Chapter 216 - Ecstasy!
The Hellfire managed to stall them, but this isn’t the end.
No, it’s not the end.
The Crimson Knights should have no problem buying enough time to escape. Once we confirm that, we can escape too without any issues.
Even if they manage to fill in the giant hole and start chasing us, it will be too late by then.
This means our mission is accomplished. We can return without any problems. But of course, this isn’t the end.
The fun is just beginning.
There’s no point in continuing with long-range attacks. They’re completely ineffective against the barrier magic, and even if I tried to drain their mana, it would just be the same repetitive process, and most of all, I’d find it boring.
Moreover, constant large explosions would hinder our own members who are trying to get closer to the enemy. Everyone has been lying low to avoid the shockwaves.
Fun times should be shared. So, I’m going to join the fray and have my fill.
"Right, might as well—"
On a whim, I decided to take off my coat. The Kikyo Society’s custom-made coat is a priceless treasure, with incredible defensive properties and many functions thanks to the engraved magic. I usually use it without a second thought and enjoy its benefits, but now I’m taking it off.
I’ve felt a bit uneasy without it, even with my pride in this coat. I want to put myself in a difficult situation. I grow the most when I overcome challenges.
The coat’s protection is so reassuring that I’ve become somewhat reliant on it. As equipment, it’s definitely useful, but I decided to do without it this time. The more dangerous the situation, the more value it holds, and this is the perfect time for it.
Once I took off the coat, which even has temperature regulation, it suddenly became hot. It’s a muggy night.
The heat made me take off my combat shirt as well, leaving me in just a V-neck T-shirt.
"It’s a bit cooler now. This will do."
The low neckline is a bit concerning, but it’s too hot to care. I kept the Kikyo crest brooch on my left chest.
Ignoring the curious looks from the young men around me, I did a deep stretch, extending my body.
Without my bat, I’m left with just the gloves on my hands. This will do.
"Alright, I’m off!"
I said lightly and took off running.
My body felt incredibly light, perhaps because I had taken off the coat and removed my equipment.
I couldn’t maneuver as smoothly as Valeria, but I ran as fast as I could, reducing air resistance.
My tied-up hair bounced behind me, happily bouncing as if mirroring my excitement, leaping up and down lightly.
I ran at a fierce speed, closing in on the enemy army. They couldn’t retreat because of their large numbers and couldn’t form an array among the vehicles.
Even an army that was invincible in the western continent is now in disarray. I’m sure this is a golden opportunity, regardless of their usual tactics.
I could already hear the sounds of battle from the front. My team must have started. I can’t fall behind.
It seems my thoughtful Kikyo Society members started the fight on the left side of the center, probably to leave the center open for me.
Without hesitation, I dove right into the center.
I jumped from the edge of the giant hole and surveyed the enemy from above.
Just a glance was enough to tell me they were a formidable force.
First, their equipment was excellent. Even the regular soldiers had partial armor made from magic minerals, and their uniforms were a somber mix of blue and gray, well-made and uniform.
They held large rectangular shields, with spears as their primary weapons and short swords on their belts.
From their bearing, it was clear there were no new recruits in sight.
Moreover, each soldier was well-built. Even through their light armor, it was clear they were a group of muscular men, like a collection of action heroes.
They were well-trained warriors, not just relying on Physical Enhancement Magic but also fundamentally strong. This was going to be tough.
If the regular soldiers are this good, the heavily armored knights in the distance must be even better.
"This is starting to get really fun!"
While in mid-air, I created a large stone platform in the middle of the enemy ranks, carefully adjusting it to avoid the vehicles. The unfortunate ones who got caught in the process were not my concern.
I might as well make this as enjoyable as possible!
Amid the cries of anger, I landed on the stone platform and made my announcement. It wouldn’t do to just jump right into the fray without setting the mood.
"Listen up! I am Liliane from the Kingdom of Brenark, a member of the Kikyo Society! Remember my name, the woman who will kill you all, as you burn in hell!"
I claimed the attention of all with my loud voice.
No matter who you are, look at me!
Carve my appearance and voice into your memory and your heart! I am the one who will kill you all!
"Anyone who wants to die, come up here! This is where you’ll meet your end!"
I formed a visible staircase leading up to the platform. What a fun idea. A free-for-all is more exciting than a mere brawl.
However, they didn’t come up one by one as I expected, but all at once.
Well, that’s to be expected. They’re not here to have fun, after all.
