Chapter 128

Chapter 128

Joint Combat Practice 2 (14)

The Apostle of Telos, the 8th Seat, Lenos, emitted a surge of magical power.

Flowing along his arm, the magic coiled around one of Lenoss limbs, forming the shape of a gigantic bow.

A pure magic arrow was released, targeting Lucys throat, but it vanished without breaching the hastily cast defensive magic circle she had conjured.

Swoosh.

Four Apostles remained.

The 2nd Seat Ruben, the 3rd Seat Tadarek, the 6th Seat Clive, and the 8th Seat Lenos.

Lucy had taken down two as soon as she appeared. From the Apostles perspective, they were already at a disadvantage. However, panic would solve nothing.

The Apostles of Telos spread their wings as if by some agreement, taking flight to create distance.

They felt the gap in strength. If an immediate solution was elusive, making it difficult for the opponent was the next best thing.

They kept their distance to avoid being caught in range attacks, complicating Lucys ability to target any one of them rashly.

If Lucy was distracted by one Apostle, the others planned to counterattack.

However, this was only possible if they could visually follow Lucys movements.

Boom!

In the blink of an eye, while barely closing her lids, the world turned momentarily dark. Exploiting this gap, Lucys lightning magic struck Apostle Ruben in a flash. He could not even perceive it coming, let alone defend against it.

Rubens robe was consumed by flames as he screamed in agony.

Reacting to that scream, Tadarek turned his head only to find Lucy already looming before him.Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

What the!

High-level spatial magic for warping through space consumed an immense amount of magical power, but for Lucy, who naturally possessed an absurd amount of magic, it was a minor detail.

Long-distance warping might tire her, but short spurts like these she could use repeatedly with slight concentration.

To space out against Lucy was meaningless.

Cough!

Lucy grasped Tadarek by the scruff, looking down at the remaining two Apostles.

Unmoved emotionally, she appeared less engaged in battle and more like she was disposing of nuisances.

Clive and Lenos, the 6th and 8th Seats respectively, were veteran spellcasters battle-hardened from many conflicts.

Yet, the overwhelming disparity in power they now experienced was unprecedented.

Lucy Meiril, top of her class at the Sylviana Academy and descendant of a great archmage, was recognized as a once-in-a-generation prodigy.

None had anticipated just how formidable a talent she was. Even the most remarkable students pale in comparison to the Empires greatest spellcasters. Yet, Lucy Meiril was not there to learn magic; she was nearly a fully-realized prodigy.

Even the Empires elite spellcasters were no match for her.

The concept that Lucy Meiril was invincible seemed a natural law.

Cough, agh

Berdio, having staggered up from the debris, looked up into the nave and cursed at the sight of Lucy reigning supreme.

Momentarily out of the fray, Lucy Meiril had already subdued over half of the Apostles. Despite the rumors of her strength, Berdio had not realized the extent of it.

He forced himself up, thoughts swirling.

This expedition to subdue the holy dragon was ambitious for the Order. Each Apostle of Telos was a key national figure; six had been mobilized.

Aside from two guarding Carpea during the Emperors absence, nearly all of the Empires forces were present here.

Berdio had no clue how Lucy Meiril became aware of the events transpiring in this cathedral.

What was clear, however, was the immediate task at hand.

Secure the retreat! Our top priority is to protect Emperor Eldain!

This command was a signal from Archbishop Berdio.

When plans veered off course, a Plan B for quick evacuation was necessary.

The Apostles, ravaged by Lucys onslaught, caught onto the order. They struggled to their feet, battered but alive. Lucy did not kill.

Retreat immediately from the cathedral.

Berdio made a swift assessment.

For reasons unknown, their plan to resurrect the holy dragon using the tooth of Velbrok had leaked.

Otherwise, why would Lucy strike at the perfect moment to foil their efforts?

If Lucy positioned herself as a blocker, they could not proceed as planned. With the Apostles already injured, it was best to assume failure.

Now, the concern was containing the fallout.

The Order sought to enhance its power by summoning and defeating the dragon, having chosen Arkensum as their stage.

Revealing this to the public would do no good. The voices of informed individuals needed silencing.

However, power alone couldnt handle Lucy Meiril, and persuading her seemed futile.

It had to be authority and influence, then.

Running away?

From Lucys right hand, a colossal amount of magical power erupted.

It surged massively, petrifying even seasoned Apostles with drying throats.

The force, turning blood-red and metamorphosing into divine power, spurred the Apostles into swift motion.

The Time Prison, an entity-designed spell crafted to bind adversaries.

Even a graze would halt the victim in time, unable to move until released by the caster.

Brother Tadarek!

Upon hearing the call, 3rd Seat Tadarek charged at Lucy and bore the brunt of the divine spell. His unflinching resolve bore a trace of nobility, as he did not balk at sacrifice.

