Chapter 125: Stage (3)


    ***


    Ruels body staggered from the effects of the warp.


    Despite the overwhelming aftereffects, he soon opened his eyes wide.


    <i>Ten, no, twenty, maybe more?</i>


    There were more of them than the ck-blooded man hed fought in Cyronian.


    <i>Thump. Thump. Thump.</i>


    His heart pounded loudly.


    His own shadow moved arbitrarily.


    <i>Calm down.</i>


    Ruel soothed the shadow and surveyed the situation.


    Gors must have evacuated the people, so all that was left in Sylvia was the corpse.


    With all traces of the vige that had been built so far gone, Ruel bit his lips hard.


    Ruel, Ruel! This body can do it now! This body will purify those who are out of natural order.


    Leo said, his tail raised.


    Are you alright? Aris asked, concerned.


    Ruel nodded in response.


    I can fight. Please dont ask me to run away this time, Ruel said.


    Aris discarded his sword and took out his own sword from his magic pocket.


    Ruel, you dont have to face this alone, despite Tysons gentle words, an icy sphere already hovered in his hand.


    Ruel-nim, I apologize for bringing you to such a messy ce.


    Cassion spoke, pulling a syringe from his magic pocket and casually injecting it into Ruels arm.


    The ck water in their bodies feels stronger than before.


    Cassion noted, swiftly cutting down a tree and arranging a makeshift seat for Ruel on the stump.


    You can sit here quietly.


    Observing Aris and Tyson rush towards the ck-blooded man without hesitation, Ruel turned to Cassion and asked.


    What about the spies?


    Rest assured, there are none in this vicinity, Cassion assured him, bowing low. As he straightened up, a dagger appeared in each of his hands.


    The assassin unbuttoned his shirt as he smiled.


    The slightly eerie smile made Ruel flinch, almost inhaling Breath.


    Well then, please stay here quietly, Cassion said before disappearing from sight.


    Ruel gulped while inhaling Breath.


    <i>What a burden.</i>


    However, the best oue would be for all the ck-blooded men to copse and be defeated by their hands.


    Chuckling softly, Ruel observed the approaching ck-blooded men.


    They paid no attention to the others rushing to attack, their focus solely fixed on Ruel.


    <i>Do I look that appetizing?</i>


    The shadows whispered, urging him to devour them immediately, but Ruel calmed himself.


    <i>Wait.</i>


    He had to hold back from purification, as it took a toll on his body.


    <i>I trust and wait for my uncle, Aris, Cassion, and Leo</i>


    Ruel, Ruel! Strange!


    Leo came running, panting.


    How long had it been since he had run off?


    Ruel looked at Leo, his gaze drifting away from the scene of lightning, ice, and fire.


    What is it, Leo? Ruel asked.


    It cannot be purified.


    Leo immediately tilted his head.


    Cant be purified?


    Purification isnt working as strongly as this body did at theke. Did this body revert back to being stupid?


    Ruel patted Leos head and looked ahead, seeing the worry in his eyes.


    When Leo used purification, his shadow first surrounded the ck-blooded man.


    <i>And Leo used purification.</i>


    Was that the difference?


    Ruel did not show impatience.


    Right now, they were calmly eliminating the ck-blooded man, one by one.


    By following the method discovered by Cassiongetting rid of the ck water in their bodies.


    <i>Okay, theres no need to be anxious,</i> Ruel reassured himself, attempting to calm his racing heart.


    <i>Thump!</i>


    However, his heart suddenly started beating violently once more, sensing something ominous about the death of the ck-blooded man.


    <i>Thump! Thump!</i>


    Unable to ignore the unsettling feeling, Ruel got up from his spot.


    <i>Are they clustering together?</i>


    The ck-blooded men had changed their behavior and started clustering together.


    <i>No, rather than uniting, theyre devouring each other.</i>


    Instead of attacking their intended targets, the ck-blooded men turned on each other, tearing into one anothers flesh and consuming their own kind.


    As they did, the body of the ck-blooded man grewrger.


    We have to stop them! Aris! Tyson shouted, reaching his hand towards the sky and signaling Aris.


    Im ready, Mr. Tyson! Aris responded, preparing himself.


    Now! Tysonmanded, and together they unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning.


    <i>Rumble!</i>


    Electric blue streaks extended from the sky, descending upon the enemies like divine punishment.


    The forked beams of light judged the ck-blooded men, piercing through their bodies and even reaching the ground.


    mes erupted, engulfing the area, and clouds of dust and dirt billowed around.


    This body will put a stop to it!


    Leo stood up in front of Ruel and halted the gust of wind that threatened to blow towards them.


    Ruel closed his eyes tightly and slowly opened them again.


    Through the haze of dust, his vision was obscured.


    Ruel!


    Leo tapped the ground with his front paw.


    A stone wall appeared in front of Ruel.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    But before that, there was the sound of the sword colliding with something.


