Basically: So, how is the situation?
Hearing Marcel's question, Sherene shook her head with a grave face.
Sherene: Bad. We never expected the Duke to take such a drastic measure, so he caught us unprepared.
Matilda: I can't believe the duke is so crazy. Does he think the churches will let something like this pass? He will be hanged like the criminal he is!
Matilda said as she gritted her teeth in rage.
As everyone has enrage thoughts on the Duke, meanwhile, Nogla at the background scooping his nose with his index finger like an idiot spoke.
Nogla: Probably quite the opposite. I think the duke will end like a hero after everything ends.
Sherene, Matilda, his friends and the others were startled and looked at Nogla without understanding what he was speaking about.
Basically: Nogla, what the fuck are you talking about?
Vanoss: Marcel, I think his character effect his mental state. I think we lost the real Nogla we knew. What a shame 😞
Sherene: No wait, I think he has something.
Everyone: Huh?
Sherene: Mr. Nagle, can you please continue?
Nogla: Well, I have been thinking about it for a few second. I thought that no matter what the goal of these Duke guy is, using people as sacrifices will turn him into the enemy of the world. I don't think he is idiotic enough to do something like that. Thus, he must surely have something he is relying on :T
Delirious: Holy shit... that is the most smartest thing I ever heard from you, Nogla.
Wildcat: Is he a genius this whole time and we never knew it? Speak you dumb fuck! Tell us what are you hiding!? What did you do to our Nogla!!?!!
While Tyler grab Nogla's collar and shook him aggressively. Sherene, Matilda, and Julian furrowed their brows in thoughts, but they were unable to connect the dots so quickly.
Instead, it was Vanoss who seemed to have noticed something.
Vanoss: Was it those Church of Carnage assholes?
Hearing Evan's words, Marcel immediately reacted to it and realize something.
Basically: Maybe you and Nogla are right. Guys, think about it. We know that the Duke and the church of Carnage are allies, but the duke will never admit something like that. If my guess is not wrong after the duke accomplishes his goal, he will send his men to kill the members of the church of Carnage, he probably will go to the frontlines personally, fighting heroically and ending like a hero.
Julian: Are you saying that the duke is planning to betray the Church of Carnage? But these crazy terrorist bastards are not that stupid, how can they be fooled so easily?
Listening their conversation, Sherene shook her head with an expression of realization.
Sherene: I think not, the church of Carnage knows about the duke's plan. In fact, they agreed to it.
Julian: Huh?
Sherene: Think about it, Mr. Julian.....
Sherene said as she smiled softly, but an ice-cold rage was burning behind her smile.
Sherene: ...why would the church of carnage agree to cooperate with the duke? What did the duke offer to them?"
Matilda/Julian: You can't mean...!
Sherene: Mhm, the duke offered his citizens and the destruction of the city as payment. After everything ends, the duke will end like a hero, while the church of the carnage will retreat with few casualties and its name will resound through the continent as one of the biggest dens of criminals, growing quickly in power. It's a win-win situation for both of them.
Vanoss nodded her theory. In front of him were still several parts of the puzzle is missing, suddenly he now found a few pieces!
*Pok*
Finally putting the puzzle piece down, Vanoss needs to find the 2000th one to complete it.
Vanoss: Hey guys, have you seen the last one?
Back to her theory, everybody realize something, both the duke and the church of carnage were acting in a sick play where only the innocent citizens will suffer.
That was so...
Delirious: Repugnant.
Still, there was something none of them did not understand.
What is the duke planning to get with all of this? Why did he do something so cold-blooded and risky?
Why did he need so many sacrifices?
No matter how much they thought about it, this plan was not something someone sane would agree to. It could go wrong in many ways.
And how Barney and the other people in Auspicious Night fit in this plan?
Probably with the same doubts than everybody, Sherene sighed.
Sherene: Unfortunately, we did not manage to get any information from Barney. So we will have to do with what we have now.
Matilda: What is the plan then?
Matilda stared at Sherene. Noticing her gaze, she waved her hand softly, creating a magic circle that turned into a miniature tridimensional image of the city and the tall tower of the dungeon.
And within the projection of the city shows the giant magic circle above the entire city itself.
