Volume 5 Chapter 59 The White Sign
Finn's guardian, Vice Ornette, was a man who was far from the image of a general.
Even if he stood normally, he had an unnoticeable presence. His undulating black hair and empty eyes were enough to make him mistaken for a homeless person or a demon by those who had no words for him.
Despite his height of nearly two meters, his body was thin and his muscles were awkwardly shaped.
Compared to those who were famous as great generals in the world, he lacked elegance and didn't give off any sense of ambition.
Vice himself understood this and chose to live in silence rather than assert himself. The fact that he was born a commoner was undoubtedly one of the reasons for this.
However, the goddess had given him exceptional talents in return. He was both a magician and a general.
No one would listen to his opinion no matter how many words he spoke. Even if he achieved normal military results, he would not receive any proper evaluation.
But because of his exceptional abilities, he had gained Finn's trust and had been entrusted with the position of general of the Dragon Claw Knights (Dragarts).
His magic, known as the "Ash General," was famous for its versatility in combat. It was a type of "General" magic that could achieve various types of offense and defense by manipulating a vast amount of ashes.
"That's the Silver Hero, huh?"
It was just before the battle began. Riding a dragon made of ashes, Vice watched over Yuusuke.
He observed the real face of the hero for the first time, and it was surprisingly different from what he had imagined. He appeared rather inexperienced, perhaps due to his preconceived notion of a hero. Nevertheless, he displayed unwavering courage in the face of the army, gazing at them with a determined expression.
Certainly, a seasoned warrior.
And then, the hero, Yuusuke, unleashed his magic. His silver armor and red cape, renowned throughout the Sarnold Empire, gleamed in the light.
In that moment, he found himself breathless.
His presence swelled, and a single hero seemed to emanate the intimidating power of a vast army.
It was not just his mind but his soul that understood that he was now facing a legend.
And Yuusuke took the initiative.
He launched a barrage of incantations, using words art. He had received information about his use of incantations in advance, and when facing an army like them, it was certain that he would employ them.
Hence, he followed the plan, having his soldiers deploy defensive formation and creating a veil of ash to shield the army.
Words art were a convenient form of magic, but they were nothing more than primitive spells using magic-infused words. Even when faced head-on with them, there were countless ways to counter.
Shortly after, he witnessed an unbelievable sight.
"─!"
The spoken incantations transformed into emerald lightning, piercing through the armies' defenses and reaching deep into them.
The power exceeded all expectations.
With just that single strike, many of the magicians who had been holding the rear of the army fell to their knees. They did so without a scream or a sign of agony. Their spirit, referred to as the pillar of their battle morale, had been shattered.
Even with their defenses, this was happening.
It was a preposterous tale. There was no way to categorize this being other than as monsters, transcending the bounds of humanity.
"Composite Formula Deployment!"
But this alone would not break the Dragarts. When they decided to confront a legend like this, he had prepared for every possible scenario.
His words were conveyed to the entire army thanks to Finn's magic. Although some of the soldiers were eliminated, as long as the generals remained, there was no issue.
Now, the generals reorganized the remaining units and began deploying magic barriers.
A massive three-dimensional magic circle pulsed overhead, absorbing magic energy and expanding.
Normally, magic circles were prepared in advance and activated by flowing magic into them. This was a technique akin to painting a picture on a canvas in multiple colors using the magic of several individuals.
But the Dragarts completed it in short time.
They released a large-scale destruction spell, capable of shattering castle walls and turning the city into a sea of flames.
"Release 'Iflelia (Fire Pit Penetration)'!"
At Vice's command, the magic circle lost its delicate form and transformed into the embodiment of violence.
A massive fiery spear was readied towards Yuusuke.
Originally, this magic was intended to be used against armies or fortresses, not against individuals. After all, it had the potential to destroy even Finn's maintained 'Gajou (My Castle)' if used recklessly.
However, Vice did not hesitate to use it.
In order to defeat Yuusuke, he understood this much within seconds.
Furthermore, it wouldn't end there. Yuusuke would likely counter even this magic. Therefore, he launched a follow-up attack during this opportunity.
His prediction was partially accurate and partially off the mark.
Indeed, Yuusuke had intended to cut down 'Ifreeria.'
But in reality, someone else executed the action.
"Spiritual Penetration Art - Release!"
As if calling attention to herself, Sharla's cold yet composed voice spread as ripples.
She was another legend, returning from the hell to the mortal realm, whether it was true or not, the oldest living magician.
"The 'Phantom Sign' ── Meikai."
The sky turned lapis, and the world was conquered by night and ice in the blink of an eye.
Breaths turned white, and frost formed on armor.
"Truly, these are extraordinary individuals."
Vice muttered softly, gazing directly at the scene.
'Iflelia,' which was supposed to consume everything in its path, had turned into an icy sculpture, supported by the ice trees.
A world where even flames froze.
If her 'Meikai' had covered the entire army, the damage would have been immeasurable.
However, it did not happen.
Just before that, he created an ash barrier and halted the progression of magic.
Long-distance attacks alone would not bring her down. She was a monstrous opponent with limitless magical power.
On the other hand, an army could maximize its strength under the right circumstances.
The one who could intentionally create that opportunity was known as a great general. But it also required the ability to recognize and seize that moment.
The soldiers in the army, despite their training, were shrinking in the face of Yuusuke and the others' extraordinary magic. Even though they were well-trained soldiers, the name of a hero was as heavy as the heavens.
But this atmosphere had to be shattered. A decisive blow needed to be struck to create an opening.
"Forwen, Calisto, scrape him with 'Tenfinger Frenzy.'"
Vice joined his hands together, giving instructions to the front-line general.
"Understood, General."
"We're ready."
Forwen and Calisto led the Dragarts, knights who rode on powerful bipedal running dragons.
No matter how much magic power he had, Yuusuke could not heal himself. If Saint Mevia were here, things might be different, but he had confirmed her departure to another location. If the attack got through, it would undoubtedly accumulate as damage.
"Now, this is where the real battle begins, Silver."
Vice raised both hands, and magic covered the ground, causing ash to swirl. It was not just a dust storm.
It was a white tsunami.
"'All Gray (End Sea).'"
The tidal wave of ash rushed, crushing ice as it surged towards Yuusuke and the others.
And under that wave, Forwen and Calisto's unit charged forward.
The legendary hero and the strongest army clashed within the ash.
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