187: The Imperial Authority Struggle [4]
The core units of Inner Lunatic, such as Paracelsus, Leon von Marvas, and Eleanor de Rivalin, each have their own unique nicknames. For example, [Ashen Wolf Paracelsus] or [Black Lion Leon] are notable examples.
These nicknames are designed as a narrative device to emphasize the characters’ distinctive traits to the utmost.
For example, in the case of Paracelsus, to showcase his characteristic straightforward and pure-hearted (though not fitting) traits, the animal wolf was chosen. Additionally, due to the color of his hair, he was given the alias [Ashen Wolf]. In the case of Leon, as a young head of a family dealing with the undead, and because he serves the demon Marvas, who takes the form of a black lion, he was given the following unique name.
The same logic applies to other characters. Such as [Benevolent Princess Penelope] or [Golden Fox Eleanor]. Thus, even just by knowing the nicknames of Inner Lunatic’s characters, it becomes easy to recall them vividly.
Still, there are always individuals who leave an especially strong impression.
For example...
[Benevolent Princess Penelope] In this incident, an imperial power struggle that compels her to kill her brother, she acquires a new nickname [Cold-blooded Princess].
“I shall judge you.”
The cold voice of Penelope von Arkheim rang out.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Along with her voice, dark clouds looming over Sidus’ hall unleashed not rain but lightning, striking the knights below. Though not yet fully refined, her innate talent for destruction already rivaled that of her father, Esteban von Arkheim. The princess’s divine retribution descended upon her treacherous brother and his soldiers. At the same time, cries of panic erupted in the surrounding area
— Keaaak!
— Damn it... Is the princess really this powerful? No one ever said this!
— Stay focused! Regroup and... use the students as hostages before taking further action!
The knights of the first Prince Louis were seasoned veterans. In other words, they were cunning and experienced enough to have stood at death’s edge numerous times, enabling them to make swift decisions. They understood better than anyone how to escape disaster.
“Princess Penelope! If you do not stop at once, we will execute all the nobles and commoners here! Should that happen, even your title as the [Benevolent Princess] will be tarnished!”
One of the captains at the forefront, tasked with protecting Louis, keep raised his voice.
“Look at the sheer number of soldiers here! Why do you persist, knowing you cannot win this battle? Everyone here will meet their end anyway!”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
In truth, Penelope was justified in resisting in this situation. Though slim, there was still a chance for survival. Moreover, she had Paracelsus and Leon, two genius units aiding her. Even if this battlefield became their grave, they would harbor no regrets.
Therefore, Penelope had to resist here.
Not seizing the opportunity when it arose would also be a foolish act.
However, her opponents thought differently. Considering her reputation as the [Benevolent Princess] beloved by all, the captain and the first Prince Louis assumed she could not easily overcome this dire situation.
But why is it?
The princess’s response diverged from their expectations.
“If I don’t stop the first Prince Louis here, even more lives will be sacrificed,”
Penelope replied with unexpected resolve.
“Isn’t it better to save more people at the cost of fewer sacrifices? Even if.... everyone here dies.”
At that moment, Echidna, who had been assisting her nearby, flinched as if shaken to her core.
‘What is this...? This is strange. The princess isn’t acting like herself.’
Splatter——!
The slash from Garen tore through Nox’s shoulder, leaving a wound. Without missing a beat, Garen followed up with another attack aimed at the wound.
[Black Blade Chain of Flashes].
Swhaaat!
The relentless slashes from the black blade continued to dig into Nox’s shoulder. While it was fortunate that it wasn’t his sword-wielding arm, the situation was dire enough that his shoulder could have been severed entirely, leading to the loss of his arm. Eleanor screamed in shock.
“No! Nox! Dodge... please!”
Along with her desperate voice, the first stage’s final third form was about to manifest.
Chaeng——!
With sparks flying, Nox’s expression returned to normal, even if just slightly. Thick liquids, dyed crimson, dripped from his blood-soaked white hair, forming a small puddle on the ground.
Then, Nox countered the [Black Blade Chain of Flashes], forcing Garen to retreat.
Screeech!
Two lines were etched into the ground.
Despite Garen’s advanced stage of devilization, Nox’s swordsmanship remained formidable. Even without [Genius Time+], Nox von Reinhaver was born with the most exceptional talent on the continent. Garen’s prodigy trait, along with his stats, Nox possesses a strength that could surpass it.
“.....Now. I think I understand.”
At that moment, Nox muttered something incomprehensible.
‘what...?’
Before Garen could register his confusion, Nox let out a dry chuckle and continued.
“Why Nox, no, why I had to live such a miserable, filthy life.”
Flames ignited in Nox’s two lavender eyes. Small, yet immense. The searing, chaotic blaze began to burn its enemy.
Some might describe it as a flame that judged [evil], but in truth, it had little connection to such lofty ideals.
Behind Nox, the crimson, vertical-pupiled eye that had appeared when he saved Eleanor in the past now shone like a sun. Its appearance resembled that of a goat’s, unnatural and alien. The floating eye, connected to him, radiated an overwhelming flow of mana.
It was vastly different from anything others had wielded before, but it even bore no resemblance to the mana typically used by a demon. Yet, the oppressive force it emitted suffocated everyone around him.
Nox took a single, deliberate step forward. As he did, the flickering violet waves of energy seeped into his sword aura, writhing in a curving form as they moved here and there as if alive, coquettishly fawning over Nox.
The energy took on a shape akin to tendrils, even melting the surrounding boulders as it squirmed toward Garen. An involuntary shock numbed his body.
The sheer force of the sight left Garen’s body paralyzed in shock.
‘.... This is absurd. Such... enormous...!’
Garen narrowed his eyes, his grip on his sword trembling. Even though he had progressed beyond demonization and reached incomplete devilization, it was astonishing to see Nox still able to unleash such power.
Strength? This wasn’t merely about strength.
Nox had become something that Garen dreaded most. Right. The current Nox von Reinhaver was like.....
A grand duke-level demon.