Sherene: We are not sure about the duke's plans, but it's obvious the giant magic circles is the key. This large magic circle has covered the entire city, therefore, it needs a very powerful source of power. According to my calculations, the main node of the spell should be here.
Sherene pointed to the 1st City Section, where the City Hall was located.
Sherene: If we destroy it, the spell should stop.
Behind her, Marcel thought for a moment and looked at Sherene.
Basically: Can you show me the spell they are using?
Hearing his request, Sherene immediately agreed. With a wave of her hand, the projection of the city vanished and was replaced by a tridimensional image of a magic circle.
Sherene: According to my observations, this should be the spell they are using. I have seen this spell several times before, so I'm almost one hundred percent sure.
Marcel frowned briefly. He had been analyzing the spell since it appeared, and if he was not mistaken...
Basically: Brian, did you remember we did some experiments about your cyborg powers and we did that. Secondly, did you analyse and scan the magic circle right now? If so, can you do the same thing?
Terroriser: Oh? Okay :T
Brian said before extending his hand. Instantly, a scientific holographic image of the magic circle appeared over his hand. But the group noticed that although this magic circle was similar to the one Sherene showed, it was slightly more complex.
Basically: Perfect :)
Marcel nodded and observed the spell fixedly. The next instant, his activate his ability, {Monarch Indifference} was put into action.
Then, what the others see next is Marcel's expression began to show a void of emotions.
Sherene: What are you doing?
Sherene wanted to ask, but she was stopped by Wildcat and Delirious.
The scene shifts towards Marcel's mind, it shows him surrounded by a void, then countless projections of some sort of calculations all around him.
Basically: Ahhhhh fuck me, this is gonna take a while.
Cracking his knuckles, Marcel began to do some math for a while, with a help of some advance AI supporting him.
3 hours has passed and Marcel was currently sitting a chair with a desk in the void, surrounded by countless papers and a board with numerous theories behind him.
*Sip(3x)*
Siping with a bit of coffee, Marcel lit up his eyes as he finally got his answer.
Basically: I think this is enough.
Now back to the real world, not even three seconds has passed, Marcel's eyes returned to normal.
He then asked Brian to make a map of the city and pointed to three places. one was at the 1st City Section which is where the City Hall was located. The second magic circle was located south east, the 4th City Section, then finallt the third magic circle was located at the 6th City Section, south west of the city.
Basically: Sherene is right. The magic circle that is being used was the one she showed us, butithasbeenmodifiedslightly... *Inhale*... Ithasthreemainnodesinsteadofone... *Inhale*... Ifwedestroyonlyoneortwoofthemtheremainingonewillstillkeepthespellworking... *Inhale!*...fruelingthespellwithouta problem!
"..."
Wildcat: Jesus brother, calm down. What were you doing in your deep of thought for the last several seconds?
Vanoss: You kinda look like you just use whole pack cocaines without us knowing.
Delirious: Yeah, Marcel definitely needs some help.
Basically: GUYS I'M FINE! We have more important..... time.
Sherene: Mr. Cunningham, your theory, are you sure about that?
Basically: Ah ha! I've studied magic circles for the past month although I can't use magic but I can use a skill to know at a fast rate!
The group looked at Marcel in astonishment. Whatever skill he uses, what he just did was beyond just 'first-class'.
He literally decoded a spell he saw for the first time and found its weakness in just three seconds!
However, something like that was so difficult for Marcel. His ability was perfectly suited for this kind of analysis, {Monarch Indifference} is not just letting some auto-pilot do the job for the user, it also helps him to train his battle IQ and let him learn about the battles he faced. There is also an ability to make him calculate the circumstances of his situation, creating a dimensional void in his mind to do some planning time, it is kinda like entering a dream. Morever, time is different compare to his dream and reality, 1 hours in the dream is 1 seconds has passed in the real world.
However, Terroriser could analyse and get the answer immediately than Marcel, however, it is his first time and it will take more than 6 seconds to complete on scanning it.
In truth, a week ago, they did a competition who will solve something first and Marcel won that competition.
Now back to the story. Normally, Sherene and the others would have found it hard to believe that someone like Marcel who isn't look smart but could do something like this, but they had already gotten used to the group's unusualness. Moreover, someone who possessed hundreds of demigod weapons like Wildcat surely must have one or two things they were exceptional at.
