༺ Reversed Sea (2) ༻
“Activating the Demonic Essence Tracking System. Scanning for all signs within range.”
“Relocating all to the target area near the academy’s coast.”
“Initiating acceleration sequence. Entering artificial manifestation.”
Hatan nodded upon hearing these consecutive reports.
This was the operation to gather the Demonic Essences of all the Rulers of the Demonic Zones, excluding the still-living Sea Serpent and the confirmed to be annihilated Unicorn, in one place.
According to Dowd Campbell’s request, this process, which normally would take several months to a year, could be done in a ‘much faster’ pace and they had to do it at a ‘designated location’.
‘…They would all think I’m crazy for doing this.’
Now it became apparent why that guy demanded ‘full authority’ over the academy.
Even for the Forge of Struggle, the most technologically advanced of the three academies, it was a tall order to undergo an operation that would forcibly ‘resurrect’ two Special-Grade Demonic Creatures.
To exaggerate a bit, it was almost a miracle akin to reviving the dead.
Apart from the Magic Tower, only the Tribal Alliance could pull off such a feat.
-Are you really going to fulfill that request, Hatan?
Hatan turned his head to look at the hologram of the only War Chief who had followed him to the command room.
Utad Han-Chai. Unlike the other War Chiefs, who expressed various concerns, he was the only one who agreed with Dowd Campbell’s plan.
“You agreed to it too, so why are you spouting something different now?”
-I understand that there must be some reason behind it, but I can’t fathom his intentions.
Utad let out a sigh and continued.
-I don’t doubt that man’s capability, but I can’t understand why he would want to resurrect the already subdued Rulers of the Demonic Zones. And it’s not just that…
His gaze then shifted to the screen in the situation room.
As he did so, the existence that was causing this ‘incident’ was emerging right then.
-…He’s doing so in a situation where such a monster is making its appearance.
When one sent their gaze toward that overwhelming presence, they could understand Utad’s concerns completely.
Hatan and Utad simultaneously groaned at the sight of the gigantic, human-shaped cephalopod emerging from beneath the sea.
Even from a glance, it was clear that it was a ‘long-lived’ Demonic Creature.
Due to their nature of growing by consuming other Demonic Creatures, the age of a Demonic Creature often symbolized strength.
To exemplify this, the Four Cardinal Gods and the Dragon race, considered to be the strongest Demonic Creatures in the Material Realm, were thousands of years old.
“Presence of a new Demonic Creature is detected!”
One of the reporting faculty members made this announcement.
“…It is an interdimensional entity! Identifiable Grade is…!”
The following sentence was no different from a scream.
“A-A Demonic Creature a-aged at least a thousand years old! An Ancient God Class-!”
“…”
-…
Hatan and Utad simultaneously turned speechless.
Its age was more than a thousand years old?
Hunters could only joke about hunting Rulers of the Demonic Zones because it was absurd to think that anyone could subdue them. Yet, what had appeared was a monster that made even those Rulers look like children.
Moreover, there were three of them.
“When was the last time a Demonic Creature beyond the Special-Grade was discovered?”
-It’s been over a hundred years. After all, no Demonic Creatures even came close after the Four Cardinal Gods.
“Am I supposed to say that it’s a relief? At least it’s not several thousand years old like them.”
They exchanged these words in a dazed voice before falling into silence.
Perhaps, they were thinking about the same thing.
“…He’ll die, right?”
-…He probably will.
That man was skilled, but even he couldn’t possibly win against such adversaries, at least they thought so.
Even if he were to run away, there was no way that he could guarantee his survival.
“…He probably didn’t expect such monsters to appear, right? Otherwise…”
He wouldn’t have made the crazy suggestion to face them with just a few people.
Utad remained silent at Hatan’s words.
“Let’s just pray that he’s not all bark and no bite.”
They hoped he could, at the very least, take down one of them.
After all, that would allow some room for strategy against the remaining two.
While everyone was thinking as such….
The following scene unfolded in an entirely unexpected direction.
“To deal with Demonic Creatures of that level, we only have historical records of it, so there are many uncertainties involved. But there’s one thing in common in those records.”
Kasa said as gazed at the emerging giants with tentacles all over their bodies.
Ancient God Class. Among the Demonic Creatures appearing from interdimensional rifts in the Material Realm, excluding those from Pandemonium and the Astral Realm, they were among the most powerful.
And there was a reason why they were treated as such.
“Each one of them possesses at least one inconceivable ‘Authority’.”
