and Marja turned their heads at the same time. A bald man with a moustache was standing there, grinning. Braum, armed with plate armor and a great shield, now looked like a real knight.
“What, are you fighting with me too?”
“You’re in the same Allied Forces, but this is too much. Fighting to save the world from destruction. What greater honor could there be for a knight?”
Braum said, pounding his chest. At that moment, a girl with dark purple hair landed lightly in the air. It was Erzsebet, the daughter of the Akalusia family. The three people's eyes widened.
“Elzébet?”
“It’s been a while, everyone. I’m glad to see you looking healthy.”
She sent a dignified greeting. She was a great magician, and like Marja and Braum, she had been dispatched to the Dawn Tower, and was assigned to assist the Allied Forces with the magicians there. Asher asked.
“Hey, what about the Dawn Tower? Is it okay without you?”
“Of course it’s not okay. I’ll go back as soon as the offensive starts. I’ve also prepared the scroll.”
“Why, why would you do something like that···?”
“Oh really. Why do you keep asking that?!”
“Eek!”
Suddenly, Elizabeth became irritated. Asher was startled by the sight of her yawning cat-like figure. Elizabeth spoke sharply.
“I just came to see you all because I was worried! Isn’t that something that can happen between friends? Do you not think of me as a friend or something?”
“Oh, no…! We’re friends. Yes!”
“Huh. That’s right.”
Elizabeth smiled with satisfaction. It was the first time I heard the word friend come out of her mouth. Was she suffering from some kind of disease that makes her more honest as the end approaches? She looked around and continued speaking.
“That thief… no, it seems Ronan hasn’t come back yet… what about Sister Adeshan?”
“I’m having a meeting with Lord Navardo over there. It’s taking a while.”
Axel extended his finger and pointed to the barracks at the corner of the battlefield. Inside the makeshift tent, a meeting of the major commanders was taking place.
The Allied Forces were almost ready to launch their final offensive. All the dimensional gates connecting to various parts of the continent were closed.
However, Kratirman was chanting some spell with his eyes closed in the middle of the battlefield. It was unusual for him to be sweating coldly. Asel was about to say something more.
“Ugh!”
Kratir opened his eyes. He took a deep breath and spread his arms wide to clap his hands. Clap! A cheerful sound echoed through the battlefield. Feeling Mana’s massive movement, Erzsebet hurriedly turned her head.
“Uh, that’s…?!”
The space was distorted. Suddenly, the scenery in front of my eyes was torn apart, revealing a forest and a lake. It wasn't hard to guess the situation. Asher took a deep breath.
“Seo, you said you were going to open it···!”
The densely packed forest, with no room to set foot, was a sight that was unmistakably a paradise forest. The huge lake seen from above reflected the pure white sky covered with clouds.