Academy’s Genius Swordmaster

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 254: Advent (2)

『All is as He wills it.』

The giant who called himself Duaru spread his wings. The fierce wind stirred the atmosphere once more. Dragons, stunned by the shock, gradually regained their senses.

【Wh-what is that thing?】

【It toppled the Sky Tower in one blow…!】

The power was unbelievable. The Sky Tower was tilting. The structure, which had stood since the dragon city was founded and was thought to remain upright forever, was collapsing.

The Sky Tower was not just a tall structure. It was a symbol and pride of Adren, serving as the residence of countless dragons, including the Dragon King, and numerous servants.

【This is absurd…!】

They were confused about whether to look at Duaru or the collapsing Sky Tower. Soon, they made a decision. The dragons split into two groups.

【We’ll deal with him. Stop the collapse!】

【Understood.】

They divided their numbers, one group moving towards the giant and the other towards the Sky Tower to prevent its collapse. Their movements were seamless, as if they had practiced in advance.

In the dragon world, group actions were often seen as something only lower creatures did, but now was not the time for such trivial pride.

The shadows of dragons filled the sky above the crumbling city. Duaru’s form was surrounded by dozens of dragons. Explosive magic resounded with each destructive spell.

Meanwhile, the other group reached the Sky Tower. The spot where the giant’s spear had exploded looked like the side of a whale bitten by a shark. Though the damage was significant, the slow tilt gave hope that they could still prevent the collapse.

Dragons circled the tower. Their horns glowed the same color as their scales as they gathered magical power. Those who arrived first began their actions. Earth dragons, their bodies covered in rock and ore, stomped their feet.

【The Sky Tower is our pride. Do not let it fall!】

【Damn it, my eggs are still inside!】

Rumble! Massive rocks, the size of mountains, rose from the lake’s surface. When the forest dragons spread their wings, thick and sturdy plants grew from all directions, wrapping around the tower’s exterior.

Each spell was of such high caliber that it could be considered an art. Each silent incantation manifested magic that supported or reinforced the Sky Tower. The stronger dragons directly pushed the tower or pulled the vines in the opposite direction of the tilt.

The tower’s immense size made their efforts seem negligible, but they could feel the tilting speed gradually slowing. After some time, the Sky Tower slowly came to a halt.

【It stopped!】

The dragons’ faces brightened. Cheers erupted everywhere. Honestly, they thought they would fail, but they somehow managed.

【What about over there?】

【It’s quiet. Maybe they’ve already caught him.】

The loud noises from the other side had ceased. Just as they finished their task and were about to turn towards Duaru, a beam of light shot through the air and struck the base of the tower.

【This is!】

The dragons’ eyes widened in shock. It was the same light spear they had seen before. As they rushed to address the situation, an explosion occurred. The radiance of the spear intensified, sending a pillar of light shooting into the clouds with a roar and a spray of water.

【Horrible…!】

Dragons not caught in the explosion were horrified. The pillar of light dissipated like mist.

【Oh my god…】

Nothing living remained inside the lake, more than half of which had been blown away. Only floating scales and broken horns indicated that dragons had once been there.

As the smoke cleared, the shattered wall of the tower came into view. The collapse resumed. The Sky Tower began tilting much faster than before.

It was now impossible to stop. Despair spread on the faces of the dragons who belatedly looked towards Duaru. The white giant stood unscathed in the sky.

At his feet lay the corpses of dragons, piled like mountains. The state of their bodies was so mangled it was hard to tell if they were dragons or chunks of meat randomly sliced for sale in a butcher’s shop.

A strange white smoke, seeping from the corpses, was being absorbed into Duaru’s body.

『Cease your resistance, futile beings.』

Duaru spoke. Dozens of light spears rotated around him at regular intervals. Silence fell. The dragons’ reactions to the carnage were divided into two.

【This isn’t right. I’m retreating…!】

【I’ll kill you right now!!】

Seven out of ten dragons, enraged, charged forward, while three out of ten fled. Duaru raised his arm, and the light spears rotating around him shot out.

In truth, their choices mattered little. Duaru’s spears did not discriminate. It was merely a question of whether they were struck in the back or the chest.

Thud-thud! The spears of light, slicing through the air, struck the dragons’ bodies. The series of explosions that followed signaled the resumption of the massacre.

The Dragon King, Azidahaka, watched the scene from a distance. The two heads not yet overtaken by the third screamed in rage.

【The Sky Tower is collapsing, and our subjects are dying-】

【Why are you standing there in a daze!】

Hell was unfolding. Loyal subordinates were dying without even a scream. Even if they managed to dodge the spears and approach, the strange barrier and the gales from the giant’s wing flaps prevented any damage to him.

This was not what Azidahaka had envisioned. To the Dragon King dreaming of war, his subjects were meeting a pointless death. He needed to stop the tower’s collapse and save his subordinates.

But the third head, which had seized control of the body, would not allow it. It quietly moved to a secluded place, recovering the strength exhausted from fighting Orsay.

Only after witnessing the last dragon charge at Duaru and explode did the third head finally speak.

【It’s about time. After all that rampaging, he should be sufficiently weakened.】

【What…!】

At first, the other two heads thought they had misheard. Their despair turned to shock.

【You… planned this-】

【Did you let all this happen?】

【Yes. Since I’m the only one capable of hurting him, it’s better to wear him down by exhausting the others rather than engage in a dangerous fight myself.】

The voice was emotionless and dry. Azidahaka’s two heads roared in anger.

【You dare-】

【Abandon even the slightest sense of duty!】

【I find the term ‘you’ a bit irksome. I am you, Azidahaka.】

However, only a cold sneer returned. Azidahaka tilted his head at the words of the third head.