Clive! Retrieve the Saint! Lenos, move towards the Emperor! Follow me, everyone else!

Berdios mind raced.

He hurried to the altar, grabbing the necklace with Velbroks tooth the unequivocal proof of the Orders intent to summon Velbrok. This artifact was imperative to hide first and foremost.

Overpowering Lucy Meiril here was impossible.

However, even the favored top student protected by the academy could not match the Emperors authority.

If questioned about the events, they could claim they were conducting a preliminary worship before commencing official duties on Arkensum.

If they could conceal the Orders scheme and mitigate this assault, Lucy could just be painted as a zealot who attacked unsuspecting clergy during prayers.

No matter how heartfelt and earnest Lucys testimony, without physical evidence, the Orders crimes could not be proven. Blend authority into the mix, and Lucy could find herself disciplined without mercy. After all, she would be labeled reckless for wielding magic near the Emperor.

Clive, ensure the Saints safety!

Clive, small in stature, wielded a jewel-encrusted dagger.

Regaining consciousness, Saint Claris staggered, catching her breath upon seeing the Apostle so close.

Berdio, witnessing the scene, pocketed the Velbrok tooth.

He gestured secretly to Clive as he headed towards the exit.

Pardon me, Saint.

With a nod of understanding, Clive scooped up Claris, staggering and bewildered.

What is this! Let me down! What on earth are you doing!

Saint Claris was the wildcard in Berdios plan. Aware of the full story and with some authority to sway the balance, she posed a threat if she went public with the Orders deeds.

Clarifying the narrative would be a real headache.

Therefore, maintaining control over the Saint was necessary for the moment. Academic records could be handled later; after all, the Empire had granted her admission, thus owning the right to revoke that permission.

It hadnt even been 10 seconds.

Berdio communicated only core details, orchestrating the Apostles most efficient movements.

He strode toward the back door of the scholarly cathedral.

Of course, Lucy would not merely observe. She disposed of the petrified Tadarek and stood once more at the pulpit, chanting a high-level thunder magic spell Heavenly Punishment.

Rooooaar!

The winds centered around her petite frame, ensnaring the cathedral once again. Merely a shock wave caused by magic flow, but trinkets and clutter couldnt hold on, scattering across the floor.

Lightning.

Her high magic cleaved the air, shattered the cathedrals roof, and dove straight for Berdio.

But before it reached him, the 7th Seat Habres shielded him with his body, cloaked in barrier magic.

Ugh, black!

Habres collapsed, losing consciousness. Dust rose, wings broken, and his limp form lay motionless on the ground.

The Empires elites seemed disposable, hurling their bodies against just one of Lucys attacks. Their dedication surpassed mere loyalty; it was divine faith.

Now only four conscious spellcasters remained.

One protected the Emperor; another fetched the Saint; two guarded Berdio.

Still disheveled from the battle, only her witch hat remained unscathed. Her coat and skirt were smeared with dirt, and the loafers and knee socks she usually wore begrudgingly were cast aside.

It appeared she had dealt with the other apostles who had fled in two different directions by herself.

The wind is chilly. Its because Eds body is full of cuts.

Struggling to offer a wry smile, Ed spoke up.

This side is more or less wrapped up.

More or less was an understatement considering Eds tattered state.

Lucy felt a sense of annoyance. This man always ends up battered and blood-soaked, gritting his teeth and running into trouble.

Though fighting to survive, it always seemed like he was inching closer to his own demise.

.

Its painful to think about, even though its not her own body. Lucy isnt the type to blubber in tears and fret in a worried tone.

Even so Lucy trudged over to sit next to Ed, looking beaten, and rested her head gently against his shoulder.

Thank you for the help.

Theres been a lot of unbelievable talk. About time looping, and about the revival of the Sage Dragon

I believe everything you say.

After hearing the whole story in the carriage of the Holy Maiden, Ed first sought out Lucy.

He had a rough idea of where and what the opponent was scheming. Therefore, all he needed was to go to that place and time, and crush them by force.

However, as a master tactician, Verdio was a stubborn one, desperate to find new moves even in extremis.

So, to check his last struggles, Ed had been separately waiting at the back door of the cathedral.

Honestly, I was half in doubt, but after entering the cathedral, I was certain. Just as you said, the clerics were busy conspiring.

Well That figures

Also, Id been having dj vu. A familiar feeling As if I had seen this scene before somewhere.

Ed couldnt quite place it, but if Lucy felt that way due to time reverting, everyone else should have experienced the same peculiar dj vu. This part might have been more likely to be a figment of Lucys imagination.

Lucy wrapped her arms around Eds and buried her head in his shoulder, looking forlorn, but there was nothing more Ed could do for her.