Though they did not reach the level of near reality manipulation like some Devils, if it was a Demonic Creature as long-lived as that, they still surely possessed some unimaginable ability.
“And that bastard seems to have the Curse of Invulnerability.”
Kasa concluded this upon seeing the Demonic Aura enveloping its entire body.
Iliya, standing beside her with wide eyes, asked in a daze.
“…The Curse of Invulnerability?”
“To put it simply, it can’t be damaged with man-made ‘weapons,’ no matter what the material they were made of.”.
“…”
Iliya fell silent for a moment.
Her face indicated that she failed to understand what the hell she was talking about.
“…Is that even possible?”
“Of course, it is. This world is vast and there are countless things that could defy common sense.”
“Then how would someone even subdue something like that…?”
Indeed.
That was the main concern that any normal person would have.
How could someone possibly defeat a millennia old Demonic Creature that couldn’t be harmed with any weapons, constantly damaging its surroundings with its curse, and inherently held immense power?
“I said it previously, didn’t I? The world is vast and there are countless things that could defy common sense.”
What she was trying to imply was…
There was at least one person out there who had batshit crazy ideas, took those ideas into actions, and actually achieved them.
For instance…
If said monster couldn’t be harmed by any ‘weapons’…
Then, it could be beaten to death with ‘bare fists’.
While it sounded like something that came out of a nutcase’s mouth, it was still a clear solution than someone could come up with.
Kasa grinned, watching Dowd Campbell approach the giant emerging from the sea ‘bare-handed’.
“Eh? W-Wait, that’s Teach…! What is he doing there? That unhinged motherfucker—!”
Iliya was looking at the sight in horror, but Kasa merely chuckled at it.
“Well, he’s not completely bare-handed. Look, he’s wearing something on his arms.”
“What can he possibly do with just that gauntlet! The opponent is that huge! W-Wait a moment. I have to go save him immediat—”
Kasa leisurely smoked her pipe and stopped Iliya, who was spitting such words in a panic.
“Now, why don’t we wait and see what happens first?’
There was a glint in her eyes and it was…
“If I thought he couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t even have taught him in the first place.”
Filled with trust in her ‘disciple’.
Meanwhile, the giant’s eyes fixed on Dowd Campbell as he drew closer.
Then…
-…
-…
-…!!!!
A curse, incomparably more intense than anything it had emanated before, struck down towards where Dowd Campbell was.
It was a curse so terrible that it seemed to blind you just by looking at it.
The strike it unleashed was powerful enough to effortlessly boil the sea, shake the earth and alarmed the heavens.
However…
“Law Technique relies on human willpower to activate. The purpose behind it doesn’t matter. As long as one possesses a strong enough will for it, the Law Technique becomes that much more powerful.”
At the same time Kasa recited this…
Special Power began to manifest in Dowd’s arm.
This was a technique she had shown him before.
The peak of Law Technique Mastery and the Fighting Arts she made using such techniques. Breaking the Sky.
Of course, its power wouldn’t even reach half of what she had demonstrated. It was impossible for him to do it at his current level.
And it was highly likely that Dowd Campbell, who was about to use the technique, himself knew that.
However…
Even if he couldn’t replicate it exactly…
If he could just imitate it…
“If there’s just a will…”
As Kasa murmured, the Special Power in Dowd’s arm started to grow stronger.
And the next moment…
“Anyone is capable of creating miracles.”
Along with such words…
Dowd pushed the air with his arm.
It was a light swing from a distance where he wouldn’t make any contact with that monster, but…
-…
-…
-…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It ‘shattered’ the curse, ‘twisted’ space, and ‘ripped apart’ the giant lying beyond the impact point.
A single human…
Tore apart a millenia old Demonic Creature in one strike.
A single human…
Created such a miracle.
“…”
And Iliya, witnessing this, immediately fell into silence, at an utter loss for words.
‘…What was that just now?’
It was far, far away.
It was refined and high.
It was beyond comprehension and interpretation, or even ‘admiration’.
Dowd’s strike just now had reached such a realm.
“…H-How did he…?”
She had never heard of him training in such things or having an extraordinary talent in that field.
What in the world was that just now?
“…Did Teach have that much talent in Fighting Arts?”
“No.”
Kasa smiled wryly, responding to her.
“His talent in that area is utter trash.”
“…”
“In fact, most of his combat-related talents are trash. He can’t even come close to your brilliant talent.”
She bluntly belittled Dowd, leaving Iliya speechless.
“But, he was good at handling ‘Law Technique’. Because he’s that kind of person.”
