Chapter 31 I'Ll Show You... The Strongest!
The members of Ail's group headed towards Ignitor's direction from the rear.
On the other side, Logan Abrams didn't turn a blind eye to the traitors in front of him, keeping his gaze fixed on them.
Twelve adventurers from the ≪Slayers≫ and ≪Hapan≫ parties, each armed and ready, stood facing Logan's group. The battlefield they occupied was the only entrance to the 45th floor, guarded by Ignitor, and it was clear they were blocking their escape route.
(Well... if possible, I'd like to capture them all alive and extract information...)
In terms of numbers, the other side was at a disadvantage.
Even with Ail's group having left, the "Labyrinth Conquest Team" still had 25 members. Yet, they didn't show any signs of anxiety.
In other words, they had confidence in their own abilities. If they didn't have absolute faith in their victory, they wouldn't be able to maintain such an expression.
(It doesn't seem like they'll be easy opponents... I should prepare for the worst.)
Still, Logan didn't think he would lose.
He, too, had confidence in his own abilities. Because the clan is based on the existence of infiltrators, Logan had never shown his true strength to his clan members.
But that was beside the point.
They, too, understood that they were in a position to oppose the Necronia Council and the Four Great Families of the Seals. If they were caught, there was a high possibility they would take their own lives.
If capturing them alive was impossible, it would be best to extract as much information as possible while they were still alive.
So, Logan opened his mouth.
"Hmm... what should I call you people? The 'Dawn Star Brigade'? Or the 'Evil God Cult'? Ah, no, according to the latest confirmed name, wasn't it the 'Ragnarok Order' that revealed themselves in the yellow dusk? Well, that was over 120 years ago, so it might have changed by now. But I'd like to know your name, at least."
In any era, there have been those who secretly infiltrated Necronia and opposed it.
Their goals were not fixed and varied with the times. World conquest. Worship of evil gods. Pursuit of truth. Desires for the end of the world. But the means to achieve those goals were all the same. ——That is, the utilization of [God's Remains].
It was a betrayal of the world, and no matter what the goal was, it would immediately lead to the world's destruction, making it an untouchable taboo.
The existence of such an organization was something that not only Necronia but any country would not permit.
However, human arrogance made them think they could utilize [God's Remains], which even the Gods couldn't seal away.
Those arrogant ones who misunderstood. Some of them were the ones in front of me.
"Huh? What are you saying? I don't know."
But they denied it with a sneer, their faces twisted in amusement.
The one who spoke was Judas Hyperor, the leader of the ≪Slayers≫, a 25-year-old youth. His job was the Unique Job of 'Flash Swordsman', a swordsman who wielded a slender sword and was known for his elegance. His abilities were top-notch, even among the ≪Labyrinth Conquest Team≫.
"Hmm? If you're saying you're not like that, then why are you attacking us?"
"No reason in particular."
With a carefree tone, he replied as if teasing him, but didn't seem to intend to give a convincing answer.
(Hmm... I thought that if they were confident in their victory, they would speak lightly, but... their words are surprisingly firm. Is their organization's control that strong?)
He thought it might be pointless to continue talking, but he decided to push further.
"If you're saying you're not related to the organization I'm thinking of, then stop opposing us. You seem to have confidence in your abilities, so I'll give you some advice. ...You have no chance of winning."
"KUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
Judas burst out laughing, holding his belly as if he had heard a hilarious joke.
"That's rich, coming from you, Mr. Sword Saint! How long do you plan on keeping up this strong act? You're just a relic of the past, and we're the new generation of strong ones. You can't keep up with us. You're already outdated."
"...Hmm? I won't deny being called a relic, but what makes you think you're the new generation? From what I've seen, you're not any different from us. Is it just your youth that's supposed to be impressive?"
Even as he said that, Logan was skeptical of Judas's words.
――New Generation.
He sensed a nuance in Judas's words that implied they were special beings.
"Whoa, I think I've said too much. I don't plan on chatting with you anymore."