Sherene: So in other words, we need to destroy the three nodes if we wish to stop everything, huh.
Obviously, the three nodes would be strongly protected. Destroying the three was going to be a difficult task.
Fortunately, the number of demigods in this place matched the targets.
Sherene: Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Fong, your group will take care of the node in the 4th City section, south east of the city. Mr. Sebastian, Ms. Zabrina, Ms. Sara, you three and the forces of Midnight Kairos will destroy the node in the 6th City Section at south west of the city.
Sara: Are you not afraid of us betraying you guys?
Sara, who had been silent until now, stared at Sherene coldly.
Zabrina: Yeah, what if we stab you in the backs if you let your guard down for a split second~?
Sherene: 😊 You can try, but I hope you are prepared to bear the consequences. Especially you Mr. Sebastian.
Slightly opening her eyes at the imperial bulter codly. Noticing the cold glare, Sebastian grunted, reluctantly accepting Sherene's orders.
Sherene: Then, the church of the golden dawn will take care of the node in the city hall. Any objection?
When she saw nobody objecting, Sherene nodded.
Sherene: Then, let us start moving! We can't let these lawless bastards succeed.
With these words, the operation tonight started.
Sebastian and Midnight Kairos' group was the first to depart.
Meanwhile, Sherene, Moo, and the others stayed behind for a bit longer.
The reason? there was something Brock needed to ask.
Moo: Why?
Noticing his glare, Sherene smiled charmingly and tilted her head.
Sherene: What is it, Mr. Barrus? I don't understand your question 😊
Moo: Cut thr crap, Saintess. Don't play dumb with us. No matter how I see it, I can't think of a reason you helped us before.
Shernee looked at Brock briefly and giggled.
Sherene: Mr. Barrus, you are not used to receiving others' goodwill, right? Don't worry, I'm not going to ask anything of you. However, there is something I want to tell you.
Moo: Do tell.
Sherene: If one day you and your friends become strong enough to influence the fate of the world, don't forget you are now part of this world now.
Moo fell silent and thought about Sherene's words. A few seconds later, he nodded.
Moo: We'll think about it.
Then, he left, riding the Banana Bus alongside with his friends.
Samantha, who was standing behind Sherene, spoke at that moment.
Samantha: Your majesty, are you sure about this?
Sherene: These group of 30 year old mens... they are filled with potentials. The Owl Leader, the Man Behind the Mask, the Wise Fool, the Savage Pig Brute, the Intelligible Night Man, the Sane Beast Tamer and... the Metal Demon. If they have time to develop their abilities, maybe they can become another beacon of hope for this world, the next Seven Great Apotheosis just like the other seven before them. Moreover... I fear that if fate has other things with the seven, the final result will be a tragedy.
Samantha: A tragedy? Do you mean, either of them will die?
Sherene: Who knows? But I have the feeling it will be something worse.
*****
(Kingdom of Floral, Orazvil City, 4th City Section)
Right now, the scene shows Team 6 were riding the Banana Bus at full speed in the streets of the city, Fast & the Furious style.
In the bus, Wildcat kept yelling, running over, killing, and mouth mouthing any members of the Church of Carnage in his way while Nogla on top of the bus dealing killing other members with a mount machine gun attaching on top of the bus.
Their group was formed by eight people. Vanoss, Delirious, Basically, Moo, Nogla, Wildcat, Terroriser and Julian, who chose to support Team 6 instead of going with Midnight Kairos.
To be honest, the group were the smallest of the three. Matilda even suggested to have some of the forces of Midnight Kairos going with them, but Vanoss rejected the suggestion. In fact, he would not have brought Julian with him if not by the insistence of the latter.
Julian only understood his intentions when he experienced the Banana Bus' speed.
Julian: I see. Certainly, this metal wagon of yours is very fast, and the number of people it can carry is more than any land transports we have except for Airships.
Wildcat: Exactly! The horsepower and most importantly the engine can make this baby could go up to speed of 200km/h!
Basically: Yeah! The most important part of tonight's operation is speed. If we finish our part quickly, we can go to support Sherene's and the others.
Julian: I understand!
