Chapter 91
Those 'Destruction Demon Army' guys were madmen who were satisfied as long as there was chaos and destruction, and it seemed that they were the ones who urged the dragons lazing around Dareu to exterminate the elves.
[It may sound a little weird for a dragon like me to say this, but Destruction Demon Army and the dragons really get along well. They wanted destruction, and dragons enjoyed power. Dareu underwent a cruel era until the elves met their doom.]
"And you couldn't let them be?"
[To me, and to a minority of dragons who were thinking the same things as me, the revelation from the Garden of Sunset came down. The revelation to guard the elves in order to preserve the potential of this world.]
Up to here, it was a story that could be found anywhere. A story where the good and the evil are clearly divided, and one that ends in despair but contains faint hope!
The problem was that Dareu ended up connecting to Earth. It was a horrible matter that made Yu IlHan think up of Hollywood, that created a brilliant first episode, and was trying to fit in a 2nd by force.
Even though the only ones that succeeded with a '2' attached to the end was just Termin*tor and Die H*rd.
[The Destruction Demon Army also noticed that. Of course, the dragons became to know of it as well. They were waiting until a path was opened to Earth. Yes, the Dungeon Break.]
"So if the dungeon was left sealed, the Earth might be doomed. huh."
When Yu IlHan smiled bitterly, the dragon also twitched its facial muscles. She seemed to make a similar expression to Yu IlHan.
[The Garden of Sunset first saw this as an opportunity.]
"Because the dragons will go to Earth if they wait? Because the Earth will be doomed, but Dareu may survive?"
The golden dragon momentarily was at a loss due to Yu IlHan's direct words. She was too embarrassed.
However, when Yu IlHan nodded his head, gesturing her to continue, she spoke again.
[However, a variable occurred. It was you, the representative of Heaven's Army.]
Seeing a monstrous existence that wiped out the dragon army that once brought destruction upon a world, the Garden of Sunset felt a possibility. And they judged that it was time to change their indirect ways into direct ways.
[Thinking about it, dragonkin are in the end, life forms of Dareu. Even if they bring destruction upon Earth, they might return to Dareu. They won't like it very much if they find elves when they come back.]
"So they will feel like when humans accidentally leave their houses with their city gas on."
They wouldn't have such problems if they lived in X* apartment! (T/N: Lost in translation, Xi apartment is quite modern, and therefore, has advanced technology built in it, one of those prevents gas leakage.)
[However, a possibility arose thanks to you. The possibility to destroy the Destruction Demon Army's subordinates completely, and return the world to the elves!]
"So?"
[So, let's get into a party.]
The story came back to the beginning. Erta couldn't help but ask.
[What do the Garden of Sunset want?] (Erta)
[I should have told you already. They want the elves to continue living, and that's the same for me as well. However, to fight against the higher class dragons, it is insufficient with just us, and therefore, we want to cooperate with you, who is facing the same enemy as us.]
[Is it really just that?] (Erta)
Said Erta in a sharp voice.
[I'm an angel belonging to Heaven's Army, Erta. I also had a few occasions where I clashed with the Garden of Sunset. And they were all because of unknown reasons too! I cannot believe that you are purely moving in order to save lives.] (Erta)
[However, isn't it sufficient for us to have an alliance with just the facts stated just now?] (Reta)
Unlike Erta, Reta, who owed her life to the elves, was quite optimistic about this dragon. Although, there was no way her voice would reach the dragon, as she was only a thought.
[I find it reasonable that you're suspicious of me. However, I do not want much in return. You just have to cooperate with us until we execute all the dragons belonging to Destruction Demon Army. Isn't it what you were going to do anyway?]
"So you don't mind if I turn my spear towards you guys after all that?"
[I do not believe that I will survive the battle with the Destruction Demon Army, but if I'm still alive, then, I'll face you as much as you want. However, you shall not attack the elves. That's the condition for this alliance.]
The desire to live was the fundamental desire for all living things, but she could say such things? Yu IlHan couldn't understand her, but it wasn't that he had never seen these kind of people.
Cult fanatics sometimes were like this.
If he found something wrong later on, then it wouldn't be too late to point his spear at them at that time. It seemed that it was better for him to get into an alliance with her at this time. Erta also didn't get stubborn. If Yu IlHan could be safer, then she would also prefer that.
"Good, I'll cooperate. As long as the elves don't bear their fangs at me, I have no intentions of harming them either."
[Thank you! You really are reassuring!]
The dragon raised its body. Yu IlHan collected the harpoons and the pillars using his remote collection function, and asked while looking up to the dragon's enormous body.
"Say, who are the allied dragons right now. I have to at least leave them out, right?"
[That will be solved if you get into a party with me.]
She offered her front claw. It seemed she was gesturing for him to grab it.
It was possible to get into a party with monsters! No, well, can they be called dragons when they have intelligence?
It would be a lie to say that he didn't hesitate, but it was a little weird to reject the parth offer when they were in an alliance. Moreover, even in the same party, as the experience was divided according to contribution, Yu IlHan wouldn't really suffer a loss.
Yu IlHan finished thinking up to that point immediately, and grabbed the dragon's offered front claw. The feeling of his hostility being erased, and the feeling of being within the same fence as her, was quite the marvel for him.
[You have entered a party.]
[Party members : 238]
[You have acquired the title, 'Dragon's Ally'. Damage from all dragonkin decreases by 15%, and attack power will increase by 15% when fighting together with a dragon.]
It seemed that dragons really were quite an amazing race, as he acquired a new title from just getting into a party with them. Ignoring the second half of the option, decrease in damage from dragonkin was a really helpful option.
But somehow, there were more party members than he thought.
[220 of those are 3rd class dragonkin. There were a little more, but you killed them all.]
"I couldn't help it. At that time, all dragonkin were my enemy."
Yu IlHan was firm. In fact, he did feel quite sorry, but he didn't show it. He would lose out in this alliance then.
[......In fact, there are some in this party that only helped out the Garden of Sunset because they didn't like Destruction Demon Army, so you could say that the uncooperative ones were the first to die. Anyway, you can't point your spear at the party members from now on, ok?]
"Ok."
Yu IlHan obediently nodded and turned around. The dragon panicked and grabbed him.
[Let us go together! We just became allies, so why?]
"It's more comfortable alone. You guys fight on your own. I think it's also better for you that way."
The dragon widened its mouth after hearing words that seemed like it was from a true loner.
[That's definitely true, but just how strong are you for you to be so... No, well, you did wipe out half the dragonkin in Dareu, I have to acknowledge that but...... Will you really be alright?]
"Yeah."
If he moved with the dragon group from now on, then it may really be comfortable in the short term. However, if he moved with them, then the kill number he could get will decrease, and the class advancement would be delayed just as much. Moreover, they could easily become a target if they moved in groups.
In contrast, if he moved separately, the target for the enemy would be divided and there would be less pressure on both sides, and as Yu IlHan would move alone, he could kill more dragons. Then, he would be able to complete his class advancement quicker.
This reasoning was only possible since Yu IlHan had the confidence in surviving against anyone.
[You really are a dragon-like man.]
"Clarify whether it's a praise or an insult. Wait, no, it's an insult, right?"
[You are infinitely arrogant, and have the power to go with it. And you even enjoy solitude, so if that's not a dragon, then what else is?]
It really was an insult!
[I understand. If you say so, then we will go along with your idea. However, we will eventually end up fighting in the same place. The dragonkin who received the revelations of the Destruction Demon Army are also starting to gather.]
Yu IlHan was also thinking something similar. Going alone against hundreds of dragons was akin to smashing a rock with an egg.
As such, he had to decrease their numbers as much as possible using the hit-and-run tactic, and only after he felt that it was impossible alone, did he plan to cooperate with the dragons belonging to the Garden of Sunset.
"Okay, at that time, I'll look for you guys."
[Lastly.]
Just as Yu IlHan took out some 3rd class magic stones and began asking Reta to activate the formation, the dragon spoke again.
[My name is Lecidna. Can you tell me your name?] (Lecidna)
"Yu IlHan."
[Yu IlHan. That's a good name. It's splendid.] (Lecidna)
Lecidna seemed to have more to talk about, but Reta activated the formation.
Yu IlHan didn't even look back to her and commenced the transfer.
...And activated the formation again as he met an ally dragon.
"Dammit, is there no function to filter out allies when activating the formation!?"