It seemed like he wasn't going to tell him anymore.
"...But, I suppose it's a souvenir from the underworld. I'll go ahead and reveal our True Identity."
"Really...I'd love to know that."
But then he suddenly decided to reveal their True Identity.
What was he planning, anyway? Logan thought, and silently waited to hear more.
"You guys must have heard the rumors, right? About the group that took down the 'core' monster and its minions during last year's Stampede...the True Identity-unknown group, ≪Extreme Sword≫?"
From behind Logan, a voice rose from among the clan members, "No way..."
Judas's smile deepened at their reaction.
"Hehehe...that's right! Be shocked! We're that ≪Extreme Sword≫ group!!"
The True Identity of ≪Extreme Sword≫ was still unknown...but Logan was certain it was a lie.
If they were really ≪Extreme Sword≫, why would they try to stop the Stampede caused by their own comrades? Well, Judas had said they weren't part of an organization, so there was no contradiction...
It was just a bluff to confuse them. That was the most plausible explanation...
"Ah, now that you know we're ≪Extreme Sword≫, are you despairing? Then let's make you despair even more!"
The next moment, Judas and the others took out something from the Storage Ring.
It was a small vial, and inside, a red liquid was swaying.
(A potion?)
Although the color was different from a normal potion, the vial was indeed a potion bottle.
Judas and the others popped the cork of the red potion with their thumbs and, without hesitation, brought it to their mouths――
"I'll show you... the Strongest!"
And drank it.
The so-called potion didn't work by absorbing its ingredients into the body through the blood vessels in the intestines to produce a medicinal effect.
Potions didn't contain medicinal ingredients that affected the human body; instead, they were a type of magic tool that produced magical effects or fixed them using various materials.
Therefore, the effects were immediate.
The variation that visited Judas and the others also appeared immediately.
"WHOAAAAAAAAAAA!! IT'S COMING IN!!"
The first thing they felt was a rapid surge in magical energy.
The magical energy emanating from Judas and the others was increasing at an incredible rate. The total amount of magical energy, which was clearly lower than theirs before drinking the red potion, was now rising to a level that rivaled the guardian of the [God's Remains Labyrinth] deep floor.
Of course, it was impossible to grasp the exact amount of magical energy with magical energy sensing.
Even so, standing before an existence that possessed an enormous amount of magical energy made them feel an indescribable pressure. That pressure was as strong as the guardian's.
However, the variation in magical energy quantity was a minor thing.
Logan couldn't hide his surprise at the external variation that occurred in Judas and the others.
"Golden eyes, you say...?"
Throughout all eras, in beings that could be called "human," the color of their eyes held a special meaning.
The bloodline of the Gods.
A being that inherited the blood of the gods.
Currently, it was a characteristic that only appeared in the bloodline of the [Four Great Families of the Seals].
Judas' eyes didn't originally have that color. Before drinking the potion, they probably had a normal, unremarkable eye color.
(Is he a descendant of the [Four Great Families of the Seals]?)
Even as Logan wondered, he denied the possibility.
The bloodline of the [Four Great Families of the Seals] is strictly managed, and if a child is born, they would be taken in by a branch or main family once they exhibit golden eyes. It's unheard of for eye color to change later in life.
"Hey, don't be surprised by something like magical energy or eye color!"
Judas snickered and readied his weapon again.
"Come on, take this!!"
In an instant, 4 swift sword slashes were unleashed.
The sword lines etched in the air were 4 in number. They transformed into aura blades and flew forth.
Flash Swordsman Skill――[Flash Quartet]
The 4 blades flew towards Logan and the others. A high-speed quadruple attack.
Logan, who received the attack, swung his sword horizontally.
The Sword Saint Technique skill――[Flying Dragon Sever]
A powerful slash that could even cut through a flying dragon flew forward, canceling out [Flash Quartet].
Logan felt a slight sense of surprise at this fact.
(...Canceled out?)
