Chapter 246

Chapter 246

Muwung, making a sound as harmless as possible. Its appearance was incredibly cute, with an innocent face that seemed like it could pose no threat. Anyone who loved animals would likely want to reach out and touch it out of curiosity.

However, Zeruel did not think so at all.

“…This creature should be in hell, yet it is wandering around the Demon World.”

Though Zeruel did not accurately recognize what kind of massu this was, he knew that it was at least a massu that should not exist in the Demon World.

“Muwung.”

The cute little creature raised its long nose, flicking the ivory hidden beneath it, as if to threaten Zeruel.

“Show your true form.”

Zeruel spoke in a low voice and raised his spear.

“I will deal with you.”

Then the spearhead of Zeruel began to stretch out long.

Whirr!!!

Though it was clearly made of metal, the spear extended smoothly as if it had been folded like paper and suddenly opened, enveloping the massu in an instant. However, the massu did not allow itself to be passive.

“Muwuung!!”

With a violent stomp, it spread dark magical power, blocking Zeruel’s spear. The strong magic bound Zeruel’s spear tightly. Even in a situation where his weapon was immobilized, Zeruel was not flustered.

“Doviel and Uriel’s plight must be because of you.”

Having already predicted it to some extent due to the cases of Doviel dispatched before the Great Angel War and Uriel who died during a battle in the human realm, Zeruel’s expression stiffened.

Soon, Zeruel’s realization turned into anger. Excluding Archangels, the only being with whom Zeruel could contend on equal footing was Uriel, and he had realized that this being had taken that away.

“For a beast….”

Strange power began to flow from Zeruel’s outstretched spear. At that moment, the massu flinched in surprise, and soon its entire body began to be enveloped in black mist.

The body of the massu, shrouded in black mist, soon grew to a size that was incomparable to before. Even if Zeruel raised his head high, he could see little more than its legs.

The immense body and the gigantic ivory emanated an overwhelming power and pressure that Zeruel could feel as well.

────────────!!!

At the ensuing roar, Zeruel narrowed his eyes.

“It’s no ordinary creature. However…”

As the massu, Behemoth, fully revealed itself, Zeruel’s strength completely imbued his spear.

Kaaang!!!

The magic binding his spear shattered under Zeruel’s strange power. It was the power that repelled magic. It was the “Divine Power” wielded by angels. The moment Zeruel’s spear was freed from the binding, he thrust it forward.

Tukwaang────────!

The thrust spear hit its mark. The sharp spear struck precisely between Behemoth’s eyes, but the thick and tough hide of the massu was not easily pierced.

“Muwuuung!!!”

Behemoth stomped the ground, preparing to charge Zeruel with its massive body. Although it was just a simple body slam, the moment that might and power emerged, its impact was anything but simple.

It was truly a mass weapon, in every sense. Zeruel understood this well. However, he was an angel representing “strength.” He extended his bare hand forward, as if to stop its charge with sheer force.

Kuuuuung!!!!!

The clash of strength created a massive shockwave. The ground and atmosphere trembled as an enormous force collided. Both Behemoth and Zeruel felt the shock throughout their bodies, yet neither was willing to yield first.

Seeing this massu display a force equal to his own, Zeruel’s original thought solidified even more.

“I must meet the master of the 25th floor.”

What kind of being was it that commanded such a massu, and why did it boldly cross into the human realm not long after the Great Angel War?

“I have many questions.”

Zeruel’s hand clenched tightly. Grabbing Behemoth’s nose, he forcefully pulled.

“Muwuuung!?!”

Surprisingly, Behemoth’s massive body began to be dragged toward him. Despite the strain in Zeruel’s arms and across his body, the act of pulling Behemoth’s body was astonishing.

“Get back.”

Zeruel effortlessly tossed Behemoth backward. Behemoth flailed its limbs as it was thrown away.

Kwaaaang!!!!

With a loud crash, a small mountain began to crumble. Although Behemoth did not sustain significant damage, the real problem was that Zeruel had gained the freedom to move.

Zeruel immediately flew away toward the strongest point on the 25th floor. He believed the master of the 25th floor would be there.

Behemoth stared vacantly at the sky into which Zeruel vanished.

“Muwung.”

Yet for some reason, Behemoth did not seem concerned. It was merely a hint of disappointment, like saying, “Ah, I missed it.” Returning to its original form, Behemoth resumed its path.

#

Kwaang!!!

“Who’s next!!”

“5th Legion! Break through here!!”

Epsilon and Zeta were showcasing their abilities to the fullest. The gap Lynn had opened was no longer being closed. Astharoth’s forces began to send support to regain their armored unit, but it was blocked by Lynn and the 4th Legion.