[You're over evaluating the world, Yu IlHan.] (Erta)
[Th, the next one won't be! I will activate it immediately!] (Reta)
However, only after he used over twenty more magic stones could he strike a non-party dragon, and it was the last dragon that moved around alone.
[Killing 4th class 958/1,000]
"42 more."
Collecting the dragon's corpse, Yu IlHan bit on a bloodrink.
"So from now, it's many vs 1."
Even the enormous quantity of bloodrink had been reduced to just 50 liters. Even the shields numbered only around 200 right now, even after his spear arts had advanced. Although the rest of his equipment was holding out since he was repairing from time to time......
[Are you going to activate the Hourglass of Eternity, Yu IlHan?] (Erta)
Yu IlHan seriously considered it, but shook his head eventually.
"No, I will regret it if I use it now."
[So, you think so too.] (Erta)
"Reta, let's go screw the dragons with the least number."
[I understand. A group of 5 is the least.] (Reta)
"Is that really the best?"
[Yes.] (Reta)
If it was the best choice, then he couldn't help it. Her firm reply made Yu IlHan helplessly grip the spear while urging Reta.
"Let's go then. Let's suffer marvelously."
Reta activated the formation. Yu IlHan, having become used to the sensation of the activation of the formation, blinked his eyes, and arrived at an island surrounded by the sea. It was near the beach as well.
"I think this place is one that will never have something to do with me in my lifetime."
Lifting his head up, the sun was shining brightly; there were no clouds; and the sea was emitting a sapphire-colored light, as if everything was laughing at Yu IlHan for working overtime. The aura of social butterflies that overflowed in this place even made Yu IlHan shrink back a little.
It was a consolation that this was a doomed world, and therefore, had no people.
Dumbfounded at Yu IlHan's loss of energy, Erta asked.
[And what place will ever have anything to do with you?] (Erta)
"Not the beach, but if you go a little further, I killed the Moby Dick in the seas."
[That damned Moby Dick!] (Erta)
[There are dragons in the air!]
"Ah, yeah."
I should go to the beach when I go back to Earth! Alone, too! – resolved Yu IlHan while holding up his spear. He found a dragon that was flying in the air while flapping huge wings, and jumped with all his strength.
His figure shooting up hundreds of meters, nearly a kilometer, into the sky was quite the spectacle.
Mid-way, he sensed something that felt like alarm magic hindering him, but alarm magic installed by something of a dragons' level couldn't detect Yu IlHan, so it didn't matter.
[When will it get caught?]
[It won't be long. Now that the loner dragons are dead, if he isn't planning to run away, then he will have no choice but to find us.]
[Damned reckless human.]
Grouped up dragons really were different in some way. It seems they were flying too, in order to create a disadvantageous environment for Yu IlHan who was a human.
However, there were always people like this –
[I'm fed up with this. What the hell are we doing? How come the strongest in this world, us dragons, have to fear a single human!]
[Caliana!]
[I will go play around! I'm doing that now, but I will play around even more!]
One of the dragons suddenly descended at rapid speed and dived into the sea!
Looking at that, Yu IlHan naturally aimed the spear at it, and threw it.
Of course, weight transfer included.
[Critical Hit!]
[Khaaaaaa!]
The sapphire-colored sea colored red due to dragon's blood.
When Yu IlHan's figure appeared, the alarm magic which finally detected Yu IlHan spat out ear-screeching noise.
[H, human!?]
[Be careful, we cannot underestimate his hiding abilities!]
The dragons all shot out magic after noticing Yu IlHan. There was quite the variety, including physical damage magic to magic that tried to hold Yu IlHan in place!
Of course, as he had expected that they would all attack at once, Yu IlHan re-leaped as soon as his figure was detected, and dived downwards. His target was the dragon that had a spear embedded in its forehead!
A few magics chased him from behind, but he ignored them while believing in his armor and his title. What was important to him now was to decrease the number of dragons as much as possible.
[He keeps charging!]
[Caliana, move!]
[Damn, Caliana is under a state of shock!]
[A shock just because we allowed a human to ambush us? Weakling......!]
After they noticed that their magic didn't properly kill the human, the dragons moved quickly, even while saying a few lines in panic.
One predicted Yu IlHan's falling trajectory and tried to block Yu IlHan by using short-distance spatial transfer magic, while another made tens of magic formations around it in layers in order to attack him, and one even opened its mouth in attempt to devour him whole.
Naturally, countless team-kills occurred in that process.
[Who are you attacking, you bastard!]
[Because you appeared so suddenly, I couldn't kill that human! You damned thing!]
"These guys have terrible teamwork."
Within the countless insults and magic, Yu IlHan even succeeded in concealing himself again. He even thought that this may even be easier than fighting a dragon 1 on 1!
He safely descended into the sea and collected his spear using remote collection as soon as he saw the spear, before taking it out again.
Now that he arrived near the dragon who just came to itself and was shaking its head, he inserted the bloodied spear into the same place again!
[Critical Hit!]
[The skill, Critical Hit, has become level 40. Attack power increases even more when a critical hit occurs.]
[Kyaaaaaaaak!]
The dragon's scream resounded across the sky. How could it be fine after getting two critical hits with a spear specialized in killing dragons?
[Khk, Khaaaaaaaaaaa!]
When it screamed while rolling around in pain, the dragons that looked down at the injured Caliana felt fear.
One that reads the movement of dragons, who wouldn't die after getting hit by a dragon's magic, dodges the majority of the magic, and even conceals himself among the dragons so comfortably.
[He, really is......]
[Hunting dragons.]
When Yu IlHan twisted his spear and transferred the weight, the dragon died with just that.
In fact, he had attacked twice using Spear of Untraceable Trajectory, but there was no way the dragons would know that as they didn't know the secret to the skill.
[You have earned 1,022,948,305 experience.]
[Killing 4th class 959/1,000]
"41 left."
Muttered Yu IlHan. Then, he looked up to the stiff dragons watching him from the air, before smirking.
It seemed he had the upper hand in morale.
[Human......]
[Damn, attack him! Are you going to kill more of our allies!]
"Good, let's see who dies in the end!"
Of course, he would run if things seemed bad, but he didn't say that and leapt!
After he had collected the dragon's corpse, that is!
Author's notes
There will be comments saying that Term*nator and D*e Hard was not good after the 3rd in series!
There will also be comments saying that there are other movies with a good 2nd in series!
A heroine? You look down on IlHan too much. Even while partying with a dragon, IlHan will hunt solo! Loners are invincible! Loners are splendid!
Translator's notes
This dragon will be an exception and will be called a 'she', (the rest are all 'it')
'Dragon's Ally' in raws literally translates to 'Dragon's Comrade-in-arms'
Translator: Chamber Proofreader: Koukouseidesu
If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Chapter 92
The combined attack of the dragons was expectedly frightening. Just a smash with their bodies was powerful enough, but they used magic to accompany it.
They weren't the 'peak magic users' that frequently appeared in fantasy novels, but as they had lived quite a long life, each and every one of their magics had very high standards. Their magic was strong, quick, numerous, and even varied from type to type!
[Be devoured by flames and fall into hell!]
[Critical Hit!]
"Ouch!"
[Yu IlHan!] (Erta)
"*Groan*, I'm alright. I picked what I would get hit by."
What was fortunate was that the basic affinity of the dragons was close to fire, and as such, their magics were also of the fire attribute. As such, Yu IlHan was reducing the damage acquired through getting hit by fire magic whenever he had no choice but to allow a hit.
[Kukukukuhahahahahaha!]
[Humans are weak!]
[Careful to not kill him!]
The dragons would never have imagined that Yu IlHan was wearing an OP armor which increased his fire resistance by 80%, so whenever Yu IlHan got hit, they cheered.
In truth too, they only thought that Yu IlHan had high mobility and attack power, and looked feeble in their eyes.
It was good for Yu IlHan if they let their guard down. Yu IlHan analysed the movements of the dragons when they used magic, while waiting for the timing when they interfered with each other's attacks for a chance to reverse the situation.
[Now!]
And at one moment, the dragons who thought that Yu IlHan showed an opening shot out their magics simultaneously, and in seconds, half the sky was covered by mana and explosions. Yu IlHan aimed for that moment to leap into the air again.
[Damn!]
[W, we didn't hit him. Did he run!?]
Realizing their mistake, the dragons looked around in shock, but Yu IlHan had long since succeeded in concealing himself. Moreover, there was something else which made him feel good.