What remained, however, was still to be done.

*Rumble rumble*

*Roar!*

The trembling of the ground that had started a while ago intensified, and soon after, the roar of the Sage Dragon shattered the air.

Its full form wasnt visible from the eastern forests. Too many trees obscured the view, with only a vague silhouette visible through the leaves.

A cataclysm was approaching.

Eds breath seemed to catch. The magnificence before him was far beyond anything he had anticipated. He had future knowledge of the Sage Dragon, and yet, the immense bulk still made him gasp involuntarily.

Belbrocks tooth necklace is still pulsing with magic. This artifact is like a magnet drawing out Belbrock.

Subduing Archbishop Verdio is not the end. We need to take this artifact off the island, as far away from the Sage Dragons seal as possible. Its too late now.

Ed tried to stand, meeting Lucys gaze directly as he spoke.

Everythings been revealed. Who created this hell, how, and where. How to stop it. How the cornered foe will react. How to undo everything thats happened. Its all out in the open. The problem is theres no one here to remember it all.

Adel is the one turning back time. Since the Sage Dragon has re-emerged, time will rewind once more to avoid greater calamity.

And Clarice is unaffected by Adels power.

Even if time reverses, two people remember everything: one of them must be informed of everything Ed learned here today.

So anyone just pass on what Ive said before Adel turns back time right now.

.

Lucy quietly looked up at Ed. His face was still marred by bloodstains.

Despite being weakened and trying to resolve the situation, coming up with the next solution was still a struggle. That effort is somehow irritating.

I dont want to.

The answer was unexpected.

What?

We dont need to.

Lucy then nestled in Eds embrace and ripped off one sleeve of his shirt with magic.

She concentrated on the white shirt fragment, infusing it with magical energy. Soon, the sleeve burned and blackened markings came into view.

At first, the black signs appeared to be mere scorch marks, but upon closer inspection, they formed a string of letters.

Using magic to generate heat and burn fabric as a way to write.

It might sound simple, but such sinuous control over mana and precision was beyond mere human capabilities. To create letterforms, the burn strokes must be incredibly fine. Managing such delicacy was astonishing.

The girls absolute mastery over mana volume, sensitivity, and control was once again reaffirmed.

The densely written text on the shirt fragment sailed through the air towards the academy by magic. It would likely land in front of the sacrificial magic circle where Adel was praying.

Thanks thats a big help.

The Sage Dragon roared, its force seemingly splitting the earth.

From their secluded spot in the eastern woods of the island, Lucy quietly slipped further into Eds embrace.

I made a promise with my grandfather to save this academy from a great crisis at least once.

Yeah, I know. You told me before.

Right. So, if time has been turning again and again, then I must have bravely faced that dragon each time without fail. I have a feeling thats exactly what happened.

While Ed couldnt be certain, Lucys words were true.

In countless iterations, Lucy Mayrill never failed to confront the Sage Dragon. Though she might not have been certain of victory and risked her life every time, she never ran away.

I came to this academy to fulfill that promise with my grandfather Maybe Ive been waiting just for this moment. It feels like now is the time Ive been anticipating.

Really?

Yeah. This is my last remaining promise. Ive waited so long just to fulfill it. Now, that aggravating wait is coming to an end.

Suddenly, Ed felt the magical aura enveloping Lucy weaken.

He quickly realized what was happening. Lucy was removing the various protective and defensive spells around her.

If youre going to flail and die anyway And if stopping it makes no difference Maybe theres no point in trying. Time will rewind anyways.

What do you mean.

I want to die in your arms.

Ed understood what she meant.

He moved his barely cooperative body to caress and embrace Lucy.

Lucy rested her chin on Eds shoulder, looking up at the sky above the crumbling world.

Ultimately, these will be memories Ill forget. Memories that will never return

Thats likely Maybe

So, Ill say it now The things I felt awkward to say ordinarily.

It may be embarrassing, but not overly romantic. Just candid facts.

And potentially, the things Lucy would never have revealed to Ed in her lifetime.

I feel so empty without you.

.

So dont disappear

To that, Ed paused for a moment before replying.

Its not such a difficult request.

He answered, gently stroking Lucys hair.

Then, they both quietly looked up at the sky.

The scales of the Sage Dragon.

Like arrows raining down, the black dots plummeted.

Ed closed his eyes quietly, feeling Lucys warmth.

And then the scales fell. In their midst, Lucy and Ed clung tightly, offering no resistance.

As the scales pierced through them, as the blood overflowed, they neither screamed in agony nor let out moans.

They simply felt each others warmth, bleeding profusely, bodies intertwined.

And so, Ed and Lucy drew their last breaths.

Even after the barrage of scales passed, they remained in each others embrace, feeling their mutual warmth