Kasa continued, exhaling a long puff of smoke.
“He’s the kind of person who would do anything for a goal he set. It sounds abstract, but his ‘willpower’ is top-notch, after all.”
“…Willpower?”
Most people would have given up.
Since it was that man they were talking about, there was a high likelihood that he already knew that three such monsters would appear.
If it was an ordinary person, they would have given up, sat down, cursed their fate, and got crushed to death.
However, in that situation…
That man…
Found a way to prevail, using any means necessary.
He approached Kasa, a stranger, and prepared for this moment long ago.
Of course, that man most likely possessed something unique in him.
It wasn’t certain what method he used, the fact that he knew something like this would happen in advance was a significant part of his success.
Still…
At the foundation of such a feat, where a single human ‘obliterated’ a monster of that level…
Laid one key truth.
Willpower.
The unwavering belief that he would never retreat from a goal that he had set.
“That’s exactly what you need to learn, Future Hero.”
Kasa continued with a grin.
“Indomitability.”
The best outcome was to survive and ensure that no one around got hurt.
He never gave up on that.
No matter who the opponent was or how dire the situation…
He never stopped struggling to achieve the best outcome.
Even if it seemed insane to others, even if he became a mess, even if it was ridiculous, even if his dignity hit rock bottom, even if he was scorned and ridiculed…
He never compromised with himself.
With his beliefs.
“…”
Iliya watched in silence…
As if mesmerized.
With the expression of someone who had discovered their ‘utopia’…
She never took her eyes off the scene.
-…
-…!!!
But then, startled by a resounding roar, Iliya turned to look at the giant.
Despite being utterly battered, it was still alive.
“It survived even after being hit by that…?”
“It hadn’t been given the title Ancient God for no reason. Of course it wouldn’t die from just one measly hit like that.”
While listening to Kasa’s words, Iliya suddenly noticed Dowd doing something odd.
He was vacantly staring at his arm.
To be more precise, at the magically engineered watch on his wrist.
“And considering his nature, he obviously must have ‘prepared’ something else.”
As if something was about to ‘happen’ right around this time.
“…Right on time.”
And at the same time Dowd murmured those words…
“Hey, it’s good to see you here.”
A ‘pure-white’ aura surged nearby.
༺ Reversed Sea (2) ༻
“Activating the Demonic Essence Tracking System. Scanning for all signs within range.”
“Relocating all to the target area near the academy’s coast.”
“Initiating acceleration sequence. Entering artificial manifestation.”
Hatan nodded upon hearing these consecutive reports.
This was the operation to gather the Demonic Essences of all the Rulers of the Demonic Zones, excluding the still-living Sea Serpent and the confirmed to be annihilated Unicorn, in one place.
According to Dowd Campbell’s request, this process, which normally would take several months to a year, could be done in a ‘much faster’ pace and they had to do it at a ‘designated location’.
‘…They would all think I’m crazy for doing this.’
Now it became apparent why that guy demanded ‘full authority’ over the academy.
Even for the Forge of Struggle, the most technologically advanced of the three academies, it was a tall order to undergo an operation that would forcibly ‘resurrect’ two Special-Grade Demonic Creatures.
To exaggerate a bit, it was almost a miracle akin to reviving the dead.
Apart from the Magic Tower, only the Tribal Alliance could pull off such a feat.
-Are you really going to fulfill that request, Hatan?
Hatan turned his head to look at the hologram of the only War Chief who had followed him to the command room.
Utad Han-Chai. Unlike the other War Chiefs, who expressed various concerns, he was the only one who agreed with Dowd Campbell’s plan.
“You agreed to it too, so why are you spouting something different now?”
-I understand that there must be some reason behind it, but I can’t fathom his intentions.
Utad let out a sigh and continued.
-I don’t doubt that man’s capability, but I can’t understand why he would want to resurrect the already subdued Rulers of the Demonic Zones. And it’s not just that…
His gaze then shifted to the screen in the situation room.
As he did so, the existence that was causing this ‘incident’ was emerging right then.
-…He’s doing so in a situation where such a monster is making its appearance.
When one sent their gaze toward that overwhelming presence, they could understand Utad’s concerns completely.
Hatan and Utad simultaneously groaned at the sight of the gigantic, human-shaped cephalopod emerging from beneath the sea.
Even from a glance, it was clear that it was a ‘long-lived’ Demonic Creature.
Due to their nature of growing by consuming other Demonic Creatures, the age of a Demonic Creature often symbolized strength.