Even they went such speed, the city is still huge, it is like freely roaming around the whole city of New York with a race car.
Few minutes has passed, the group had arrived at their destination.
City Guard: Halt!
A city guard stood in front of the bus with his sword unsheathed. Several other city guards were standing behind him.
City Guard: Who are you!? What are you doing here!? This is a restriction area!
Seeing someone blocking their way, Tyler couldn't help but feel pissed about it. The node of the magic circle was behind these guards, however, the place was completely surrounded!
Moreover, he was not sure if the guards were involved in this plot or were simply being fooled by the duke.
Fortunately, he and his friends did not need to fight them.
Wildcat: Brian! Do it quickly.
Terroriser: Alright, amigo!
The Irish terminator nodded. Without hesitation, he pulls out a supershotgun and shot the ceiling of the bus, creating a hole to Wildcat's dismay and Nogla's yelping, he then activated his thrusters and floated in the air.
Seeing someone came out unexpectedly, the city guard's expression changed.
City Guard: You... You must be one of the villains destroying the city. Men, attack them!
Instantly, tens of magic arrows were released from the city guards. However, it was completely useless in front of Terroriser. With an excited expression, he pulls out a Minigun-Bazooka hybrid weapon from the addon system he purchased.
When the city guard saw that, he kicked the ground and charged towards him
City Guard: I won't let you!
A sword slash cut through the air, flying towards Terroriser which he has no time to react.
But Julian moved at that moment. With a twirl of his daggers, he stopped the <A-> rank city guard's attack.
Julian: Sorry about that, my friend, but we need to destroy this place.
While Julian was speaking, Terroriser immediately pulls the trigger!
Then...
A tens of dozens of destructive missiles was shot towards the node.
*BOOOMMMM!!!*
The powerful explosion shook the surroundings, however, the missiles Brian just used was designed to penetrate and destroy. Despite its immense power, it did not hurt any of the guards nearby.
Unfortunately, it did not destroy the node.
A barrier of light in front of the beam, stopping it momentarily.
The shield of light was quickly destroyed, but then, another thicker and stronger barrier appeared behind it. This time, it was a woman who created it.
Terroriser: Gah! Bloody Demigods!
Terroriser yelled in annoyance.
Although they already suspected that something like this was likely to happen, seeing it in person made them realize how important this magic circle was for the duke.
Right now, they are facing a Transcenion-level Demigod. Luckily, this is her first time to be one, she only just breakthrough just 6 weeks ago, but that doesn't mean she is weak, she's still a monster in power.
Demigod Woman: I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to destroy this place.
The woman sighed. She then waved her hand, creating instantly tens of magic circles behind her.
Demigod Woman: It has been a long time since the last time I fought anybody ever since I first reach in Demigod level! Why don't you show me what you are capable of!
Watching the female demigod in front of him, instead of feeling nervousness, Brian felt excited as he grinned mischievously. Then, golden magical particles surrounded his body completely.
Terroriser: Unfortunately for you Miss, I just need it to destroy it quickly because I want to have a nice little nap once this is done!
When Terroriser finished speaking, his figure lit up and shown his new appearance.
Then, an even greater amount of magic energy emited his body greatly reaching at the peak of <A+> rank!
He had use the {Armor of Zeldarein}.
Seeing the new appearance and the magic energy emited from Brian. The demigod woman's expression changed. Instantly, she cast several shields around her and the and the node.
Terroriser: USELESS!
Then, half of his right arm was covered by golden particles, and an instant, he materialize a very long weapon in it.
Demigod woman: What the-
Before the Demigod woman knew, the magic Railgun lit up!
Then, an even greater amount of magic energy gathered on it, almost at the same level as a Demigod!
And in the next instant...
*BAM!!!!!!!!!!*
The very loud and powerful large beam of magic energy was shot.
In just an instant, the large energy calibre penetrated several barriers, finally arriving in front of the rookie Demigod.
Without hesitation, the woman crossed her arms. Her mana surged, transforming into a powerful shield of energy.
And this time, she resisted for several seconds.
But just like before...
*Crash!*
With a sound like glass breaking, the last shield shattered.
Then, the large magical calibre pierced the Demigod's last defenses.
One second later, an even more powerful explosion shook the city.
