Free Web NovelChapter 254: ICISEI Episode 240
Episode 240: Death is like the wind, always by my side.....Hasagi!
『 Since the analysis showed that Tiamat’s feet could not support her own weight, Gilgamesh and Romani arrived at the same conclusion almost simultaneously.
As long as the black mud beneath her feet was cleared away, it would be enough to strip her of her ability to move, preventing her from advancing any further. This conclusion brought a glimmer of hope to everyone.
"We’ll leave the ground battle to you, Jaguar Warrior."
Before setting off, Quetzalcoatl was issuing her final orders to Jaguar Warrior.
The others had already begun their journey to find Tiamat, knowing that everything they were doing was necessary to buy enough time to drag this ancient being into the Underworld.
With the speed of their aerial wing-mounts, the group was able to see the direction of their target from a distance in a very short amount of time.
But...
Under the gray, murky sky, when everyone looked around, what met their eyes were Lahmu in such overwhelming numbers that it made their scalps tingle.
These bizarre creatures were densely packed across the sky, obscuring the sun like stars under an endless night, causing anyone who saw them to gasp in horror. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "There are so many!" ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "With this many monsters, even if we can solve it quickly, it’s going to take a lot of effort, isn’t it?" ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "My scalp is tingling just looking at them." ]
[ Kiryu Sento (Kamen Rider): "Oh? Even you’re scared, Ryuga?" ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "I’m worried about what to do with the big guy at the end after fighting all these enemies, how could I possibly be scared!" ]
[ Isurugi Misora (Kamen Rider): "Then please stop shaking your legs." ]
[ Ryuga Banjou (Kamen Rider): "I AM NOT!!!" ]
[ .....]
『 "It’s hard to imagine there would be this many..." Quetzalcoatl had just finished voicing this sentiment when she realized that the Lahmu had already detected their presence and were rushing toward them at incredible speed.
"The enemy has noticed us... the first wave of attacks is probably coming immediately."
Soon, the number of Lahmu circling above Fujimaru Ritsuka exceeded ten thousand. They pressed down instantly like a dark cloud, and every single Lahmu launched a fierce assault at that moment.
BOOM—!
Accompanied by a deafening roar, the Lahmu tore through the sky at an incredible speed, heading straight for the group.
"This kind of scene is truly terrifying... just standing there makes you feel that oppressive atmosphere. If such a massive number of Lahmu really surrounded us, I doubt there would be a whole corpse left."
Even with the powerful protection of the flying vessel provided by Ishtar, the group could only barely maintain their forward momentum under its cover;
However... the situation still did not look optimistic.
It would be one thing if they were facing a small number of Lahmu, but there were too many of them now.
If they consumed too much magical energy to deal with these low-level monsters that were being continuously manufactured, they would likely be exhausted and unable to fight when they finally faced Tiamat.
BANG—!
RUMBLE—!
Facing the enemy’s assault, Mash and Ishtar immediately stepped forward, launching continuous attacks to block the advancing Lahmu. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Although they are being cleared very quickly, the number of enemies is just too high." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "At this rate, how long will it take to finish them?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Or rather, by the time we’re done, will we still have the strength to fight the main opponent?" ]
[ Mash Kyrielight (Type-Moon): "This..." ]
[ Mash Kyrielight (Type-Moon): "We shouldn’t need to worry, with Master here, we can still replenish our magical energy." ]
[ Black Swan (Honkai: Star Rail): "Oh? Replenish magical energy? How do you do that? I’m quite curious." ]
[ Mash Kyrielight (Type-Moon): "Ahem, that’s not important. Anyway, we have ways to fight back." ]
[ Eriri Spencer Sawamura (Saekano): "Suddenly stopped talking, that feels very suspicious~" ]
[ .....]
『 "Detected an increase in Spirit Origin, one, two... still constantly increasing..."
After being eroded by Tiamat’s black mud, Ushiwakamaru’s body seemed to have changed completely, even possessing the same individual reproductive capabilities as the Lahmu.
This sudden change made the originally calm situation tense instantly.
"Bad... we’re going to be surrounded."
Although they had intelligence from Chaldea, in the environment of such a massive battlefield, intelligence often couldn’t keep up with the actual developments, leaving everyone unable to make effective responses in time.
"On the right!"
Fujimaru Ritsuka noticed the direction of the attack instantly, but he was still a step too slow to dodge the incoming threat in time.
BANG—!
In the blink of an eye, the mud-eroded Ushiwakamaru struck Fujimaru Ritsuka off the wing-mount like a flying arrow. Fortunately, Mash was quick-witted and grabbed Fujimaru Ritsuka’s leg tightly, leaving him hanging high in the sky.