Moreover, spells were being cast from the sidelines.
"Really, try to read the room, will you!"
It seems no one is going to match my enthusiasm.
Using Active Armor, I unconsciously deflected the spells as the soldiers rushed up the platform.
"Welcome to the stage of death!"
I greeted them, at least. They had climbed up after all.
The soldiers charged with shields and spears, a formidable attack. They were clearly not rookies.
But from the standards of the Kikyo Society, they were even below the level of our new members.
"The way you’re trained is different, isn’t it?"
I easily dodged the muscular soldier’s powerful thrust, grabbed his arm, and snapped it before throwing him off the platform.
"Come at me, all of you!"
I broke and threw, and broke and threw, repeating the process. The soldiers thrown from the high stone platform would either be severely injured or dead.
Not just grappling techniques, but using the shields and spears I took from them to take down more. I could grab anything within reach.
I had the leisure to observe the battlefield from my vantage point, seeing the whole battlefield clearly.
What stood out were the valiant efforts of my team. The cluster of strong members was like a giant battleship slicing through a flotilla, charging through the enemy lines with relentless momentum.
On the left and right, Liliane and Albert used wind and lightning magic to create a protective barrier, repelling all enemies. They also used compressed air magic and arrow attacks to target commanders and magic users with pinpoint precision.
At the center, Ophelia, wielding her original fire magic and a whirlwind of sword strikes, cut through the thick enemy ranks like paper.
Behind her, Valeria and Mia systematically finished off the enemies who tried to escape to the sides. The two, usually skilled in close combat, also used general attack magic, showing a high density of firepower that rivaled Ophelia’s.
The three of them at the front fought like demons, making the supposedly elite enemy army look like new recruits.
From the rear, Verone and Graylease provided support magic to disrupt the enemy and amplify our momentum.
Verone’s Sensory Enhancement Magic boosted our allies and weakened the enemy, and her mysterious magic that attacked the soldiers’ ears incapacitated dozens in a single cast.
Graylease, positioned like a lid at the back, used his Shadow Magic to completely shut down any pursuit. His shadow magic not only defended but also controlled the number and strength of the attacking enemies.
No one could stop us. We were a raging battleship, unleashing precise actions without a single flaw. The exceptional members of the Kikyo Society, working together spontaneously, achieved great results. A group of seven, invincible.
The chorus of battle sounds raised my spirits. I was proud of everyone’s efforts, and I was sure they were all similarly hyped up.
We could fight all night. Thinking back to the brutal battles in the Forest of the Underworld, this was nothing.
Then, the movement of the enemy’s rear changed.
Large groups of vehicles began to retreat, clearing the area. They were forming ranks.
They would probably pull back the front-line soldiers at some point and regroup. They must have realized by now that we weren’t going down easily. We were all special warriors.
I would wait for them to prepare. We would crush them with dignity.
After some time on the platform, the soldiers started to withdraw en masse, not just from the platform but from the entire battlefield. It was a curious sight without any signal flares.
Perhaps there was a communication mage among them. It was a rare magic on par with barrier magic, but it was possible.
What did they plan to do by withdrawing?
My team immediately started pursuing them. If they were to retreat, they would be easy targets for long-range spells. It was a wise move, though not for me.
They attacked the retreating enemy from behind, pushing deeper into their formation.
The enemy formed a dense array, shields at the front. Our team responded with their own formation and charged.
Ha, this was reckless, absurd, a totally unrealistic move. The numbers were too different.
They clashed simultaneously, our team’s magic overwhelming the enemy defenses. The enemy didn’t just give in; they pushed back, trying to envelop us.
This was just the beginning. The fun was only starting.
With the knights still in the rear, the main event hadn’t even begun.
I joined them, deflecting the continuous magic attacks, leaping from the platform, and charging into the enemy ranks. I used the shields to knock back the surrounding soldiers in a single blow.
I tried to break through the enemy lines but was quickly surrounded. The soldiers, ignoring their own casualties, focused on taking me down.
Yes, a strong army. They seemed fearless.
I destroyed every enemy with each step.
"If you don’t want to die, at least pretend to be dead!"
My steps couldn’t be stopped, like the ground was being pierced. I answered the advancing shields with a girl’s powerful fist, shattering them.
The countless spears exceeded what I could dodge, but I evaded the focused attacks and defended with discarded shields.
I crushed the slashing and thrusting of the short swords, returning a blow to the face.