[The skill, Leap, has become level 40. The number of possible re-leaps increase to 3, and it becomes possible to stay in the air for a longer time with the use of mana.]
This was exactly what he wanted since he had to repeatedly leap and re-leap due to his lack of wings! With this, he could now display more dynamic movement while in the air.
(P/R Well he never had any redb*ll then!)
'If it's like this.'
At first, he thought about throwing his spear, but he changed his mind and re-leaped towards it. It was the one which had sustained a neck injury due to the continuous fight until now.
The dragons were moving around here and there, installing trap magic. However, this was exactly the proof that they could not find Yu IlHan. Well, they didn't seem to be aware that concealment allowed him to bypass the alarm magic!
Yu IlHan gripped the spear with both of his hands while bypassing the trap zone, and approached the dragon which was casting healing magic to its neck. Then, he inserted mana into Superhuman Strength skill without holding anything back to enhance his arm muscles to strike the spear into that dragon!
[Critical Hit!]
[Khaaaaaak!]
[Dammit, we got hit again!]
The trap magic that detected Yu IlHan, albeit too late, all activated and injured him. He had already expected this much. Yu IlHan ardently sucked on the bloodrink while activating Transcendent Regeneration.
[The skill, Transcendent Regeneration, has become level 40. The efficiency of rest energy and recovery speed increases by a large amount.]
Meanwhile, even Transcendent Regeneration became level 40.
Now that he could recover faster with less rest energy, the efficiency of the skill instantly doubled. Now, he would be fine after a few seconds even if his bones were broken. Erta was right. Rest skill was the best!
[Kyahak! Kyaaaaa!]
"Ugh!"
The dragon couldn't hold back the pain and twisted its enormous body in the air. This moment was more thrilling than a rollercoaster; Yu IlHan knew that it would be the end for him if he was shaken off here.
He stuck himself on the neck of the dragon. No matter what magic attacked him and his surroundings, and how strong they were, he resisted and instantly pushed the embedded spear deeply into the dragon's body with one hand.
After that, he transferred the weight of the Cross Bag onto the spear!
Hundreds of thousands of tons was now hung on the dragon's neck. Yu IlHan wished that the neck would be broken just like that, but it seemed 4th class beings were able to endure such weight through sheer willpower as it was holding out quite well.
However, it did seem impossible for it to keep flying in the air. The dragon's body started falling towards the ground along with the embedded spear and Yu IlHan.
[Ugh, we need to save Esila!]
[Eeeeek, I will kill that human!]
[We can't do that, you idiot!]
The dragons in the air panicked after seeing their kin fall to the ground and muttered things while chasing behind.
However, there was something that weighed on Yu IlHan's mind.
"They can't kill me.......?"
[What do you mean by that, Yu IlHan?] (Erta)
Erta, who couldn't understand dragon speech unlike Yu IlHan, voiced her question. However, Yu IlHan also had no idea beyond that so he couldn't say anything to her. Instead, he wracked his brain.
'Can't kill me? Just who gave that order? If so, does that mean they're planning to use me as bait to kill the dragons belonging to the Garden of Sunset?"
Yes. By now, the dragons belonging to the Garden of Sunset should have begun their battle, so that seemed plausible.
Yu IlHan wanted to accept that and leave it be, but at moments like these did his brain work at full power.
'No, that's too weak. The alliance between me and the Garden of Sunset is only a temporary one, and it will be over when the party is severed. The dragons should also know of that, and the enemies should also know that I am not such an effective hostage. If so.'
Another target.
For example, a higher existence who should be fighting against the higher existences of Destruction Demon Army waaay up there. Isn't that more plausible?
'They're aiming for Lita......?'
Yu IlHan's heartbeat became faster. He wanted to deny that, but it seemed to plausible. Otherwise, there was no meaning in capturing him alive.
Suspicion instantly turned into conviction and ruled over his mind.
They were planning to get Lita by capturing him.
The moment that thought located itself in his mind, a fire ignited in Yu IlHan's heart. Due to the sudden change in mind that surprised even him, he almost lost his reason.
'Even if I die, I will not get captured and endanger LIta.'
This was one of the resolves he had made while living as a loner – to take responsibility for his own actions.
To not get his weaknesses discovered by anyone, and to fight alone, he resolved that firmly and even acted on it. To not look weak to anyone, he lived without voicing a single complaint.
However, if he actually got caught by the dragons, then Lita would become responsible for his actions. That was a horrible matter, and something that Yu IlHan would never let be even if he died.
Like how Lita was thinking of Yu IlHan as important, Yu IlHan also thought of Lita as being important.
'It's good that I found out before I made any mistakes.'
Yu IlHan became relieved. Now that he knew what they were up to, he was not afraid of anything anymore. It also helped that the dragons didn't know that Yu IlHan could translate dragon speech.
Yu IlHan was fighting with the resolve to die until now, but it turns out they were trying to capture Yu IlHan alive.
They had made a huge mistake – with this, Yu IlHan could now become even more advantageous in fights!
Anyway, what came first was to kill these dragons in front of him. Yu IlHan lightly jumped into the air before the dragon with a spear on its neck crashed into the ground, and after the dragon had crashed with a 'boom' did he land back on its neck and pulled out his spear.
It wasn't such a difficult matter to kill an almost-dead dragon. It was enough to strike once with Spear of Untraceable Trajectory.
[You have earned 1,192,303,119 experience.]
[I can't endure it anymore! Are you saying that we can only watch as our kin die to that trivial human!]
One of the dragons finally became berserk. It covered its body with hot orange flames, and descended at rapid speeds while staring at Yu IlHan, who was collecting the dead dragon's corpse.
It seemed it had even cast binding magic as a huge hand made of sand appeared from the ground and tried to restrict him.
Yu IlHan didn't resist that. He obediently got caught by the hand of sand, and just posed himself while gripping the Black bone giant spear in his hand. He focused more power than ever into the point of the spear.
Like an archer about to shoot an arrow, he tensed all the muscles in his body while drawing back the spear slightly.
[I, idiot! Stop him!]
[There are much more important matters than killing it...... dammit! Let's protect the human!]
The other dragons hurriedly chased behind, however, the enraged dragon arrived in front of Yu IlHan first.
[Kroaaaa........ Kahak!]
[Critical Hit!]
However, the moment it opened its mouth as it approached Yu IlHan, a fountain of blood sprayed out. The dragon's vicious charge lost its balance due to the incomprehensible attack.
What was there to hide. Of course, it was the spear strike that Yu IlHan had shot out first using Spear of Untraceable Trajectory. To be exact, it was a spear throw.
However, the reason for the OPness of the Spear of Untraceable Trajectory lay somewhere else.
Regardless of whether Yu IlHan had attacked with a spear throw, he was still in his position and was preparing for a killer attack, and dragon(A) who had just lost its balance was falling down towards Yu IlHan after losing balance.
[Idiot!]
And dragon(B) smashed in from the side. Continuing, dragon(C) dispelled the hand of sand that restricted Yu IlHan's body.
They should have thought that Yu IlHan would roll around to dodge, but this was exactly the moment Yu IlHan was waiting for.
Vicious Purple Flame burned on top of his spear. Yu IlHan pulled back his spear with both of his legs firmly gripping onto the ground, before throwing his spear into the wide open mouth of dragon(A) who had floated upwards slightly due to the tackle from dragon(B)!
[Critical Hit!]
[Kahak!]
The dragon spat out a single syllable-scream. The next moment, weight transfer option activated to drag it into the ground.
The dragon's figure smashing into the ground to the spear embedded on the palate(roof of one's mouth), while flapping the bat-like wings colored in flames, was as if looking at the fall of Icarus.
[Critical Hit!]
That was the final strike. Perhaps it had softer joints than the previous one, or it fell down in the wrong position, but its neck had snapped just like that.
[You have earned 1,209,896,198 experience.]
[To think 3 of us would die......!]
[We....... the almighty race of dragons looked laughable to him?]
Dragon(B) and dragon(C) also went berserk like dragon(A), but Yu IlHan wasn't so scared even after looking at that. He only collected the dragon's corpse and his spear.
[I will never kill you. I shall tell you that there's suffering worse than death.]
[Foolish human, I will make your entire body realize that what we showed you was not the true power of dragons......!]
They charged in a straight line. However, Yu IlHan nimbly leaped, and re-leaped twice to shoot up several kilometers into the air.
"Using re-leap many times sure is incredible."