But... it wasn’t over yet...
In this precarious position, Ushiwakamaru attacked again.
Swish—!
Ushiwakamaru’s blade was already right before Fujimaru Ritsuka’s eyes.
Again, it was Mash who exploded with astonishing power at this critical moment, pulling Fujimaru Ritsuka back up.
It must be said that Ushiwakamaru, as an enemy, was still a very troublesome opponent.
Nearly ten Ushiwakamaru were encircling Fujimaru Ritsuka and Mash.
"Oops... too bad... I got greedy!"
Ushiwakamaru wore a very ferocious expression, then, without further ado, picked up her blade and charged at Fujimaru Ritsuka. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "So sharp, so many." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "This person was on our side before, but just because of a color change, she became an opponent." ]
[ .....]
『 In an instant, ten black shadows surrounded Fujimaru Ritsuka, striking simultaneously like a black whirlwind.
"We don’t have time to play with you!"
Just at this critical juncture, Quetzalcoatl finally arrived. With a flaming punch, a massive explosion erupted, and several figures of Ushiwakamaru vanished within the blast.
BANG—!
BANG—!
BANG—!
Ishtar didn’t slack off either, using her fingers to gesture like a gun and continuously eliminating the clones of Ushiwakamaru.
Just as everyone was focused on the battle in front of them, a figure appeared right behind Mash.
Swish—!
The speed was so fast that it couldn’t be seen with the naked eye; one could even hear a sound piercing the sky.
Mash, attempting to defend, was already too late, as Ushiwakamaru had reached her front.
BANG—!
However, unexpectedly, a black spear appeared out of thin air in the sky, knocking Ushiwakamaru down.
By the time the few people present regained their senses, they noticed a wing-mounted slowly descending not far away, and on the back of this giant bird was a very familiar face.
"BENKEI!!"
When Fujimaru Ritsuka confirmed that it was indeed Benkei, his face immediately lit up with a brilliant smile.
He waved his hand while shouting the other’s name, his excitement beyond words.
Clearly, seeing his safe and sound old friend here brought him immense relief and surprise.
At the same time, Benkei, standing on the back of the wing-mount, was infected by this enthusiasm and revealed a knowing smile at his friend Fujimaru Ritsuka, who was waving warmly below.
Shortly thereafter, his expression became more serious, and his eyes grew exceptionally firm, as if he had made some important decision.
"The sins we committed shall be borne by me, this humble monk, alone!"
Just then, another familiar voice kept resounding under this sky—it was the voice of Hitachi-bo.
Through these powerful words, one could assume that he had gone through a difficult journey of overcoming his own cowardice.
Following that, a wanton laughter tore through the silent space around them. "Hahahaha..."
"At this point... what do you think you’re doing coming here?"
"Don’t tell me that you, who always ran away from problems before, are thinking of coming out to play the hero now?"
Seeing her former partner become like this, Ushiwakamaru couldn’t help but feel extreme disgust and loathing, even beginning to mock him relentlessly, her face twisting into a hideous grimace from intense anger.
But on the other hand, for Hitachi-bo, who had long been prepared, such verbal attacks couldn’t affect him much.
Because he had long since determined to make up for past mistakes through actual actions, rather than responding with empty words.
Therefore, as he slowly drew the blade he carried on his back and struck a pose to meet the challenge...
"You, who have always moved through the battlefield like a free breeze, would actually be blinded by personal emotions; it’s truly hard to believe."
"This humble monk can no longer tolerate this..." Hitachi-bo said with a firm tone.
Soon, a thrilling and evenly matched battle erupted between the two. 』
『 .....』
〜Runeterra World〜
For the observer known as the Wind Samurai, the one thing he most wanted to say to them was:
"Death is like the wind, always by my side."
"Do not let anger... cloud your eyes..."
With the last philosophical shout, the contest between the two intensified:
"HASAGI!!"
.....
『 The duel of swordsmanship continued. The swords crossed, sparks flew, but it seemed Ushiwakamaru held the upper hand.
"Bullshit!"
Ushiwakamaru roared angrily, her long blade slashing down fiercely, forcing Hitachi-bo to retreat several steps.
Taking advantage of this, Ushiwakamaru quickly stepped forward and kicked at Hitachi-bo.
This kick was powerful, instantly knocking him off the wing-mount. Hitachi-bo’s body flew several meters away like a rag doll.
Just when everyone thought the outcome was decided, Hitachi-bo suddenly moved in mid-air, throwing out a chain.
The chain coiled around one of the wing-mount’s feet like a spirit snake, firmly securing it.
After circling once in the air, Hitachi-bo appeared behind Ushiwakamaru with almost unbelievable speed.