Originally, the Flash Swordsman skill was supposed to be fast but lack power. The unique aspect of Flash Swordsman was its varied and high-speed attacks, and it was impossible for just 4 slashes to cancel out [Flying Dragon Sever]. The attack of the 'Sword Saint' job, said to be one of the strongest in Unique Jobs, wouldn't be so weak.
Originally, [Flash Quartet] should have been easily defeated.
When he fought Aaron at the guild's underground training ground, he was easily defeated, but that was an exception, an abnormality. [Flying Dragon Sever] wasn't a skill that could be easily canceled out.
"...Is that what it is?"
However, he'll hide his surprise and ask calmly.
"You idiot! What are you proud of winning? Say that after you've seen this!!"
Judas didn't lose his composure, continuing to swing his slender sword.
Flash Swordsman Skill――[Flash Solo][Flash Duo][Flash Trio][Flash Quartet][Flash Quintet][Flash Sextet][Flash Septet][Flash Octet][Flash Nonet][Flash Decet]
The number of sword lines etched into space like a flash of light――55 in total.
A flurry of sword strikes that filled his vision, as if unleashed in a single breath.
The speed at which he swung his sword was also incredible, and the speed at which he activated his skills was equally astonishing. It was an abnormal attack that seemed to surpass human limits.
But he didn't have time to think deeply about that abnormality. Logan followed his instincts, which screamed danger, and immediately counterattacked.
The Sword Saint Technique skill――[Flying Dragon Sever]
The Sword Saint Technique skill――[Destructive Wave]
Two powerful skills clashed, neutralizing each other's aura blades. However, they could only cancel out 10 of them. Normally, skills can't be used in rapid succession like that. The more powerful the skill, the more impossible it is.
(――What's going on? I can't keep up!!)
The Sword Saint Technique skill couldn't keep up with the counterattack. There was no time to activate the skill.
Immediately after, 45 sword strikes mercilessly attacked Logan.
The ground was etched with numerous sword lines, and dust clouds rose. Logan, who was at the center, couldn't be seen activating any powerful skills.
In other words――,
"Lies, right...?"
"Did Mr. Logan lose...?"
He was cut down by countless sword strikes, unable to do anything.
The defeat of the 'Sword Saint', the spiritual pillar of the clan, sent shockwaves through the clan members.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
Judas laughed loudly at the sight.
A twisted, joyful smile filled with pleasure.
"Hey, hey, hey! You're kidding me, Sword Saint! I'm not even sweating! I haven't even gone all out yet, and I'm still holding back!!"
"――That's right. I messed up."
"Huh?"
A voice came from the other side of the dust cloud.
"But don't worry. It looks like I can still have some fun with you."
As the dust cleared, there stood Logan Abrams, unscathed and smiling.
"What... just happened...?"
Judas stared at Logan with his eyes wide open, as if he had seen something impossible.
The skill-based counterattack should have been too late, and it wasn't like the attack was avoidable.
But the result was that Logan was standing there, without a single wound.
"I've been thinking lately... maybe I should focus on more fundamental skills too."
Logan held up his sword, and a gentle yet powerful aura covered the entire blade.
"It's just [Parry]."
It was a basic, all-purpose skill that could be acquired by many Jobs.
To begin with, the aura blade Judas had released was flying almost parallel to the ground, and even if it fell to the ground, it would have traveled a considerable distance. Yet, the blade was falling to the ground right in front of Logan.
The reason was that Logan had deflected the attack with [Parry].
"What the... You can't deflect all those attacks!!"
"I didn't deflect all of them, though."
As Logan had been active as a Clan, he had had many opportunities to observe Aaron Gale's battles up close.
There, he had seen Aaron frequently use Basic Skills.
At first, he thought it was because of their difference in skill level, but as he observed more closely, he realized that it was just Basic Skills.
For example, he would deflect the enemy's attacks in a deliberate direction, making them collide. He would counterattack, or change the trajectory of the attacks in a chain reaction, and dodge the enemy's attacks without moving from his spot.