To exemplify this, the Four Cardinal Gods and the Dragon race, considered to be the strongest Demonic Creatures in the Material Realm, were thousands of years old.
“Presence of a new Demonic Creature is detected!”
One of the reporting faculty members made this announcement.
“…It is an interdimensional entity! Identifiable Grade is…!”
The following sentence was no different from a scream.
“A-A Demonic Creature a-aged at least a thousand years old! An Ancient God Class-!”
“…”
-…
Hatan and Utad simultaneously turned speechless.
Its age was more than a thousand years old?
Hunters could only joke about hunting Rulers of the Demonic Zones because it was absurd to think that anyone could subdue them. Yet, what had appeared was a monster that made even those Rulers look like children.
Moreover, there were three of them.
“When was the last time a Demonic Creature beyond the Special-Grade was discovered?”
-It’s been over a hundred years. After all, no Demonic Creatures even came close after the Four Cardinal Gods.
“Am I supposed to say that it’s a relief? At least it’s not several thousand years old like them.”
They exchanged these words in a dazed voice before falling into silence.
Perhaps, they were thinking about the same thing.
“…He’ll die, right?”
-…He probably will.
That man was skilled, but even he couldn’t possibly win against such adversaries, at least they thought so.
Even if he were to run away, there was no way that he could guarantee his survival.
“…He probably didn’t expect such monsters to appear, right? Otherwise…”
He wouldn’t have made the crazy suggestion to face them with just a few people.
Utad remained silent at Hatan’s words.
“Let’s just pray that he’s not all bark and no bite.”
They hoped he could, at the very least, take down one of them.
After all, that would allow some room for strategy against the remaining two.
While everyone was thinking as such….
The following scene unfolded in an entirely unexpected direction.
“To deal with Demonic Creatures of that level, we only have historical records of it, so there are many uncertainties involved. But there’s one thing in common in those records.”
Kasa said as gazed at the emerging giants with tentacles all over their bodies.
Ancient God Class. Among the Demonic Creatures appearing from interdimensional rifts in the Material Realm, excluding those from Pandemonium and the Astral Realm, they were among the most powerful.
And there was a reason why they were treated as such.
“Each one of them possesses at least one inconceivable ‘Authority’.”
Though they did not reach the level of near reality manipulation like some Devils, if it was a Demonic Creature as long-lived as that, they still surely possessed some unimaginable ability.
“And that bastard seems to have the Curse of Invulnerability.”
Kasa concluded this upon seeing the Demonic Aura enveloping its entire body.
Iliya, standing beside her with wide eyes, asked in a daze.
“…The Curse of Invulnerability?”
“To put it simply, it can’t be damaged with man-made ‘weapons,’ no matter what the material they were made of.”.
“…”
Iliya fell silent for a moment.
Her face indicated that she failed to understand what the hell she was talking about.
“…Is that even possible?”
“Of course, it is. This world is vast and there are countless things that could defy common sense.”
“Then how would someone even subdue something like that…?”
Indeed.
That was the main concern that any normal person would have.
How could someone possibly defeat a millennia old Demonic Creature that couldn’t be harmed with any weapons, constantly damaging its surroundings with its curse, and inherently held immense power?
“I said it previously, didn’t I? The world is vast and there are countless things that could defy common sense.”
What she was trying to imply was…
There was at least one person out there who had batshit crazy ideas, took those ideas into actions, and actually achieved them.
For instance…
If said monster couldn’t be harmed by any ‘weapons’…
Then, it could be beaten to death with ‘bare fists’.
While it sounded like something that came out of a nutcase’s mouth, it was still a clear solution than someone could come up with.
Kasa grinned, watching Dowd Campbell approach the giant emerging from the sea ‘bare-handed’.
“Eh? W-Wait, that’s Teach…! What is he doing there? That unhinged motherfucker—!”
Iliya was looking at the sight in horror, but Kasa merely chuckled at it.
“Well, he’s not completely bare-handed. Look, he’s wearing something on his arms.”
“What can he possibly do with just that gauntlet! The opponent is that huge! W-Wait a moment. I have to go save him immediat—”
Kasa leisurely smoked her pipe and stopped Iliya, who was spitting such words in a panic.
“Now, why don’t we wait and see what happens first?’
There was a glint in her eyes and it was…
“If I thought he couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t even have taught him in the first place.”
Filled with trust in her ‘disciple’.
Meanwhile, the giant’s eyes fixed on Dowd Campbell as he drew closer.
Then…
-…
-…
-…!!!!