And this time, the node did not manage to survive.
*BOOM!!!*
The large attack pierced the mana barriers before hitting the node and destroying it.
In front of the destructive power of the weapon's attack, nothing managed to stand.
Brian could feel the magic circle on the city shaking slightly before recovering to normal. It was evident that destroying this node was effective, but the magic circle could be destroyed only if the three nodes were down.
At that moment, a figure came from the site of the explosion and rushed towards the skies at massively Hypersonic speed.
Seeing the Demigod is escaping, Terroriser grinned and aims the weapon again.
However, it's not working.
Terroriser: Oh... I can use it only once. How unfortunate.
But it did not matter as he formed six truck-sized Miniguns made of magical energy floating around him, he was about to strike her down but one of his friends stopped him.
Basically: Brian, let her go!
Terroriser: Why the hell not!?
Basically: Even if you can injured her, you will be unable to kill a demigod quickly if she is hellbent in escaping. Now, our priority is to destroy the other two nodes. Besides, I managed to get a look at her lost beauty and her injuries are very serious. She will not be a threat anymore.
Brian thought for a moment and nodded before returning to the Banana Bus, still remaining in his armor.
Before leaving, Wildcat who is at the driver sit glanced at the stunned city guards briefly before giving the middle finger at them then immediately kick the engine before doing the donut first then drive away towards the City Hall at full speed.
Wildcat: Later shitheeeaaaaaa...........
*****
(1st City Section, City Hall)
When Sherene, Samanta, and 20 other Golden Paladins of the Church of the Golden Dawn arrived at the city hall, they met with an army ready to fight them.
Moreover, in front of that army, a demigod was standing with a red spear on his hand, casted with Curse Magic.
Samantha: Yoga.
The rip-off Saber whispered with a grave expression. Yoga was the name of the strongest of the three Demigods serving in this Duchy. The rip-off Lancer is a spear user famous for his fierce and lightning-fast attacks, especially his infamous weapon, Gáyÿy Bold, a cursed spear which is said to always hit the target.
Yoga heaved a sigh.
Yoga: Saintess, Ms. Leviatine. I never expected to have you as my enemies.
Sherene: Yoga, why are you still defending the duke!? Can't you see the atrocities he is doing!?
Yoga: Please, don't ask such a foolish thing. As a demigod, I will not change my mind easily. There is no use in trying to convince me of turning against my master.
Samantha: You are right.
Samantha said and took a step forward, her beautiful appearance and heavy armor creates an intimidating aura around her.
Samantha: So, I think it's better to kill you. Your Majesty, I'll leave the node and the Duke to you.
Sherene: Be careful, Sam.
Samantha nodded. She then unsheathed the greatsword on her back and narrowed her eyes.
The next second...
*BOOOMMMM!!!*
His greatsword clashed against the cursed spear of her opponent!
The battle between the two Demigods became fierce instantly. Both Samantha and Yoga clashed a few times before bringing their battle to the clouds to avoid affecting the people around them.
(On the Sky, 20,000 feet from the ground)
Samantha/Yoga: HAAAAAAAAAA!
At the same time, the Paladins of the Church of the Golden Dawn surged forward like a wave, crashing against the men of the Duke in a bloody battle.
Sherene also moved at that moment. She cast an unknown spell and her presence was concealed from the battle, allowing her to move through the battlefield and enter the city hall without being noticed by anyone.
Perhaps, the Demigod Yoga would have noticed her if he was still here, but nobody else in this battlefield were A-ranks which none of them couldn feel her presence.
As soon as she entered the city hall, though, she felt a chill on her spine.
???: How unlucky. To think that despite all my preparations and after masking the fate of this city we still ended attracting the dogs of the Goddess Genesis.
Sherene: Duke Orazvil.
The Saintess/Queen muttered angrily towards a man in the spatial room.
Unlike outside, the room is extremely dense with mana, drawn on the ground was a magic circle, and floating above this magic circle was a bluestone bigger than a volleyball; this bluestone kept spinning, and when one looks closely, one could see a small blue gas-like substance coming out of it and getting drawn into the magic circle on the ground.
This blue spinning circle stone is one of the Nodes, the core of the giant magic circle above Orazvil city; destroying one of it means reduces its progress.