Right now, Logan can't precisely guide the direction of his attacks or defenses because his [Pally] skill level is insufficient. However, if he knows the complete form, he can get close to it by using his skills properly――that's how it is.
"It seems I still have a lot of room to grow."
"What's with this nonsense...!!"
"Ah, sorry. This is our conversation."
Normally, people wouldn't think of raising their [Pally] skill to that level.
There are many stronger and more reliable skills that can deflect, defend, and counter enemy attacks.
But Basic skills have their own advantages, too. They have fast activation and low consumption. Moreover, if Logan can raise his [Pally] skill level to the same level as Aaron's, it will become an extremely powerful skill.
Logan Abrams has discovered a way to become even stronger.
And if he clearly understands this method, he's confident he can become even stronger.
On the other hand, he was also thinking about Judas's variation.
"But now I understand. The increase in magical energy, the rise in physical ability, and even the control of aura are all connected... In other words, all your abilities, including your skill power, are abnormally rising... It's definitely a threat."
"Hah, you finally understand? That's right! It's not just about being good at defense; you can't win against me! My magical energy is endless! My physical ability surpasses human limits! My stamina is bottomless And my aura control is rising! I can instantly convert magical energy to aura, and by storing aura beyond the limits of my skills, I can increase my power to a different dimension! You, the old humans, don't stand a chance against me!!"
Logan let out a deep, deep sigh.
It wasn't a sigh of despair, giving up on everything――rather, it was a sigh of disappointment.
"Is that all?"
"Huh?"
"I was expecting so much more... but it's just that. The disappointment is severe."
"Aaahhh!!"
"If it's like this, having a mock battle with Aaron would be 100 times more enjoyable and meaningful. You guys are definitely strong, but... it's just that your basic abilities are high. There are plenty of monsters like that. What's more, I don't get the feeling that you guys are going to crush me. My instincts are telling me that."
Logan spat out the words with a bored expression.
Judas's face turned red with anger at that attitude.
"――Don't get too cocky, you antique! You think you can beat us? You're just a useless piece of trash who can't even read the situation!"
"Hmm? What do you mean by 'situation'?"
"It's Ignitor!! How do you think we ended up setting up a trap here? Do you think you can take on both us and Ignitor at the same time?"
"I see. If I had to fight both you guys and Ignitor, I'd probably end up dead, no question. But aren't we leaving Ignitor to Ail's group?"
"You idiot! You think a small group like you old humans can take down Ignitor? You'll all be killed in no time, it's obvious! That means you're finished!"
"This is... unexpected, even for me."
"Huh?"
Logan laughed.
With a somewhat disappointed look, he seemed to be lacking energy.
"It seems like we were having a fun chat while they were finishing things off over there."
"Huh?"
Logan pointed behind him with his thumb.
Even while facing off against Judas and the others, Logan's magical energy sense had been keeping track of the wider area, and had detected the sudden disappearance of a massive amount of magical energy just a little while ago.
Behind him, the massive wall of flames that had been blocking off this side and the other side had vanished.
Logan hadn't predicted this turn of events. While he didn't think Aaron and the others would lose, he did have doubts about whether he could really win against that many people.
He had expected that they would take care of things on this side and then go to help Aaron's group.
But when he opened his eyes to look, this was what he saw. It was unimaginable that Ignitor would be defeated in such a short amount of time.
Really, how did they manage to take it down?
"I think I've been unfair to you guys. I didn't mean to stall for time like this, but..."
"......"
Judas and the others widened their eyes, gazing far into the distance behind me.
Then, their gaze swept across the sky, confirming that no one was flying around, and further down to the ground below. They could understand this feelings. They probably thought it was hiding in the magma.
But if Ignitor was around, they should be able to sense its magical energy even if it was hiding in the magma ―― if it was still alive, that is.
Judas started trembling violently, and eventually opened his mouth.
"――――Huh?"
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