    Cassion was standing in front, blocking the ck stem.


    Hina!


    Cassion called out to Hina and quickly cut down the ck stem.


    Excuse me, Hina said as she carried Ruel and quickly left the area.


    Huh? Oh no!


    Leos mouth opened wide as he clung to Ruels leg.


    <i>!</i>


    Ruel finally grasped the situation. Among the numerous ck-blooded men, only one remained visible.


    It had merged with the others, and its size is now three timesrger than before.


    <i>Crazy bastards</i>


    Unlike before, the ck water has changed.


    Ruel immediately inhaled Breath and spoke.


    Cassion, do you think you can get rid of it?


    It was safe to say that this was a new opponent.


    <i>Kkaaang!</i>


    Cassion deflected the ck stem aimed at Ruel and answered.


    Even the ck water inside them regenerates. It seems impossible to eliminate it all at once.


    Uncle, Aris.


    Ruel turned to his uncle and Aris who had taken a moment to catch their breath and check on him.


    Relief washed over their faces when they saw that he was unharmed.


    Can both of you still locate the ck water? Ruel asked.


    I can still see it! Aris responded confidently, mes flickering in his hand.


    I can see it too, Tyson confirmed.


    <i>Good.</i>


    Ruel nodded, his gaze shifting to Hina.


    Put me down.


    But still


    Hina.


    Understood, Hina reluctantlyplied, realizing she had no choice but to put Ruel down.


    She couldnt refuse his resolute words.


    Leo.


    Say it.


    When I envelope that guy in the shadows, then purify him.


    This body understands! This body can do it!


    Ruel knew that the others would instinctively know what to do.


    He focused his attention on the approaching ck-blooded man.


    I am here.


    And then he put Breath in his mouth.


    The ck-blooded man advanced swiftly, dragging its massive body.


    But Ruel held no fear.


    With two shields and a fierce dagger by his side, he felt protected.


    Ruel cast a shadow on the ground, channeling his mana into it.


    Merely capturing the ck-blooded man within the shadows wouldnt be enough, considering its size.


    Ruel needed to restrain it and prevent its movements.


    A glimmer appeared in Ruels eyes as he raised the corners of his mouth.


    The divided shadows transformed into hands, closing in on the ck-blooded man from both sides.


    Just the mere touch of the shadow on the ck-blooded man transmitted a tingling sensation to him.


    <i>Its just this much. Its easy.</i>


    Then, Ruel twisted and bound the ck-blooded man from both sides with ropes made from his mana.


    At the same time, his mana prated into the ck-blooded man.


    Ugh.


    Ru, Ruel! Blood ising out!


    He had a taste of blood in his mouth, but he was still fine.


    The resistance of the ck-blooded man proved to be stronger than expected.


    If the ck-blooded man continued to resist, Ruel knew he would have to resort to more forceful measures.


    Ruel took out a third shadow, transformed it into a club, and struck the head of the ck-blooded man.


    <i>Puck!</i>


    He could feel the sensation of his hand hitting something.


    Then, Cassion, Tyson, and Aris attack began again.


    The attacks from Cassion, Tyson, and Aris were magnificent and powerful, iparable to Ruels.


    As blood flowed down his lips, Ruel wiped it away and once again infused his mana.


    With the ck-blooded mans resistance weakenedpared to before, Ruel pushed his mana deeper, a confident smile forming on his face.


    <i>Found it!</i>


    He caught the feeling of holding the reins in an instant.


    But soon, Ruel vomited in agony.


    Countless voices echoed in his ears, cries of suffering and pleas for mercy.


    Ruel bit his lip.


    <i>This way.</i>


    Although they indicated the direction he should go, those voices pushed him away.


    cough!


    The bacsh made Ruel cough up blood, feeling something ominous surge up his mana path.


    <i>Damn</i>


    It wasnt as painful as purification.


    <i>Taking control was impossible.</i>


    The resistance from the ck-blooded man was too strong.


    Ruel nodded towards them, who asked if he was okay while inhaling Breath.


    All that remained were their attacks and purification.


    Ruel held onto the reins and poured all his strength into capturing the ck-blooded man, extending his fourth, fifth shadows.


    Cassion looked at Aris and Tyson.


    Ruel tightly held the ck-blooded man with his shadow.


    What did he want from them?


    He was signaling for them to eliminate the ck water concealed within the ck-blooded man.


    <i>Twelve.</i>


    It was the amount of ck water hidden within the ck-blooded man.


    Even with his skills, it was impossible to prate its hard shell and eliminate more than six ck waters simultaneously.


    Thats why Cassion needed the help of Aris and Tyson.


    Ill cut off the six on the left, Cassion dered, his grip firm on his dagger.


    The only one who can hold down the ck-blooded man now is Ruel, who has the same dark attribute.


    If it wasnt for Ruel, they would be easily defeated.


    Cassion nced at Ruel.