The speed of the dragons in the air was frightening, but currently, Yu IlHan had surpassed that speed and could take the upper hand in the fight. All of this was thanks to the advance in the leap skill.
However, just as Yu IlHan smiled and prepared to throw his spear, Erta said in a stiff voice:
[Yu IlHan.]
"Say it quick."
[I think it's better if you see this for yourself.]
Yu IlHan momentaryily stopped getting into position and turned his head. As he was high up in the air, he could see over the horizon.
Tens of dragons and hundreds of dragonkin were flying towards him.
"Now that's a spectacle."
[Th, the berserk dragons must have provoked its kin. Yu IlHan-nim. At this rate......] (Reta)
He was planning to kill the groups with lower numbers but it suddenly became a group fight! Yu IlHan had no choice but to acknowledge that he had looked down on the cohesion of the dragons.
[We need to go back down to the ground and activate the formation! We can't go against them head on!] (Erta)
[No, unfortunately, that's impossible. It was a similar situation when the empire was destroyed. Tens of dragons gathered in one place to prevent the activation of the formation and......!] (Reta)
Reta thought back to the past and cried her frustration out. Well, it could be expected that the dragons would not let Yu IlHan run away through the magic formation.
Then what to do now? How to survive now? What must he do in order to meet Lita again?
(P/R Is this the long awaited realisation of Yu Ilhan's feelings???!!!????)
Yu IlHan first inflicted a fatal wound to one of the dragons that shot upwards towards him by throwing his spear which had Purple Flame burning on it. Then, he activated re-leap to shoot downwards towards it while muttering.
"Talk to me when I look like I'm about to die."
[That means.] (Erta)
"Yeah."
He laughed bitterly.
"I think I'll have to use the barrier here."
17 minutes after that, Yu IlHan killed four more dragons and just as his body was about to snap in half, he succeeded in activating the Hourglass of Eternity.
Author's notes
Yu IlHan is invincible in reading crisis ahead of him!
For the next two months, it's Yu IlHan's turn! The story of Dareu continent is slowly nearing its climax!
Chapter 93
"Huff, huff......"
Yu IlHan panted and collapsed on the ground. The dragons' figures with wide open mouths beyond the barrier was strangely funny.
[Yu IlHan, you aren't dead, right......?]
"Yeah, probably."
Yu IlHan turned his head to check whether his waist was snapped and spoke in a worried tone, before taking out a bloodrink cheer pack and drinking it.
Transcendent Regeneration activated the moment his body acquired rest energy to heal the muscles that were ripped apart due to the aftereffects of the Superhuman Strength skill, and rejoined his shoulder which was almost ripped apart by a dragon's claw.
Only after he checked that his ribs had no cracks did he let go of the bloodrink from his mouth. A patient that looked like he was just about to leave the world recovered in moments.
"I drank all of that and only have 30 liters left now. That's a pain."
[It would be good if the dragons in your party noticed your crisis and came to help.] (Erta)
Erta seemed to expect external help, but Yu IlHan didn't expect it so much. Wasn't it all due to his ability that the Garden of Sunset formed an alliance with him?
But if the alliance held them back instead of helping them, then there was a possibility that they would just forget everything and give up on the plan.
"If you are conscious of the fact that you cannot believe anyone in the world, then you won't have to worry about getting backstabbed. Remember this, Erta."
[That's a sad enlightenment......] (Erta)
Yu IlHan took out the anvil, the furnace, the hammer and various other blacksmithing tools before taking off his ragged armor.
"I should take Eternal Flame with me starting next time."
[That child won't go inside the Cross Bag.] (Erta)
Thinking that he should research on that matter later, he thought about what he could use to replace the flame, and he came up with Purple Flame from his Black bone giant spear.
It won't go off easily once he set fire inside the furnace, and as it was a flame with a special attribute, its melting abilities was one of the best. Excluding the fact that it could not understand Yu IlHan's will unlike the Eternal Flame, and he had to focus quite a lot to compensate for that, it was a splendid choice.
Taking his top off, Yu IlHan was repairing the armor with what little Orochi bones and leather he had left, when Erta realized and spoke to him.
[Oh yeah, Reta couldn't enter again.] (Erta)
[Kroaaaaaaar!]
[.......And the Orochi's here again?] (Erta)
"There's something I want to keep secret from her, heh!"
A secret, is he trying to make a present for her? – Erta's eyes sparked.
Wait, he was making a present for a formless shard of thought, but there was nothing for her! Although she caused him a lot of embarrassments until now, she should have helped out a lot since the time he came to Dareu, through the Angel's Support skill!
Even though she would realize that it was a misunderstanding if she thought a little more about it, the calm and rational Erta of the past had long since disappeared, and there was only the Poor Angel(2) who was going berserk with her newly-found emotions.
Regardless of the complaint that was blowing up in size infinitely, which stemmed from Erta's misunderstanding, Yu IlHan kept continuing to work. In this space where time had stopped, clear sounds of hammering endlessly rang out.
Even though he was having a life-and-death battle until moments ago, Yu IlHan was neither nervous nor hurried. He saw through the 2 months given to him, and paced himself in order to use that time fully.
This wasn't possible for just anyone. It was only possible for Yu IlHan, who had experienced the forgotten millennium on Earth. It wasn't a lie at all when Spiera said that Yu IlHan was fitting as the owner of the Hourglass of Eternity.
The armor was repaired soon, and the spear also became sharper than before. It was a little interesting to see that the spear head was melting in the furnace even though it wasn't affected when he used the skill.
"Next is the shields..."
Yu IlHan poured out the damaged shields from his Cross Bag.
The 1000 shields of top quality, made fro Orochi's hard bones and leather, had all become tatters without a single exception.
[.......Do you think you can repair all that?] (Erta)
"I can't use the leather. As for the bones....... It's fortunate that they have metallic properties. I think I'll be able to use them again somehow if I melt them down."
Then, there was only one conclusion.
'That moment' had arrived.
The moment of dismantling!
"I really want to dismantle the 3rd class ones too."
[Please hold back!] (Erta)
The number of 3rd class monsters he had hunted since he came to Dareu numbered over 35 thousand. It was a wonder that the Cross Bag was still holding out!
Although they were smaller than 4th class beings, as every one of them were monsters with over several meters of height, if he dismantled them all, the time limit for the barrier would be finished without him being able to do anything substantial.
"Yes, let's do that after we go back to Earth. The clans that would buy the higher equipment next season just became lucky."
[It seems you need to make a higher tier than higher equipment. Equipment made from dragonkin would be different in some ways.] (Erta)
Yu IlHan grumbled along with Erta before starting to dismantle the 4th class dragons. He equipped sharp dragon bone knives in both of his hands, and did a sword dance as parts of the dragon's corpse came out the Cross Bag!
It was over quite quickly when he was dismantling the Orochi, but now that he had to dismantle over 900 dragons, the sword dance continued for several hours without rest.
Yu IlHan wielded the knives in both of his hands with his peak-level focus, while taking out the corpses from the Cross Bag at the same time, and the dragon corpses came out in a grand fashion, but was ground, in a matter of minutes, into fine pieces that seemed suitable for display within the British Museum. Below that, a bucket made of special material was placed to hold the dragon's blood.
It was truly a grotesque scene, but how could it look so cool with Yu IlHan in the center? – Erta watched the scene dumbfoundedly.
The dismantling finished and Yu IlHan was left with 18 4th class magic stones.
"1/5 is bullshit. It's more like 1/50."
[But dragons have a possibility of having a Dragon HEART!] (Erta)
"Yes, but I got none."
[That's true.] (Erta)
Even though he had taken out the hearts of those dragons out carefully each time, there were none that looked like a Dragon HEART.
Damn, it's a heart but it isn't a HEART.
[Dragon HEARTs are written with capitals, and normal hearts aren't. You can just think of it as a proper noun.] (Erta)
"Thanks for the easy-to-understand info, Ertawagon."
Closing his short-lived, but grand dream of a Dragon HEART, Yu IlHan threw the separated dragon bones into the Purple Flame burning inside the furnace. Looking at it now, it seemed that he had to make another furnace first from dragon bones as the current one looked like it would melt at any moment.
[Yu IlHan, what do we do with all these hearts?] (Erta)
"Just gather them on one side. I might be able to make something from it."
[Now you're ordering an angel around...] (Erta)
Even while grumbling, Erta gathered the hearts in one place. Since the huge bucket that stored the dragon's blood was around 70% filled, she just threw them all in there. Seeing the red and hideous hearts floating in the black sea of blood was quite a shocking experience.