A curse, incomparably more intense than anything it had emanated before, struck down towards where Dowd Campbell was.
It was a curse so terrible that it seemed to blind you just by looking at it.
The strike it unleashed was powerful enough to effortlessly boil the sea, shake the earth and alarmed the heavens.
However…
“Law Technique relies on human willpower to activate. The purpose behind it doesn’t matter. As long as one possesses a strong enough will for it, the Law Technique becomes that much more powerful.”
At the same time Kasa recited this…
Special Power began to manifest in Dowd’s arm.
This was a technique she had shown him before.
The peak of Law Technique Mastery and the Fighting Arts she made using such techniques. Breaking the Sky.
Of course, its power wouldn’t even reach half of what she had demonstrated. It was impossible for him to do it at his current level.
And it was highly likely that Dowd Campbell, who was about to use the technique, himself knew that.
However…
Even if he couldn’t replicate it exactly…
If he could just imitate it…
“If there’s just a will…”
As Kasa murmured, the Special Power in Dowd’s arm started to grow stronger.
And the next moment…
“Anyone is capable of creating miracles.”
Along with such words…
Dowd pushed the air with his arm.
It was a light swing from a distance where he wouldn’t make any contact with that monster, but…
-…
-…
-…!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It ‘shattered’ the curse, ‘twisted’ space, and ‘ripped apart’ the giant lying beyond the impact point.
A single human…
Tore apart a millenia old Demonic Creature in one strike.
A single human…
Created such a miracle.
“…”
And Iliya, witnessing this, immediately fell into silence, at an utter loss for words.
‘…What was that just now?’
It was far, far away.
It was refined and high.
It was beyond comprehension and interpretation, or even ‘admiration’.
Dowd’s strike just now had reached such a realm.
“…H-How did he…?”
She had never heard of him training in such things or having an extraordinary talent in that field.
What in the world was that just now?
“…Did Teach have that much talent in Fighting Arts?”
“No.”
Kasa smiled wryly, responding to her.
“His talent in that area is utter trash.”
“…”
“In fact, most of his combat-related talents are trash. He can’t even come close to your brilliant talent.”
She bluntly belittled Dowd, leaving Iliya speechless.
“But, he was good at handling ‘Law Technique’. Because he’s that kind of person.”
Kasa continued, exhaling a long puff of smoke.
“He’s the kind of person who would do anything for a goal he set. It sounds abstract, but his ‘willpower’ is top-notch, after all.”
“…Willpower?”
Most people would have given up.
Since it was that man they were talking about, there was a high likelihood that he already knew that three such monsters would appear.
If it was an ordinary person, they would have given up, sat down, cursed their fate, and got crushed to death.
However, in that situation…
That man…
Found a way to prevail, using any means necessary.
He approached Kasa, a stranger, and prepared for this moment long ago.
Of course, that man most likely possessed something unique in him.
It wasn’t certain what method he used, the fact that he knew something like this would happen in advance was a significant part of his success.
Still…
At the foundation of such a feat, where a single human ‘obliterated’ a monster of that level…
Laid one key truth.
Willpower.
The unwavering belief that he would never retreat from a goal that he had set.
“That’s exactly what you need to learn, Future Hero.”
Kasa continued with a grin.
“Indomitability.”
The best outcome was to survive and ensure that no one around got hurt.
He never gave up on that.
No matter who the opponent was or how dire the situation…
He never stopped struggling to achieve the best outcome.
Even if it seemed insane to others, even if he became a mess, even if it was ridiculous, even if his dignity hit rock bottom, even if he was scorned and ridiculed…
He never compromised with himself.
With his beliefs.
“…”
Iliya watched in silence…
As if mesmerized.
With the expression of someone who had discovered their ‘utopia’…
She never took her eyes off the scene.
-…
-…!!!
But then, startled by a resounding roar, Iliya turned to look at the giant.
Despite being utterly battered, it was still alive.
“It survived even after being hit by that…?”
“It hadn’t been given the title Ancient God for no reason. Of course it wouldn’t die from just one measly hit like that.”
While listening to Kasa’s words, Iliya suddenly noticed Dowd doing something odd.
He was vacantly staring at his arm.
To be more precise, at the magically engineered watch on his wrist.
“And considering his nature, he obviously must have ‘prepared’ something else.”
As if something was about to ‘happen’ right around this time.
“…Right on time.”
And at the same time Dowd murmured those words…
“Hey, it’s good to see you here.”
A ‘pure-white’ aura surged nearby.