The tight formation meant no ranged weapons or magic were used. I focused only on the immediate surroundings, avoiding even a single hit.
If anyone managed to land a hit on me, they could brag about it in hell. But I wouldn’t let that happen easily.
It was hot. It was hot. It was HOT!
My body temperature rose, and I was sweating profusely.
The sweat was distracting, but I had no time to wipe it away.
I couldn’t close my eyes, even if the sweat stung or the blood splattered.
With my heightened senses, I might be able to fight even if I couldn’t see. But I couldn’t afford to be careless.
If I couldn’t see, I would deal with it then.
My heart and body were burning, while my mind remained cold.
I loved this feeling. It wasn’t something I could experience every day. I savored this moment.
Swinging my limbs like a harbinger of destruction, I rained down a storm of blood.
In the endless sea of enemies, my two hands and two feet weren’t enough. Just as I was about to use magic attacks—
There was a movement on the battlefield. The enemy soldiers showed signs of confusion, and the direction was—behind me, where I had broken through.
I quickly threw three enemies to create a gap and glanced back.
Against the dull, gray-and-blue uniforms of the Imperial soldiers, a striking group caught my eye.
They were a group dressed in bright red. The moment I saw them, a massive ice formation appeared, freezing many enemies.
"Why aren’t they retreating!?"
There was no doubt. The bright red armor was made from Carmine Ore.
The ice magic was the captain’s specialty. The Crimson Knights had come to reinforce us!
"What the hell!"
What was the point of buying time if they weren’t going to retreat? Are they idiots? Are they stupid?
Honestly, they only show up when it matters. Honestly, honestly, honestly, I can’t stand it!
But why? My heart was soaring.
A party is more fun with a crowd, even if they’re a bunch of idiots. The more, the merrier.
Ah, well, let’s just enjoy it together then!
With a battle cry, I decided to give a big boost.
Using a less mana-intensive version of my ultimate move, I cast it.
"Alright, hear the voice of the messenger of hell, silencing all cries!"
It was a special service.
【Spite Hades】
I released it with the keyword.
Countless thorns sprang up, covering a wide area. Though the simple version was less lethal, it should still cause severe injuries.
I targeted deep into the enemy ranks to avoid hitting my allies. The high-ranking knights who were watching from a distance must be panicking. Good for them.
As I punched down an enemy soldier showing a rare moment of hesitation—
"Ugh!"
A sharp impact made my vision blur for a moment.
I wouldn’t show any weakness. I kicked the soldier in front of me to distract myself.
An arrow on the ground caught my eye. It seemed I had been hit in the head.
Damn, I thought there were no ranged attacks. Allowing a direct hit to the head was unforgivable.
Blood trickled down my neck from my temple. It was annoying, but I’m tough enough that it didn’t affect me much. It seemed to have a different effect on the enemy soldiers.
"Roar! Push, push, push!"
"Go for it now! We can do it!"
"Kill, kill, kill!"
They attacked with renewed ferocity.
Until now, I had dodged countless attacks, overpowering them one-sidedly. Now, for the first time, I was injured. To the enemy, it must have seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The pressure was overwhelming. They charged recklessly.
It was difficult to handle such reckless attacks. I would need a full-body shield to protect myself, but I wasn’t in the mood for something so dull.
This was what I had been waiting for.
"Push me harder! Imperial soldiers!"
If they pressed in, I wouldn’t back down. I would push them back. The ones who should be afraid are you, not me!
Don’t underestimate me!
In the midst of the chaos, swords grazed my arms, and spears nicked my legs, tearing my shirt and slightly cutting my side.
It hurt, but it was bearable. I wouldn’t have taken these hits if they would have impaired my movement.
Gradually, the minor injuries piled up, staining my clothes and skin with blood.
I was used to pain. It was nothing. I could take more.
"This isn’t enough!"
The foul blood flowed, festering inside my body.
Let it all flow out. It would feel better, and my body would feel lighter.
I don’t mind the pain. Damn, it makes my heart burn.
It’s easy to forget when living a comfortable and enjoyable life.
If I could feel this burning sensation, I would be satisfied.
I’m greedy, but this is what I truly desire. I want many things, but this is the one thing I can’t change.
I just want to feel the heat.
To immerse myself in this burning sensation, moving my body on instinct, without a care in the world.
I might be going a bit crazy, but it’s only the beginning.
This is just the start! Just the beginning!
The next chapter, "Ecstasy!" will continue the madness! Ecstasy!