[It's my first time seeing so many dragon hearts in one place. Well, it wasn't that I met dragons often even when I was 4th class.] (Erta)
In fact, before she became an angel, it was not an easy thing for her to hunt a dragon either. She was a mage, and had high attack power but had feeble defense and had to endure a long chant.
In regards to that, Yu IlHan could just be said as amazing. Although it was true that he was under the support of frightening equipment and the skill known as Angel's Support, from his current rate of growth, it wouldn't be long until he surpassed Erta's power when she was a lower existence.
There were more beings that gained the potential for infinite growth thanks to the contact with the Akashic Records than there were grains of sand on the beach, but very rarely do those people reach the realm of higher existences. As such, no matter how great of a hero one may be, it was difficult to say if that person would become a higher existence or not.
However, what about Yu IlHan? Wouldn't he become a higher existence like it was nothing?
[If you really gain the possibility of a higher existence...... Will you really come to us?] (Erta)
As she knew that Yu IlHan wouldn't be aware even if lightning struck right next to him due to him working, Erta muttered out loud while looking at Yu IlHan. It seemed he really hadn't heard her as he kept hammering away.
Time flowed past.
Yu IlHan made 3000 new shields using the overflowing dragon bones and leather.
They were all at least of unique rank, and 5 of them luckily became legend rank, obtaining incomparable defense power compared to the others.
He wouldn't have thought so much if they were all unique, but now that he came out with 5 legend rank ones, Yu IlHan became severely conflicted.
"It would be good if I group up the legend and leave them on one side."
[It would be difficult even for you to differentiate between the shields in your Cross Bag, right?] (Erta)
He really wanted to retort to her, but frustratingly, she was right.
Other than the fact that they were of legend rank, the outer appearance of those shields didn't look that different from the unique ranked ones. Even though he became used to the remote collection function of the Cross Bag, it was difficult for him to pick out the 5 legend ones amongst 1000 shields that were identical to each other.
Then what should he do? Normally, people use money when they encounter problems that they cannot solve by themselves. With that, most of them are solved. Yu IlHan also came to know of that method quite recently. Using money when necessary brings miracles!
As such, Yu IlHan took out a 4th class magic stone.
[Yu IlHan!?] (Erta)
"That's one small step for me, one giant leap for shield-kind!"
[NASA will hunt you down!] (Erta)
All the shields had undergone mana crafting once with 3rd class magic stones. He even cut out the heads of the 3rd class dragons for the magic stones without dismantling.
SInce they had undergone mana crafting, there might not be any changes even if he imbued the power of magic stones.
However, Yu IlHan wanted to believe in the legend rank. If it was the shields that had acquired legend rank within the same conditions as the other shields, he believed that they would be able to endure a 4th class magic stone!
[If you're trying to tie 5 of them into one by mana crafting, you're doing something similar to when you made the armor and the robe, no?] (Erta)
"Oh yeah. Now that I think about it, I went through the pains of attaching those options onto the armor and the robe, but I never even used them."
That couldn't be helped. 3rd class ones were usually over with a single hit, and 4th class ones wouldn't be damaged with just that. In any case, the experience from last time helped so it was fine!
Yu IlHan layered the 5 legend rank shields neatly, and placed one hand on top of them while grabbing on the 4th class magic stone which was emitting a frightening but brilliant light.
He closed his eyes to focus, and wished dearly while activating mana crafting.
"Please let me be able to use those 5 shields together!"
At that moment, a blinding light flashed. As Yu IlHan wished for a miracle, it actually happened.
The 5 artifacts all emitted light and were being completed into a single artifact!
[Aegis]
[Rank – Legend]
[Defense – 7,200]
[Options –
35% increase in defense
Nullifies critical strikes at a certain probability
Reflects a portion of physical and magical damage when hit at a certain probability.
Can move according to the user's will with the use of mana]
[Durability – 13,500/13,500]
[A single artifact comprised of 5 legend rank shields. The crafter that had a deep comprehension on each of the artifacts succeeded in tying the 5 shields into one with the combination of his exceptional mana crafting ability and the pure magic stone. If this artifact accompanies the owner and gains records and achievements, then it may perhaps advance to the next stage.]
"Huh......"
Due to the unexpected gain, Yu IlHan was at a loss. Erta was at an even more of a loss.
[There's a limit for blind pigs finding acorns! This is almost Heavenly Cloud Gathering Sword-tier!] (Erta)
(P/R There's a saying that goes, even a blind pig can find acorns once in awhile)
"4th class magic stones sure are amazing!"
With a slightly off opinion, Yu IlHan tried inserting mana into Aegis to lift them into the air.
As expected, the simple-looking 4th option was more than he had expected.
The 5 shields could be formed into a flower-like form to make a huge defensive layer, and may be layered into a single sturdy shield, and could even be spun around Yu IlHan to protect him from all sides. There were many uses to it.
Of course, he would be able to recreate that phenomenon to a certain point with his Cross Bag, but since they were moving real-time according to Yu IlHan's will, it would be a huge difference in actual battle.
Thinking that he had earned an extra life, Yu IlHan stored the Aegis into his Cross Bag. He couldn't use such a life-saving equipment so early on. As he had planned, he would use them in the final fight.
Whenever miracles occurred, they occurred coincidentally in unexpected places. This was the moment where one of the artifacts that would represent him, was born.
Author's notes
Aegis, may be pronounced as 'Aii – giss' or 'Eee-jis'. Although they were once used to mean a normal leather shield, normally, it is most known for the shield of the Goddess, Athena, in Greek Mythology! It's the shield that has the Medusa's head on it. Of course, Yu IlHan's Aegis has no petrification ability!
Chapter 94
After creating Aegis, Yu IlHan proceeded to enhance the dragon-hunter tools. Although he couldn't make new Giant's Rubber Bands without the Eternal Flame, he installed the dragon-hunter tools with what little rubber bands he had before strengthening them with the newly acquired dragon bones and leather.
Amongst those, what Yu IlHan focused on the most was the dragonhunter ballista, rather, it was more like a huge crossbow.
[Dragonhunter's Frightening and Sturdy Dark python Ballista]
[Rank – Legend]
[Attack Power – 6,500]
[Options –
50% increase in attack power against dragonkin
40% increase in penetrative power
Endures momentarily even if receiving shock beyond durability]
[Durability – 7,988/8,100]
[A large weapon optimized to hunt dragons. The sharpened thick and big dragon bones are used as the arrows, and up to 15 shots can be shot out continuously.]
There were a total of 6 ballistas he had made after investing 3rd class magic stones without holding back, and they could now shoot out continuously. To use them as soon as the barrier fell apart, he installed and fixed the ballista on the ground.
It was ridiculously difficult to load them even when he had deployed Superhuman Strength, but that wasn't much of a problem since they would be reloaded automatically using the rebound force from when they shoot the arrows.
"Ignoring 3rd class ones, I need to start off by killing at least 6 4th class ones."
[And you're talking about 4th class ones here.] (Erta)
Yu IlHan attached ropes on each of the triggers of the ballistas and tied them up. This was for him to shoot all 6 ballistas at the same time when the barrier's time was up.
"You think they'll be able to survive with 15 big and beautiful dragon bones embedded in them?"
[There are still over 30 even if that happens. This, isn't really usable if you use it once, no?] (Erta)
"Yes. But it's alright. This is just the start."
Each and every one of the dragons were monstrous beings that did not tire out even while endlessly casting magic and flying around. Would traps and landmines work on them? Not a chance.
There cannot exist a trap that can instakill a dragon. If it was possible, he would make around 30 ballistas and install them everywhere, but there were no more Giant's Rubber Bands.
Then, what did he have to do? The answer Yu IlHan came up with was to give up on killing them and focus on tying them down in their places as much as possible.
Firstly, he installed the pillar & harpoon sets he made with Orochi materials around the place. Then, he went into modifying them. He focused on tying down the dragons as much as possible.
Naturally, he had invested the 3rd class magic stones on each of the pillars so that they wouldn't budge even while the dragons rampaged around; the harpoons so that the dragons wouldn't be able to pull it out even if they use all their power; and the ropes so that they wouldn't snap no matter what the dragons did to them – whether it would be pulling, burning or freezing due to magic.
Such was the completion of the haunting ghost harpoon set.
"I'd tie them down with this, and kill the others."