Seeing this, Seere felt that the strength of the 5th Legion had significantly increased.

“If this is the case, I can focus on other areas.”

Although he had told Jester, the chief of the 5th Legion, to call him if needed, it seemed that Lynn and the 4th Legion could resolve it on their own.

Seere observed the encircling formation of Astharoth’s army tightening around them. Even though the sudden assault on the armored units had been disrupted by Lynn’s efforts, Astharoth’s army remained intact.

‘Not easily shaken.’

Even with numerous situations that would typically cause panic, the enemy’s legion remained remarkably composed. They sent appropriate support to maintain the cracks without widening, while still applying pressure on their side.

“How troublesome.”

He judged that a variable to break the situation was necessary. Seere spoke to the strong legion that he trusted next to the 4th Legion.

“Commander Celestia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Calling out Celestia, the commander of the 7th Legion, Seere mounted Bicon.

“We will break the encirclement.”

“Understood. 7th Legion!”

With that, the 7th Legion, including their deputy commander Erina, lowered their shields and retreated. Another legion swiftly filled their gaps, and the 7th Legion all mounted onto Bicon.

The cavalry was what the Devata army prided itself on. The 4th, 6th, and 7th legions could all perform both infantry and cavalry roles, allowing them to always maintain a numerical advantage in cavalry.

Now, more than 10,000 cavalry appeared in an instant. Seere drew his sword and shouted.

“Pierce to the south! Create a breach simultaneously opposite the 5th Legion!”

“Yes!!”

However, the opponent would not remain still either. This was a vast plain. The movements of the surrounded enemies were easily discernible. Astharoth noticed the change in the movements of Seere’s army and commanded.

“Masters, Glem.”

“Yes.”

“Did you call for us?”

Astharoth’s loyal generals, Masters and Glem, knelt before her in response to her call. Astharoth simply commanded them.

“They will attempt to break the encirclement. Block them in advance.”

“Yes!”

“Understood.”

As Astharoth expected, the cavalry on the other side began to break through the rain of arrows shot from Astharoth’s army and the bombardment from the armored units.

“Fury.”

『Rábĭes Manus』

Tukwaaaaang!!!!

“…Directly?”

Of course, Astharoth had not anticipated this. She did not expect Seere to lead the charge herself. In the war between layers, the presence of a demon king was crucial. If likened to chess, the demon king was the ‘king.’ Its capture meant game over.

Forces that lose their demon king quickly lose morale, and as the central figure is gone, the forces would be shattered. Without a clear successor to maintain order and hierarchy, the forces would collapse.

That is why demon kings typically lead from the rear, commanding their subordinates. Most demon kings are stronger than their subordinates, but this is the reason they do not directly step into the front line.

However, this young demon king was different.

The Bloodblade shone with an ominous red light. Masters, who had stood in front of her, attempted to block it by swinging a massive mace, but…

“Will you try to block it?”

KWAAM!!!!

The mace shattered in an instant. Masters, who had boldly attempted to block it, could not hide her momentary shock, and quickly ducked away from the rapidly swung blade.

“You’re quick to react.”

Yet even so, the situation had not changed. Without a weapon, Masters had no choice but to retreat, and Glem had to fill the gap. Though Glem had a weapon, the issue was that the one blocking his path was not an ordinary foe.

“Will you take it?”

“Ugh…!”

Seere’s Bloodblade was raised high above her head. Glem flinched momentarily, feeling the tension. The only image that came to his mind upon seeing the raised sword was one thing.

That was nothing other than…

“Crumble.”

『dīrúptĭo』

His own ‘death.’

Kwaaaang────────!!!!

In the end, Glem desperately attempted to deflect Seere’s sword; however, the marks of her sword were slightly twisted into the ground.

Nonetheless, those marks led directly to Bicon and Glem’s own body. The trace he attempted to deflect remained in the form of the shattered blade.

With a thud, Glem’s body fell lifelessly to the ground along with Bicon.

“…Hah.”

Seeing this, Astharoth let out a hollow laugh. The king stepping forward to deal with the soldiers… It was a scene she felt she had seen somewhere before.

“Indeed, there’s a reason you’re called ‘Devata’…”

Astharoth stood up.

“Your tactics are so akin to that of a Martial King!”

As she stood, Krampus, who had been guarding her side, asked.

“Your Majesty, where are you going…?”

“I will step forth.”

“Wh-What?!”

“Krampus, you will continue to tighten the encirclement. As long as it doesn’t break, we win.”

Astharoth raised a long spear. It resembled the form Baruna wielded.

“I am the only one who can stop her.”

The blue eyes of Astharoth von Hoda quietly sank. However, her will remained undiminished, and it burned brightly.

“Follow me.”

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