【…You claim to be me-】

【What do you mean by that?】

【I say this because you consider me a parasitic fungus that has grown on your body. I am an undeniable part of you, born from your desire to defeat Navardose.】

【What…!】

【The power from that distant place awakened me. To me, nothing matters except defeating Navardose, because that is what you desired. Do you understand?】

The third head continued calmly. He claimed not to be a completely new personality but one that originated from the Dragon King himself.

The other heads, shocked, swallowed their words. They never imagined such a truth. The old adage about not being consumed by emotions felt more pertinent than ever.

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Duaru, having nearly wiped out the dragons, now looked down at the surviving inhabitants of the city, holding a gleaming spear. The third head spoke abruptly.

【Let’s go.】

Fwoom—! Suddenly, the Dragon King’s wings exploded open. A wind as strong as the giant’s swept across the ruined city. The discolored scales scattered a pale white light, unlike their usual radiant golden hue. With a single flap, the massive body soared towards Duaru.

【Your impudence ends here!】

The third head roared. A sun began to form in his mouth. With no other options, the other two heads also prepared to unleash their breaths.

『You dare.』

Duaru, who had been about to throw his spear downward, raised his head. The overwhelming bulk of the Dragon King was approaching, ignoring the fierce wind from its wings.

Boom! Soon, the Dragon King and the star’s guardian clashed in midair. Although the barrier remained intact, the sheer difference in size caused Duaru to be pushed back.

Fwoosh…! Raising his right arm high, the Dragon King’s hand began to glow. The immense mana concentrated in his palm warped the space around it like a mirage.

It was a technique he had honed while fighting Orsay. As Duaru tried to regain his stance, the Dragon King’s hand fell on his head. At that moment the white arc struck the barrier. Bam! Duaru’s body was slammed into the ground.

【Disappear!】

Simultaneously, three streams of breath burst from the Dragon King’s mouths. Boom! The amplified breath converged and enveloped Duaru. The compressed air exploded from the heat, creating shockwaves. The third head, spewing the beam, was confident of victory.

Thud! A spear of light flew through the beam and struck the Dragon King’s side.

【Gah…!】

The eyes of all three heads widened. The torrent of breath stopped instantly. He felt the spear piercing his internal organs through his scales. A familiar voice echoed.

『Futile being.』

Rumble… Duaru’s body slowly rose from the hole in the ground. His ivory-white skin remained unscathed.

【How…】

It was impossible. The third head spoke in a trembling voice. But Duaru gave no answer and turned, flying away.

【You… there…】

The third head tried to speak. Suddenly, the spear lodged in his side emitted a bright light. There was no time to react. Boom—! The spear exploded, engulfing Azidahaka in a pillar of light.

****

“Ah… finally…”

Bishop Pargene of the Northwestern Diocese knelt. The followers accompanying him also knelt in reverence. Raising his head, he saw Duaru hurling spears from the sky over Adren.

“First Star, unleash your wrath.”

Pargene spoke in a trembling voice. The prophesied advent of the star had begun. When the leader suddenly revised the plan, it seemed foolish, but it had succeeded.

Using Azidahaka’s inferiority and obsession was a stroke of genius. Standing up, Pargene spoke.

“Let’s go. Return to headquarters.”

He was escaping with his subordinates after completing his mission in Adren. They had reached the edge of the island, where an airship was waiting. Pargene, sensing something amiss, tilted his head.

“Hm?”

There was no response from his followers. Turning, Pargene froze. Two battered youths stood side by side, glaring at him.

“Hello.”

“What…”

A fierce-looking youth raised a hand in greeting. Pargene gasped. He hadn’t noticed their presence until now.

The two looked like they had just crawled out of hell, their bodies covered in torn rags and numerous wounds. Blood, of unknown origin, smeared from head to toe, told the story of countless battles.

The deep red hue indicated they had been drenched in blood many times. Who are these guys? As Pargene examined them closely, his face twisted in recognition.

“What are you doing here…!”

He now realized they were the ones causing havoc at the Sky Tower. Finally, he noticed the surrounding devastation. He was the only one left alive. The cultist who had been praying with him were now headless corpses scattered around. Ronan spoke.

“We were being chased by eleven dragons. Next thing we knew, we were here.”

“Twelve.”

Shullifen, who had been silent, corrected him. They had just fended off the pursuit sent by the Dragon King. Pargene, breathing heavily, spoke.

“You crazy bastards! Gale…”

He was about to utter the incantation to activate his power when Shullifen flicked the hilt of his sword, sending a gust of wind slicing through Pargene’s tongue.

Shwik! His tongue, spinning in the air, fell to the ground. Pargene’s eyes widened in shock at the sight of the fleshy piece.

“Ack…!”

Blood spurted out. The pain of the cut felt like being seared with a hot iron. He wanted to faint, but his position as a bishop was not bought with money.

Struggling to overcome the pain, he reached for the mace at his waist. But Ronan, already close, swung his sword. Swish! Pargene’s head flew through the air, his body collapsing onto the corpses of his followers.

“…This has turned into a real mess.”

Ronan sighed, wiping off the blood. It seemed a lot had happened during their escape. He wondered where the Dragon King and Orsay were and why the Sky Tower had collapsed.

Ronan urinated on Pargene’s headless corpse, just as he had done with his followers. Raising his gaze, he looked at Duaru. The smooth bald head confirmed it was the being he had encountered before.

“Long time no see.”

It had been both long and short. Pulling up his pants, Ronan walked towards the city. The eastern sky was gradually brightening.

[Translator – Peptobismol]