Chapter 1247

< Episode 1247 > 1247. Dark Moon

The 82nd anniversary celebration of the founding of the nation was held in a newly developed suburb, a bit away from the capital. It was undoubtedly an attempt to promote the new city while broadcasting the event on TV.

Well, the location of the event is on the outskirts of the new city, but still…

My unit, Squad 667, aside from briefly attending the morning rehearsal, had to stay in our quarters. Even if everyone who needed to know already did, Squad 667 was still an unofficial unit. Naturally, the Battle Mage Project we were working on couldn’t be disclosed to the public either.

Under the supervision of our drill instructor, we sat in chairs and watched the broadcast of the commemorative event blankly.

This year’s ceremony saw participation from various countries: small city-states with populations under a million, all the way to the Haphail Republic, currently in a ceasefire, the mighty Heist Empire which wields the strongest power in the world, Divine France, and Neo London.

First off, the diplomatic delegations that attended looked dazzling.

What caught my attention was the Heist Empire.

A country whose very name screams “thief,” they’re notorious for their thug diplomacy. Every other nation criticizes the Heist Empire. Lately, though, they’ve been quieter due to internal issues. Their motif is modern-day Germany.

“If things go according to the original game’s storyline, the Kaiser must be slowly declining through repeated purges.”

On the TV screen, the Heist Empire’s diplomatic delegation appeared. They were wearing flashy black military uniforms.

“Half the reason new players choose the Heist Empire in the original game is because of those uniforms.”

The camera focused primarily on a blonde woman.

“Bridget. I didn’t expect her to attend this event.”

She had radiant blonde hair and blood-red eyes. With a black coat draped over her shoulders, she surveyed her surroundings with a haughty gaze.

Then, the camera eventually panned upwards to the sky. A single airship emblazoned with the red cross of the Holy Knights descended and landed on the ground.

The doors of the airship opened, revealing the diplomatic delegation from Divine France. Everyone was dressed entirely in black, with red cross badges pinned to their clothing.

At the center stood a woman with long green hair, styled to cover her left eye.

She was one of the Divine Saints of Divine France, the Guardian Saint Martha. She wore a black suit—her jacket and pants hugged her body tightly, slightly revealing parts of her upper chest and hips. She exuded more of a mafia boss vibe than a saint. A red cross badge adorned her black jacket.

Throughout the filming, she nonchalantly held a cigarette in her mouth as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“As expected, not only does she look unlike a saint, but her personality doesn’t fit the title either.”

With her boarding a luxury car, the screen shifted back to the sky.

“Hahahahahahahaha!”

With a hearty laugh, Percival, London’s Number One Sword, made his appearance. Riding a mechanical horse that galloped through the skies, he was clad in full plate armor, with a greatsword strapped to his back. His brown short hair whipped violently in the wind, and his face, despite everything, belonged to a rather handsome middle-aged man.

From Neo London, Neo…


One of Tack’s members and London’s top swordsman, F*cksyball.

As I watched the broadcast, I felt a strange sensation. In my memory, they were nothing more than NPCs. Now NPCs have become people moving around, breathing under the same heaven. Once again, I keenly realized I was inside the game world.

Then the king of Frisell Kingdom appeared and began his speech. Compared to Brigitte, Martha, and F*cksyball, he’s an unremarkable middle-aged man in his 50s.

“The main commemorative event is about to begin.”

Nearby, Instructor Venus said.

The commemoration was dazzling.

Thousands of soldiers paraded through the city dragging tanks, dozens of tanks simultaneously firing to showcase firepower. Then came a spectacular performance by a globally famous idol girl group.

They boasted of newly developed weapons and awarded medals to nobles who accomplished some kind of merit. I’d bet my right wrist those medals were bought with money and connections.

“Number 31, Number 211. Get ready. It’ll be your turn soon.”

Number 31 and I stood up. First, we checked our outfits and put on masks. We grabbed handguns, knives, and elemental swords.

After finishing preparations, Number 31 and I followed Instructor Venus toward the training ground, which was near the playground.

Number 31 and I, guided by soldiers, walked to the center of the training ground and faced each other.

“The broadcast equipment is being set up. It won’t take long, so please wait a moment.”

Spectators gradually gathered. The king and nobles weren’t visible; they planned to watch via TV.

From my perspective, it was rather fortunate. If the high-ranking officials were nearby, it would’ve been too stressful.

I locked eyes with Number 31. She looked more serious than ever. Number 31 was going to give this duel her all. I had to play along appropriately and lose.

…Still, I could go all out for the first half, right? No matter what, I wouldn’t even consider showing anything above 4th rank magic.

I mentally simulated how Number 31 would fight.

“Number 31’s specialty is wind-element magic and mobility-based martial arts. Her fighting style is very aggressive—’kill before getting killed.'”

Officially, excluding the instructor, Number 31 is the strongest in the unit. She has a natural talent for combat.

“Broadcast transmission is ready. Special Magic Corps members, prepare for battle… Announcer!”

“Yes! Shall we start?”