[I can't even retort since your idea of tying 4th class dragons down with harpoons is too cool.] (Erta)
Was Yu IlHan's mentioning of the Moby Dick all for this moment? – Erta ended up acknowledging him.
Embedding tens of pillars within the barrier area, Yu IlHan continued by creating grenades that worked through the explosion of magic stones, with the shrapnels of dragon bones he was left with after the crafting, and made quite a few pile bunkers that burst apart after a single shot in compensation for extremizing destructive ability, after considering that it was difficult to load them amidst of battle.
He did pour out 3rd class magic stones for all of that, but even that wouldn't finish a dragon with a single strike. However, it would probably be enough to deal proper damage. Yu IlHan wanted just that.
Lastly, he made an insurance.
[Insurance?] (Erta)
"Yup."
It was unknown when a crisis may rise within battle. Now that he had already used the Hourglass of Eternity, shouldn't he make at least one or two emergency escape bombs?
As such, He picked one grenade and one pile bunker and invested a 4th class magic stone on them. Even though they were consumables that would be gone after a single use!
[You are aware how valuable 4th class magic stones are, right?] (Erta)
"Of course, I do. But my life is even more valuable."
The power within 4th class magic stones were incredible as he had expected. The destructive power of the finished grenade was near 9,000, and pile bunker was near 10,000. It was a pity that they would disappear after a single use.
It wasn't that he hadn't thought of making another set of equipment using 4th class magic stones and dragon parts, but not to mention his spear, as his armor had an increase in fire attribute option, it was specialized for fighting dragons.
To extract them, it was a loss since Orochi material were better than the dragon bones he had right now, and if he made a 4th class magic stone and other dragon bones to make a whole new equipment, its performance wouldn't surpass the current ones even if they turned out to be epic ranked ones. This was the reason he had focused on making subsidiary equipment.
When everything was finished, there were 10 days left until the barrier time ran out. Erta checked the durability of the barrier before speaking to Yu IlHan with a nod.
[Now you've got every insurance you can make, right? There's some time left, so get plenty of rest and simulate the battle.] (Erta)
"No, I'm not finished making insurance though?"
[You want to use more 4th class magic stones?] (Erta)
"Not at all."
As he didn't know when he would be able to acquire any 4th class magic stones again when he went back to Earth, he had no thought on wasting them now.
Yu IlHan shook his head with a laugh, and spoke words that were incomprehensible to Erta, to an opponent that was incomprehensible to Erta.
"Orochi, you understand me, right? Why don't we have a talk about the future?"
[Kroaaaaaaaaar!] (Orochi)
This was the moment when Yu IlHan commenced creating the 'last insurance' just in case.
When he finished doing everything he could, there was only one hour until the barrier time was up.
There was no meaning in training skills in that short time; wouldn't it be better to just get some sleep?
-thought Yu IlHan while clearing up the furnace when he smelled a refreshing smell. It was something he didn't feel until just a moment ago.
"What is it, Erta? Did you take out some food from your inventory? Don't be stingy by eating alone and give me some too."
[Huh, no. It's that, I think you need to see for yourself.] (Erta)
To Yu IlHan who sounded like he was joking, Erta replied in a strangely concerned voice.
Now that he looked back, she had left Yu IlHan's head and was flying around the place, and was now looking at the special material bucket that he had used to store dragon's blood.
"That's the bucket for the blood. I should clean this up and store it."
[Actually, I put the dragon hearts in there, two months ago.] (Erta)
"Over 900 hearts?"
[To be exact, it's 965 of them.] (Erta)
Even while tilting his head at Erta's stiff voice, Yu IlHan approached her and gave the bucket a glance.
There was a lake of transparent rubies.
"No, there's no way jewels can become lakes."
[Not at all. Your description is very suitable.] (Erta)
Yu IlHan rejected his own opinion on it, but Erta exclaimed at his expression of words.
It was exactly like that. Even though the dragon's blood definitely looked black and unclear in the past, it had become a ruby-red liquid emitting light all by itself. It was probably the hearts that affected the blood, but there was no way of knowing the exact mechanism.
The aroma was from the liquid. Yu IlHan had no way of understanding what was happening.
"Please explain, Ertawagon."
[I don't know either.] (Erta)
"You really don't help, do you?"
[I've never gathered so many dragon hearts in one place before! I assure you that no other angels have done that either!] (Erta)
The retorting Erta looked so cute. If the Erta of the time when she just met Yu IlHan, saw this, then she would probably deny reality.
Yu IlHan patted Erta with a laugh, and neared one of his hand to the liquid that was emitting faint light. Erta became shocked when she saw that.
[Dragon's blood is dangerous. It may perhaps have gotten even more dangerous.] (Erta)
"Don't look down on my Extreme Poison Resistance I trained with the bloodrink."
However, both Erta's worry and Yu IlHan's resolve were in vain. The liquid did not affect Yu IlHan's hand in any way.
No, to be exact, there was a stinging sensation, but this was almost the same feeling as the bloodrink. Meaning, it was just extreme poison.
When his hand touched the surface of the liquid, a line of green text appeared on Yu IlHan's retina.
[????]
[An alcoholic drink that was born after dragon's blood was filtered and matured through numerous mana organs, which, as a result, had its poison neutralized, and had its life force and recovery power amplified. If one's an owner of a body that is not affected by extreme poison, it becomes possible to recover health and a little bit of magic when consuming this. The dragons' regeneration energy piled up through the years is plenty, so one would not need sleep.]
[You have created a drink that was never discovered before in any place! The skill, Cooking, increases by a large amount to level 49. The same cooking would result in better effects, and the possibility of thinking up a recipe by just looking at the ingredients, increases]
[You have created an alcoholic drink using the essence of dragonkin of at least 4th class. Although one would not be able to consume this without extreme poison resistance, its distinguished aroma and exceptional effects are all worthy of praise. You have the qualifications to name this alcoholic drink.]
Lightning flashed in Yu IlHan's head. In fact, he didn't understand exactly what had happened, but he might have discovered a good potion to replace bloodrink!
Yu IlHan and Erta named this alcoholic drink, 'Breath'.
There was a total of 112 liters after the maturation process which concentrated the drink by tens of times. When he moved them all into cheer packs for ease of drinking, there was only 30 seconds to the end of the barrier.
[You're ready, right?]
"Of course, this is a winning fight for me."
Yu IlHan grabbed on the rope connected to the 6 ballistas, and retracted the barrier himself at the same time he pulled on the rope.
An explosive noise that sounded like the end of the world, ruled the space.
[Kahak!]
[Khaaaak!]
[Critical Hit!]
[He moved at an absurd speed!]
[The bones are........ Khak!]
[Critical Hit!]
[Critical Hit!]
6 ballistas all spat out fire while attacking the dragons they were aiming for. Yu IlHan had a simple standard when setting the targets – ones that were close to him, and ones that were trying to cast magic.
His aim was not off even by a little bit, and the dragons fell to the ground helplessly after being hit by 15 continuous bone arrows without the chance to cast any magic.
[You have earned 1,099,384,055 experience.]
[You have earned 1,211,109,334......]
[You have......]
6 dragons instantly met their deaths and text blurred Yu IlHan's vision but Yu IlHan didn't care about it anymore.
After activating the ballistas by pulling on the rope, he immediately started throwing harpoons before the dragons that were sent out due to the barrier pinpointed his position. His movement was something that was impossible if not for the fact that he was sure of the results of his actions.
[Kyaaaak! You!]
[He played a vicious trick!]
[How can it be... Did he deceive our eyes!?]
Yes, please keep chatting on like that! Regardless of whether the dragons were panicking at the sudden change in situation or not, Yu IlHan did not stop until he threw all the harpoons he had set up beforehand.
Reta, who hadn't entered the barrier, realized what had happened by then.
[You activated the barrier!] (Reta)
"Yeah."
The dragons who panicked due to the sudden change in situation also finally seem to realize what was happening by the time their bodies were riddled with harpoons, as they tried various methods to cut the rope, or pull out the pillars in the ground, but if they were pulled out so easily, then Yu IlHan wouldn't bother making them in the first place.
[His health has recovered! Just what happened just then!?]
[That's not important at all right now, what's important is that we need to kill him!]
[Like I said, we can't kill him!]
[Dammit, cut this rope for me!]
The dragons were literally in a pit of chaos. A portion failed in their magic as their target instantly switched places, and another portion was struggling due to the harpoons, and some were casting magic in order to help those dragons, and caused team-kills while doing that!