    Even now, it looks like hes overdoing things quite a bit.


    They had to concentrate.


    Ill get rid of the four on the right.


    Tyson opened his mouth cautiously.


    Because the target was too small, they couldnt attack all at once.


    Then I will get rid of the rest.


    Aris applied lightning to his sword.


    <i>Crackle.</i>


    Lightning shed everywhere.


    They knew the burden Ruel was under, so they had to seed.


    The three looked at each other and rushed at the same time.


    It was their first time working together, but Cassion shot a dagger, and Tyson fired four ice skewers as thin as needles, matching Aris speed.


    <i>Crackle.</i>


    The lightning from Aris sword drowned out all sound.


    Thebined attacks from Cassion, Tyson, and Aris pierced through and eliminated all twelve hidden ck waters within the ck-blooded man.


    It seemed as if the ck-blooded man was melting, and the thick ck liquid spreading around him began to shrink, and the ck water that had been cut began to clump together.


    <i>Is he sacrificing himself to regenerate the ck water?</i>


    Cassion urgently looked at Ruel.


    Ruel, the ck water is starting to regenerate!


    <i>Damn bastards.</i>


    He released both the reins and the shadow restraining the ck-blooded man, calling out to Leo.


    Leo, go!


    This body is always ready!


    Leo ran towards the ck-blooded man.


    Dozens of shadows spread out like a canopy, covering the ck-blooded man.


    <i>Dont eat it.</i>


    Ruel cried out in pain as the shadows tried to devour the ck-blooded man without warning, as he squeezed the reins of the shadows hard.


    <i>Stay still. Hold on.</i>


    Inside the shadows, the ck-blooded man began to rampage.


    Despite the shadows pleas to eat it, Ruel looked at Leo.


    When the silver bead that emerged from Leos short front paw touched the shadow, a silver light ascended along the shadow.


    <i>Its the Milky Way I saw back then.</i>


    Ruel lost strength and copsed on the spot.


    Although it wasnt nighttime, the silver powder that apanied the silver light spread like beautiful snowkes.


    Ruel reached out and caught some of the powder, experiencing a warm sensation as it touched his palm.


    This body has done it! This body is a great purifier!


    Leo jumped up and down in ce, then leaped towards Ruel.


    Ruel dispelled the shadows.


    The silver powder, which had not disappeared and was left in that spot, fluttered once again.


    In an instant, Ruels upper body copsed.


    Cough


    The corruption of the ck-blooded man, which the shadows had consumed recklessly, hade crashing towards Ruel.


    The blood spreading across the ground looked eerie.


    Cough!


    As another gush of blood poured out, Leo stood frozen in ce.


    Are you okay? Th-this body definitely purified it!


    <i>Wiing.</i>


    The power of recovery cried out.


    <i>Perhaps it ovepped with the aftermath of grabbing the reins of the ck-blooded man.</i>


    Despite everything, he managed to stay conscious.


    Lifting his head quietly, he gazed at the deste ground.


    The silver powder continued to flutter, and he released a long breath.


    He was grateful that the ck-blooded man appeared here and that he was the only one shedding blood.


    Are you okay? Cassion approached Ruel and offered him a handkerchief.


    Aris and Tyson extended their support, helping Ruel to his feet.


    The question that Cassion had asked earlier, whether he was okay, followed.


    Ruel did not answer the question but asked Cassion.


    Are there no more enemies?


    There are none. Cassion confirmed. Upon hearing this, Ruel infused mana into his ring and contacted Banios, causing blood to flow from the corner of his mouth once again.


    It was a result of the heavy mana consumption.


    Your Highness. Ruel weakly spoke.


    Are you okay? What about the ck-blooded man? Are there no casualties?


    How is that ce?


    -Its being handled well here. The prisons are overflowing from all the arrests.


    How are the conditions in each territory?


    -I havent heard any bad news. It seems like things are being handled well on your end as well.


    thank you.


    Ruel expressed his sincere gratitude.


    He understood how terrible it could have been if ck-blooded men had appeared in other locations too.


    Your Highness, if I may, I will end the call first for today.


    -Okay. Rest up a bit, and contact meter.


    After concluding the call, Ruel closed his eyes momentarily and then opened them.


    He tried to inhale Breath but his hands were shaking, making it difficult to hold it.


    Tyson handed him the breath.


    Are you okay?


    It was a familiar question, but today it carried a different weight. It felt like a congrattory message for this small victory, a word he could only hear because he had managed to stay alive.


    Ruel weakly smiled.


    Yes, just a bit dizzy, but Im okay.


    They won.


    It was a day with a lot of bloodshed, but they still won.


    Although everything wasnt perfect yet, they had erased the Red Ash from this territory.


    Ruel covered his eyes, which were growing warm.


    Finally he murmured.


    He could finally breathe freely.


    Swallowing the tears of relief that fell to the ground, Ruel reaffirmed, Im okay.Author''s Thoughts


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