Swish—!
Without hesitation, the blade in Hitachi-bo’s hand swung down like lightning, slicing cleanly into Ushiwakamaru’s body, as if even the air had been cleaved apart.
Accompanied by a dull thud, blood sprayed out, and Ushiwakamaru’s body was instantly split in two, the scene incredibly tragic.
Witnessing the end of this fierce battle, a complex look flashed in Ishtar’s eyes.
She quickly adjusted her emotions and began to calmly analyze the changing situation.
"How much further..." She muttered to herself, her tone filled with urgency.
"Ten kilometers!" came a reply.
Ishtar narrowed her eyes slightly, a sense of powerlessness welling up in her heart: "Still that far..."
She stared at the massive enemy silhouette ahead, feeling an unprecedented pressure and crisis closing in on them.
Looking at the suffocatingly huge biological outline, a strong sense of unease rose from the depths of Ishtar’s heart.
"Mother is already in front of the Teeth of Nabishtim." Thinking of this, she gritted her teeth and growled. If they continued at their current speed...
They wouldn’t be able to stop Tiamat in time. This was simply a race against time, and they were clearly at a disadvantage.
Just then, a strange phenomenon caught her attention—a barrier of flickering, ghostly blue energy appeared out of thin air in front, not only blocking all obstacles ahead but also constantly advancing at high speed.
It turned out that this was a defensive barrier constructed by Mash using the power generated by her spinning shield, capable of effectively clearing all obstacles encountered on their path—the Lahmu swarm. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "Clearly, we’ve already eliminated so many, but why are there still so many enemies?!" ]
[ Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan): "After all, the opponents were once our own people too." ]
[ Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan): "....." ]
[ Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan): "Even so, they are all enemies now." ]
[ .....]
『 "Wait.... that’s.... the Lahmu swarm in front!" Ishtar shouted in a nearly desperate voice, but even so, it could not change the development of the situation before her.
Faced with such a powerful impact, Fujimaru Ritsuka and the others were unstoppable, slashing their way forward.
Those monsters that tried to block them were caught in the center of the storm and wiped out before they could even react.
"What are you doing!" Facing such reckless and even slightly crazy behavior, Ishtar was very confused and angry, questioning sharply.
"Just like this..... charge through!" Without extra explanation, Fujimaru Ritsuka responded with a firm gaze, his face written with determination and courage.
"There’s no time to deal with Ushiwakamaru while taking a detour." She added briefly. For them, every second was crucial now.
If they couldn’t stop Tiamat’s advance, all assumptions were meaningless, so he had to give it his all.
Even Tiamat could not block their path forward.
It was precisely because of this that Fujimaru Ritsuka could make up his mind.
Must... must keep moving forward.
"These guys are just a rabble, and they’re also a nuisance to Lord Yoshitsune!"
Hitachi-bo looked at the Lahmu army that seemed endless, no matter how many they killed, a firm determination revealed in his eyes as he slowly spoke. freewēbnoveℓ.com
"Seriously!"
Ishtar secretly felt annoyed, seemingly dissatisfied with the current situation.
"Let’s just do it... Take a gamble!"
Then she made up her mind, gathering all her magical energy at her fingertips and suddenly firing a golden beam of light.
This light swept across the Lahmu on the battlefield, instantly wiping them all out.
In this situation that could almost be called a life-or-death struggle, the distance between the heroes and their destination—Tiamat—was shrinking rapidly.
"Three kilometers left!" Someone announced the distance loudly, reminding everyone to hold on a little longer to reach their destination.
"Everyone, please be careful, Quetzalcoatl might be about to launch her Noble Phantasm attack."
Fujimaru Ritsuka warned everyone solemnly, hoping his companions would be prepared for whatever might happen next.
"Understood..."
As soon as the words fell, before anyone else could respond, a sharp, piercing cry of the Lahmu suddenly came from the sky.
It turned out that Ushiwakamaru was charging toward Fujimaru Ritsuka regardless of anything else, attempting to deliver a fatal blow.
"You people... what on earth are you trying to do!" Ushiwakamaru roared almost like a growl, while swinging the long blade in her hand directly at Fujimaru Ritsuka’s head.
At that very moment, a BANG—! echoed through the sky!
Mash reacted quickly, raising her shield at the critical moment to block the opponent’s fierce assault, steadily absorbing all the damage from Ushiwakamaru.
Thus, above and below, the two sides formed a brief but intense stalemate:
On one side was a sharp, peerless blade continuously attacking with force;
On the other hand was an unbreakable, iron-wall-like defense.
The magical energy consumption of both sides intensified rapidly. 』
『 .....』
( Translator-kun: The next Chapter would be Big Sister NP )