[That's foul play!]
"Hah!"
Even within this chaos, never did Yu IlHan aim for a 3rd class being. They were just minor mobs that would be swung around according to the dragons' movements. Even getting hit by them didn't hurt so much, so he just ignored them.
He focused only on killing the dragons!
[Khaaaaak!]
A harpoon thrown by Yu IlHan pierced a dragon's left hip. The dragon rapidly decelerated while charging forward so it crashed into the ground, and into its own kin.
[Critical Hit!]
[Khaaaa!]
Dealing a critical strike using Spear of Untraceable Trajectory just before the dragon crashed on the ground, Yu IlHan ran away from the berserking dragon and threw yet another harpoon. This repeated several times, and the battlefield was falling into a chaotic mess due to the tied up dragons and the flames that they were spitting out.
If they had regained their rationality, they would have fought Yu IlHan more calmly, but Yu IlHan had driven the battle situation into the extremes by messing with their minds with the help of the ballistas and the harpoons.
The problem was that he was moving around while getting hit by all the flames that the dragons were shooting out, so he looked like he was about to die at any moment.
The hot-headed dragons fell into an illusion that they could kill Yu IlHan quite soon if they undertook a little more damage, and kept going overboard, and as a result, they were all tackled by harpoons and crashed into the ground.
Even though the person in question, Yu IlHan, was recovering his health while sucking on the Breath-filled cheer pack!
"Dang, this has high alcohol content."
[Just what happened within the barrier?] (Reta)
Asked Reta dumbfoundedly after seeing a dying human playing around with tens of dragons.
However, Erta had no words to answer her. Even she didn't expect this situation.
All she saw was that Yu IlHan worked on metalworking, and installing pillars connected to harpoons and installing the ballistas. Never did she think that all of that had been done with the help of meticulous calculations.
However, she was wrong. Even while metalworking, Yu IlHan simulated the battle many times, and deployed the harpoons and the ballistas according to those simulations, and meticulously controlled his movements after the barrier was dispelled in order to lead the situation to his predictions.
The two months that Erta thought about, and the two months that Yu IlHan had experienced were fundamentally different compared to each other. If she thought about recharging and enhancing equipment, Yu IlHan had created a sure-victory battle tactic.
He was now the ruler of the battlefield.
His innate talent and a millennium of hard work, shined for the first time through the body that had evolved through level ups!
Author's notes
It is written in the story, but IlHan's spear and armor are perfect to the point that he can't do anything more to it. It's planned for the 4th class magic stones to be used later, for other equipments, so look forward to it!
He fermented some wine when he had gone in in order to create weapons.
Erta put the hearts in the blood as if Dionysus was stepping on grapes.
What's the final insurance with the Orochi!? Will be revealed in the next chapter! (T/N: Please don't spoil for those who've read the spoilers! You are fine to discuss about it in the comments, though)
Chapter 95
It would be the best if chaos ensued until the battle ended, but there was a limit to that. The dragons became wary when their numbers decreased by a significant amount, and analysed the situation around themselves in a more objective way, and finally understood that Yu IlHan's weakness was exposed as he was assaulting the dragons.
Presence. To bring out the maximum effects of the battlefield he had created, he was moving around all over the place, and could not use his strongest card – his concealment.
From that moment, a portion of the dragons changed their strategy. They became wary to not give into Yu IlHan's provocation and attacked him with long range magic. From that moment onwards, Yu IlHan's injuries started increasing.
In fact, Yu IlHan thought that he had done this more than enough. He had taken back much more than he invested since the dragons were more stupid than he had expected!
Amongst them, some 3rd class dragonkin tried to pull out the pillars embedded in the grounds by diving towards the earth and flipping over the entire soil, but Yu IlHan just ignored them. If the pillars and harpoons were something that could be nullified by 3rd class beings, then he wouldn't have made them in the first place.
[Ugh, how does he endure so well even though he looks so weak?]
[We need to freeze him first! Shit! Why was I born with the powers of fire!]
The right moment arrived. He used his harpoons enough, and the dragons started leaving behind their allies tied by the harpoons and started to act to kill Yu IlHan. Now, Yu IlHan also needed to go to the next stage.
Immediately after he decided, Yu IlHan kicked off the ground into the air. While the dragons tied to the ground couldn't move, he planned to decrease the airborne dragons as much as possible.
[Now we don't care anymore. Die!]
A completely intact 4th class dragon charged towards him. The dragon's grandeur while charging with all sorts of strengthening and support magic cast on itself was very vicious.
However, Yu IlHan checked behind before he took out a pile bunker from his Cross Bag, and shot the pile bunker as soon as the dragon arrived near him and opened its mouth!
[Critical Hit!]
[Khaaaaaak!]
The might of the pile bunker which focused all its power into a single shot, could be called peerless; It broke through all the strengthening and defense magic before piercing through the tongue and the lower jaw. WHen Yu IlHan transferred the weight, the dragon fell by itself.
Meanwhile, due to the rebound from the pile bunker Yu IlHan was shot backwards without the need for a re-leap. He took out another pile bunker. Everything around him were dragons and dragonkin anyway.
"Huu."
[You're using it to attack and as a driving force at the same time.] (Erta)
"Hup!"
Ordinary humans, and even humans with exceptional battle power are bound to be ruled by the environment they are living in.
They could only panic when they are suddenly thrown into the air as there was no footing nor was it easy to focus, so be it swords or guns, it was difficult to bring out their proper abilities. On top of that, if they were fighting a monster who had superior aerial maneuverability, it was very easy for them to get hurt.
However, Yu IlHan had in the end, due to the continuous aerial fights he partook in since coming to Dareu, become used to moving around in the way he wants while maintaining situational awareness around him in all 6 directions (front, behind, left, right, up, down) to fight multiple enemies.
Despite not having wings, he was bringing out enough changes in vectors just with re-leaps and pile bunker rebounds!
[Now, capture him!]
[Khwaaaaaaak!]
A portion of the dragons opened their mouths and breathed out violent flames to attack Yu IlHan. At this point, it would be reasonable if they realized that Yu IlHan was strong against fire, but as their innate attributes were based on fire, they had no other choice.
Yu IlHan recklessly went head in towards the flames that seemed like they could eviscerate the entire world. Now that he had experienced the pain of getting burnt so many times, he had gotten used to it.
His eyes shined sharply even within the pouring flames to look at the roof of the dragon's mouth.
"Hup!"
Yu IlHan re-leaped within the flames. Shooting out from the flames, Yu IlHan held pointed the pile bunker upwards and struck it on the roof of the dragon's mouth.
[Kyaaaa!]
"Eat this too!"
It was a little disappointing to leave just a single attack, so Yu IlHan threw a few grenades into the punctured hole and on top of the tongue, before quickly leaving the premises.
[This way!]
[If we miss this opportunity more of our kin will die, attack!]
However, the other dragons all started activating magic at that moment as if they had waited for it. Even though their ally dragon will suffer more damage in this situation, they became enraptured in the thought to kill Yu IlHan after seeing so many of their kin dying!
Now, they couldn't care less about Destruction Demon Army or whatever. To them, Yu IlHan was an archenemy they couldn't share the skies with! An enemy they had to kill at all costs!
The situation was pretty clear just from looking at the fact that they were using more mana to their magic. Only 3rd class dragonkin died from the friendly fire.
[Yu IlHan, you're surrounded!]
"Careful not to get hit by stray fire."
Shields were made for these kind of moments. He called out hundreds of shields to encapsulate him.
Would it sound like this if you fry billions of beans with many different frying pans? Numerous and varied magic hit on the layers upon layers of shields and terrorized Yu IlHan's eardrums. He could only endure with the thought that this was much better than getting hit head on.
Although the time they could stay in the air was very short, the shields that appeared exactly at the moment when the magic was about to strike, splendidly did their job before returning to the Cross Bag. Of course, as Yu IlHan couldn't block all the damage from the numerous magic, he had to take out a cheer pack hurriedly.
[You're drinking 'Breath'. Health increases rapidly and and rest energy recharges. A little bit of Magic increases. All battle senses become sharper.]
When the hundreds of shields disappeared and Yu IlHan appeared completely intact, the dragons became enraged.
[Y, you monster!]
[We can't let him live. They're making a mistake. They got their priorities wrong. We need to erase this guy before anything else!]