Orazvil: Your majesty, or should I call you Saintess Sherene? Who knows, maybe I should call you Genesis' dog instead. Hm?
The Duke returned the greeting with a mocking grin and turned towards her, showing Sherene his current state.
His back was straight, as though protecting the node behind him, and he emitted an air of nobility. Despite his 115 years old age, the Duke still appeared dignified and filled with wisdom, like a sage instead of the madmen behind the holocaust in this city.
Around him, several chains of mana filled the city hall. The chains glowed with multiple colors, and a slight bloody light showed itself occasionally. When Sherene observed more closely, she realized that the end of the chains was connected to each of the Duke's limbs and his chest.
Orazvil: Beautiful, right? This magic circle gathers the souls of the people that had died in this city tonight before sending them to the chains that are connected to my body. A true artwork. Even I'm impressed by its design.
Sherene: I find it repugnant, instead. I can't believe someone I once thought was a virtuous person is doing such a repulsive act like devouring the souls of others... What is your purpose? I don't think you are doing this in a whim.
The Duke stared at Sherene briefly before smirking.
Orazvil: You don't understand, saintess. What I'm doing is for the greater good. You see, since I started to govern this Duchy, since I first create this city when that dungeon first appeared 80 years ago, the lives of the people have improved, there are almost no poor people, many Adventurers' dreams has come true, banditry has fallen to the lowest level in history, and other races could live freely without worrying about xenophobic people and race discriminations unlike the three superpowers who doesn't do shit! This Duchy I made was transformed from the trash it was once to the paradise it's today!
.....but, there is too much I need to do yet. I need to build more roads, to create schools, to train a powerful army, and do for the Kingdom of Floral. There are still many things thus Duchy still needs. Unfortunately, I'm too old, my inner magic is still not enough to keep me alive for long, I can feel my life is about to end soon slowly, Saintess.
Sherene frowned, but then, a look of realization appeared on her face.
Sherene: You... You don't mean!
Orazvil: It looks like you realized it, huh. You are right. These souls are being used to increase my lifespan!
The Duke smiled wickedly. Then, under the stunned gaze of Sherene, he took off his robe, revealing his chest with a strange-looking dark creature twisting inside it.
Duke: A year ago, someone came and brought it to me. This creature can absorb the mana in its surroundings to grow stronger, and when it's inserted on my chest, that strength is transferred to me!
.....unfortunately, it is still not enough as the magic is not too strong enough no matter how many times I absorbed more mana! However... that's where I learn by the same person that gave and that's where I've learn the most perfect way to increase my strength significantly.....
.....Souls... souls is the most effective of all that made me grow stronger greatly!
.....do you know, your Majesty? I have been stuck at the peak of <A+> rank for 60 years! 60 FUCKING YEARS! My cultivation has not taken a single step forward for a fucking inch for the past 60 years! I just need a step, a single tiny step to become a Demigod and transcend humanity! A step to increase my lifespan! A step that gives me 1000 years more to live!
.....but although this creature can absorb souls to become stronger, even it can't help me to break through my limits so easily. Thus, I needed souls. A LOT of souls. Millions or Billions of souls to take that step! And now... Now I'm very close! I can feel my strength growing! Soon... soon I'll become a Demigod! I could even possibly become beyond Sainthood level if I absorb enough souls. Hm, interesting, thinking about it, I think it will be my new goal, to become the strongest in the world!
Hearing his words, Sherene's face turned ugly.
Sherene: You are crazy! You even dared to use the Blight! Don't you know the monster in your chest can bring destruction to the world!?
Orazvil: You don't need to worry about that, your Majesty. Everything is under my control. *Chuckled*
But at that moment, the Node in the City Hall shook. The Duke was stunned. Immediately after, though, he was enraged.
Orazvil: The Node!
Sherene, who saw that, smirked.
Sherene: Everything is under your control, huh. But you are right, I don't need to worry about that. I only need to eliminate you.
She said. Then, her face took a chilling semblance.
Looking up at the sky, Sherene joined her hands and prayed.
Sherene: {Deity's Blessing}
Instantly, her aura exploded powerfully, filling the whole City Hall and a few yards around it with a sacred presence.