A beautiful announcer ran over from the back. Her skirt was so short and tight it showed her thighs, and her ample bosom swayed. She was currently very popular.

She differed slightly from the announcers I knew, but watching her was still pleasing to the eye.

“Let’s start!”

The camera director spoke. A red light entered the camera he held on his shoulder.

“Hello, viewers! This is taking place a bit away from the venue…”

After the announcer’s brief explanation ended, the camera focused on Number 31 and me.

“We will now present a combat demonstration by two members of the Special Magic Corps!”

Right after the announcer finished speaking, Venus Instructor’s voice came from the mask.

-Start the battle.

Number 31 made the first move. She raised her right arm dramatically. A fierce wind visible to the naked eye gathered on her palm, then flames suddenly erupted around her and mixed with the wind.

Double casting. And with good synergy between wind and flame elements.

‘Within expectations.’

Dominating space with wind-propelled flames. She aimed to control the battlefield from the start.

I couldn’t just stand there. I responded in a similar way. Opening my astral senses, I calculated the magical formula.

[Air Ball]

I used the same 3rd-rank wind magic that Number 31 just cast, forming it on my palm. Wind gathered. Of course, this alone wasn’t enough.

[Raging Stream]

Transparent water mixed into the Air Ball and compressed it.

In sync with Number 31’s attack flying towards me, I hurled my prepared Air Ball. The two Air Balls clashed mid-air.


It erupted in a burst of flames and energy!

A fierce wind surged forth, sending flames and water scattering in all directions as they clashed in a battle for dominion. In the aftermath, an opaque cloud of pure white steam spread out like an early morning mist, obscuring everything. This was not normal.

“Is someone using magic to hold this steam in place?”

The broadcast should still be clear. The cameras in this world are far more advanced than I anticipated—steam like this poses no real issue for them.

An attack soared toward me—a spear made entirely of wind. Thanks to the steam, I could clearly see its shape twisting through the air.

[Barrier]

I deflected the attack with my barrier and drew my pistol, firing three shots toward the source of the assault. The bullets pierced through the steam, but I felt no impact. Not that I expected much anyway, so there was no disappointment.

[Detection]

I cast my detection magic, spreading it in all directions.

I swallowed hard. Two to my right, one at the front, two behind me—a total of five signatures detected. My decoys had been disrupted by a second-tier spell.

‘Are you really planning to keep fighting in this steam?’

As soon as the words left my mouth—

BOOM!

An explosion rocked the area beside me, creating an air blast. My protective barrier shattered instantly. Retreating quickly, I reactivated the barrier just as the shockwave cleared some of the steam, revealing a brief glimpse of Subject 31’s violet hair before it vanished again.

KABOOM!

This time, an air blast erupted from behind me, shattering my barrier once more. Without hesitation, I summoned another barrier—it’s basic training for any combat mage to maintain one.

‘That’s enough defense. Time for a counterattack.’

The steam began to dissipate, giving me a rough idea of Subject 31’s position. It might be a decoy, but it doesn’t matter. Anything suspicious gets hit.

I extended my left hand, and a crackling bolt of electricity shot out from the center of my palm.

[Electric Web]

A whip of blue lightning lashed out, striking what appeared to be Subject 31. But it vanished without a trace—a decoy. Spinning around, I swung the electric whip toward my side.

This time, there was a reaction—the whip collided with her barrier.

‘Explode!’

I detonated the Electric Web—not a spell, but rather a manifestation of my personal ability. To the audience, though, it would look like magic.

The explosion sent bolts of lightning surging in every direction, clearing away the steam. Through the haze, I saw Subject 31 rushing toward me, holding a knife. Multiple barriers overlapped on her body.

‘So she wants close combat?’

Not bad. In close quarters, maintaining a barrier becomes difficult, eliminating unnecessary struggles for power.

Any ordinary mage would scream in disbelief at such tactics, but both Subject 31 and I are Battle Mages. Preparations for close combat are standard procedure.

KEEEEEEEENG!

A blade of wind formed on Subject 31’s knife.

I holstered my pistol and drew my own dagger.

[Water Blade]

A long blade of water materialized on my short dagger, moving at high speed to enhance its cutting power.

Normally, I avoid close combat altogether—I’m too slow and lack any talent for it. Among my peers, I’m the worst at melee fighting.

‘Usually, in situations like this, I’d use magic aggressively to create distance…’

But I have to lose this fight.

So I’ll let myself get beaten during the close-quarters exchange.

‘If I use magic brutally enough, it won’t look like I intentionally lost.’

Fortunately, I’m confident in my acting skills.

Subject 31 approached, her wind blade clashing against my water blade.

KAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWNG!

Suddenly, a massive explosion roared nearby, causing both of us to halt our battle. The sound came from where the king and other VIPs were gathered. Clearly, something absurd had just happened.

“It’s a terrorist attack! Who the hell is responsible for this?! Breaking news! What are you doing, announcer?! Get ready to move NOW!”

The camera director shouted, his voice filled with unhinged excitement.