Seeing their reactions, Yu IlHan giggled. Seeing that even the calmer dragons were starting to panic, it seemed that Yu IlHan had a talent for taunting enemies.
Yu IlHan deployed re-leap and approached one of them before taking out a new pile bunker.
He still had a lot of weapons left; and the alcoholic drink he made from their blood was recovering his health endlessly.
"You're too late to realize that, fellows. Well, do your best."
When Yu IlHan barely landed on the ground, the sky was already coloring red. Not due to the flames from the dragons, nor from their blood – It was becoming sunset.
Yu IlHan collected the last dragon that died to his Cross Bag before calling out a piece of information onto his retina.
[Killing 4th class 1,000/1,000]
"Fuu, that was easy."
[Hah, yeah right.] (Erta)
[You really did it.] (Reta)
In contrast to Erta's sarcastic remark, Reta expressed her heartfelt exclamation. Yu IlHan laughed and sucked on the cheer pack. It was not Breath but Bloodrink.
"It's good that Breath recovers my health and my rest energy, but the problem is that it makes me dizzy."
[That's an expected side effect.] (Erta) (P/R Its alcohol)
He filled his health completely, and even completed repairing his equipment temporarily. There was not a single dragonkin corpse on the beach. Only remains of pile bunkers were around, along with ballistas and harpoons without their targets, which were all reflecting the dull light of sunset to reveal a cruel sight.
He was worried that his Cross Bag may really burst, but he decided to believe in Erta's words that she will increase the capacity even if she had to call out a hundred angels.
Then now, it was time to open the gift box.
[Class advancement quest complete! Will you advance to Blazing Reaper?]
"It's finally time."
[It really was a long time.] (Erta)
[Class advancement, eh. So it already comes to this. You really are absurdly fast.] (Erta)
Yu IlHan achieved 2nd class in the fight with Reta. Even though not much time had passed since that had happened, he was now getting his 3rd, which made Reta stupefied.
[I'm not even completely ready yet but....... It can't be helped.] (Reta)
However, her following words were slightly strange. Yu IlHan asked while tilting his head.
"Can't help what?"
[If you acquire the same tier as what I once was by advancing then the probability of success for my magic will be infinitely lowered.] (Reta)
Yu IlHan's brows twitched. This sounded quite worrying.
"Magic?"
[Yes, magic.] (Reta)
The moment Reta said that, everything changed.
Starting from the land that Yu IlHan was stepping on, blue light started reaching endlessly towards all directions – beyond the small island into the seas. Perhaps it may reach the end of the continent.
Seeing that unrecognizable geometric shapes were appearing within the blue light that covered the surroundings, Yu IlHan thought os something.
"Is this the magic formation?"
[Correct. This is the formation that the ancient empire cast over the entire continent. It's an amazing magic formation that could be considered the essence of elven magic. It's also the formation that you've been using for mere spatial transfers until now.] (Reta)
'Mere' spatial transfer... Yu IlHan asked back in a bitter voice.
"So it has other uses."
[It is said that the emperor of the elven empire pursued eternal life with this formation; casting away the aged flesh, and transferring the soul to another person's body.] (Reta)
Yu IlHan thought that that kind of magic was an evil magic that beings fit to be last bosses would use.
[I, who was about to become its sacrifice, could kill him with the help of my allies, and became the new master of the formation. It was possible only because the dragons caused chaos in the empire.] (Reta)
However, she could not use it. The power of the dragons were too strong, and soul transfers were difficult to activate against opponents that had similar or higher tiers as them.
At the last moment, she cast soul transfer against a dragon, which made her fall into a becoming a Breaker. However, she was an exceptional deathgod, and gathered her fragmented soul, which should have disappeared naturally, and succeeded in imbuing them into her own body and her artifact.
Then, she finally met a sacrifice; with the name Yu IlHan, and the one that had more talent than anyone else.
As such, all of her words until now, except the fact that dragons were her archenemies, were lies!
Yu IlHan tried to lift his arm, but he couldn't.
Now, he tried to commence the advancement with just his will alone, but no matter how much he willed it, no text appeared on his retina. His physical body did not listen to him at all.
[You are extremely exceptional, but have no sense of crisis. I think that you will lose your life while focusing on enjoying yourself like that.] (Reta)
Reta laughed coldly.
[I was once a deathgod; one that specialized in handling the power of souls. That was why I could imbue my soul into an artifact, and could activate the elven magic formation despite not having a physical body. Did you not realize? That I was too free? That I could harbor treacherous intentions?] (Reta)
"Would it sound like a lie if I told you that I wanted to believe in you?"
Now, it was difficult to even speak. That was natural, as an enormous magic formation installed over an entire continent was wholly activating in order to bind Yu IlHan.
That was a truly enormous power. Thinking about it, Yu IlHan thought that the magic stones he used to activate the formation may have not been used completely and were used to store energy within the formation.
[Without fear, You poured the life force of many to me who was dwelling within your soul. That made my thought processes more distinct, and enhanced what little powers I had left.
Aah, you should have realized that there was a problem when the elven magic formation recognized me as the master and not you!] (Reta)
Now that he heard it, it was really like that. She was a mere fragmented soul. Even though she was a thought that could not show herself outside even after eating all that lifeforce, Reta Kar'iha could use the magic formation of her own will as the master.
Then, she could also use the formation to go against Yu IlHan's will.
[It was so difficult for me to hold back my laughter while you were talking about your predictions with this magic formation. Future prediction? Dragons do what? YOU'RE WRONG! This magic formation is something that NO ONE can do anything about other than the elves. It is the grand formation to lead our race into prosperity!] (Reta)
"Ugh."
The power of the magic formation that bound Yu IlHan started being sucked into his body. An enormous amount of mana that he could not endure whittled away his body and his psyche.
[I will take over your body. I will defeat all the dragons belonging to Destruction Demon Army, and ally with the Garden of Sunset in order to develop Dareu once again.] (Reta)
Reta laughed. As her soul started off within Yu IlHan's body, soul transfer magic activated successfully.
As she had already started to take control of Yu IlHan's senses, Yu IlHan's lips were twitching upwards without his will.
[Please do not believe in others so easily from now on. Oh, your soul will disappear so that kind of realization is no good for you now.] (Reta)
[Well, I'm not so sure about that.] (Erta)
Erta, who was watching until now, finally spoke. It was very strange considering the emotions she had towards Yu IlHan, but Reta was too much im ecstasy to realize at all.
Erta was still on top of Yu IlHan's head, but her expression even looked slightly proud.
[I don't think you need to teach him that.] (Erta)
[What?] (Reta)
Just as when Erta spoke, and Reta snorted.
Yu IlHan spoke with difficulty.
"Wake up already."
When he spoke in a whisper-like voice, a sleeping thought inside him opened its eyes.
The thought that even Reta, who had enhanced her powers through the magic formation and the life force, had forgotten about.
"If you're up, bite her to death."
[Kroaaaaaaaaaaar!]
In the two months that didn't last an instant.
Within the barrier that 'Reta could not enter', Yu IlHan let the Orochi eat 'all' of the life force of dragonkin he had acquired until now. And now, that Orochi was roaring loudly.
[Orochi....... How? I, it's the barrier! You, you knew already! You didn't believe in me! Since the start!] (Reta)
"Heh."
Yu IlHan laughed at Reta's shriek. It was a much more natural smile than before.
It wasn't Reta who had moved. In the process of Reta's thought being crushed by the Orochi, Yu IlHan had regained control of his body and laughed.
"You should listen to the end, shouldn't you?"
[Kruooooooooo!] (Orochi)
The last insurance for the opponent that he wanted to believe in, but couldn't, had finally come into play.
Author's notes
Yes, Reta was an enemy from start to finish. She wouldn't have been a threat if he left her alone, but IlHan let her grow so much. Although, he did that because he had something to rely on.
It's natural, but not all blatant foreshadows come true!
Of course, I threw some baits here and there until now. Oh, and as the title too.
Some might have noticed when Yu IlHan didn't proceed with the advancement right away and delayed for a moment.
Wait for the next chapter for the deal between Yu IlHan and the Orochi.
Yu IlHan had driven out Reta through the Orochi. However, that was the Orochi's trap! The Orochi uses the formation that Reta already activated in order to take control of Yu IlHan!? Thank you for loving Everyone Else is a Returnee until now. Tomorrow, it will be the start of 'Everyone Else is human' with the Orochi as the main character......... (It's a lie)