Helios Orb Chronicle – Chapter 595

**Side: Meena**

As June draws to a close, preparations for the invasion of the Gradia Continent are steadily progressing.

Since giving birth to Asahi, I’ve been juggling rehabilitation as a Hunter with the development of Count Fallheight Territory. Of course, I’m also taking good care of Asahi. After all, she’s my precious daughter, born from my own body.

Despite this busy life, I was able to accompany the party in conquering the Enigma Labyrinth, and subsequently participated in the subjugation of the new Demise Species, Almiraaj, in the Golud Great Glacier. Thanks to these efforts, both Flamm and I have reached level 99.

Today, I’m participating in a new hunt: the subjugation of the Demise Species Kujata, which has evolved and made its lair within the Treasure Tree of the Gagun Great Forest.

“Kujata are bulls, right?”

“Yes. As the final evolution of the Greylock Bull, their meat should be top-tier.”

“In that case, we should try not to inflict too much external damage, but you and Flamm, along with Athena, might be able to evolve if we fight it head-on, correct?”

Flamm and I are level 99, and Athena is level 98. If we can defeat Kujata, evolving into an Element Class is certainly within reach. This Kujata subjugation is also serving as an opportunity for our leveling, so we plan to postpone intervention with Engraving Divine Artifacts until the very last moment.

“Yes. Unlike Hanuman, it didn’t attack even while flying, so reconnaissance was easy.”

“So, it’s ignoring aerial opponents, or rather, it’s not interested in them?”

“It definitely saw me, so I think that interpretation is acceptable.”

There are several reasons for the Kujata subjugation, but the primary one is that no Bull-type monsters inhabit the Gagun Great Forest. The ecosystem of the Gagun Great Forest is already in disarray, and the emergence of Kujata, the Demise Species of the Bull type, has severely displaced the indigenous species. Over the past few months, this has led to significant damage in nearby towns and villages. A Demise Species of the Bull type likely evolved from Cattoblepas or Dark Breath Bull, which emerged during the Labyrinth Flood two years ago. Therefore, early subjugation was deemed necessary, and Yamato conducted aerial reconnaissance in preparation. To be safe, Blau Solaris was generated. Fortunately, Kujata did not react to the aerial reconnaissance and was found lying down with its large body at the base of the Treasure Tree, making reconnaissance easy. Although Kujata, as a Demise Species, possesses wings like Dragonians, Yamato had anticipated an attack, but there were no signs of aggression, which left him surprised. Kujata’s total length was approximately 30 meters and its height about 15 meters, which can be considered small for a Demise Species. Dragonian and Saurian Demise Species were not just over 100 meters tall, but often far larger. Perhaps accustomed to them, especially since Almiraaj, with a total length of less than 10 meters, was not significantly different in size from Kujata and also considered small for a Demise Species, it felt even smaller.

“If we don’t attack, it won’t attack us?”

“Perhaps, but it’s a Demise Species, so we can’t be sure. However, there were two of them, so we certainly couldn’t leave them alone.”

“Indeed.”

Rumors of Kujata’s presence had been circulating since last year, leading to a detailed investigation. Its existence was confirmed, but given the nature of the threat, the investigation team retreated after visually confirming its presence and performing Questing. At that time, Kujata seemed to be leisurely sunbathing at the base of the Treasure Tree, as Yamato mentioned earlier, so the urgency was deemed low. However, recently, reports have consistently indicated the presence of what appears to be two Kujatas. Upon hearing this from Emperor Neige, Yamato immediately generated Blau Solaris and headed to investigate the Gagun Great Forest. With two of them present, and considering what happened in Valentia, coupled with the emerging damage, they could no longer be ignored. Thus, we decided to challenge them, also using it as an opportunity to level up.

“Confirmed. There are definitely two.”

“Yes. The one further back is slightly smaller. Is that a matter of individual difference?”

“Perhaps it’s because they’ve only recently evolved.”

“Ah, that’s plausible.”

“It doesn’t matter. The real issue is their numbers.”

In the vast expanse before the Treasure Tree, Kujatas were surrounded by herds of Cattoblepas and Dark Breath Bulls.

“Eight Dark Breath Bulls and three Cattoblepas. There are few Third Eye Bulls, but they are present. As for Jewel Bulls, it’s too much trouble to count them all.”

“It’s completely become a ranch. With two Kujatas present, it’s natural that other monsters wouldn’t dare approach.”

“It might seem idyllic from a certain perspective, but in reality, it’s extremely dangerous. It’s been two years, so it’s not strange for the numbers to increase, but even so, there are too many.”

“Although we prioritized labyrinth conquest, we knew Kujata was here. We should have culled them a bit earlier.”

“We’re going to defeat them all today anyway, so it’s too late to worry about that now.”

“True.”

Bull-type monsters never inhabited the Gagun Great Forest originally. Therefore, the current situation signifies a complete breakdown of the Gagun Great Forest’s ecosystem. To restore the ecosystem, the decision has been made to defeat all the Bull-type monsters present. However, their sheer numbers are overwhelming. The Hunter’s Guild in Valt alone cannot handle this, so consultation with Emperor Reinhardt, Emperor Neige, and the Grand Hunter’s Master will be necessary.

“Alright, as planned, Mako will restrain the Kujata in the back. Meanwhile, Meena, Flamm, and Athena will handle the other Kujata, and I’ll provide support. Everyone else, take care of the other Bulls.”

“Understood.”

“We won’t let a single one escape, so let’s finish this quickly.”

“Absolutely.”

Everyone is brimming with motivation. I, too, am aiming not only to level up but also to evolve. My level is already close to that point, so my motivation is at its peak. This is my second time facing a Demise Species head-on, and no matter what attack comes, it won’t pass behind me.

**Side: Yamato**

One of the two Kujatas was completely immobilized by Mako’s Field Cosmos. In case of emergencies, I had Blau Solaris generated, and Mako had Agatholam. While the strength of Field Cosmos was far greater than usual, completely restraining a Demise Species is truly astounding. Furthermore, the Bull-type monsters other than Kujata were being decimated by Prim, Mana, Lydia, and Ludia, turning into masses of flesh one after another. They were unconcerned whether they were High-class or Catastrophe Species, and even had the composure to consider the materials, so they could be left to their own devices.

“You shall not pass!”

Meanwhile, Meena, Flamm, and Athena, who were fighting the Kujata, attacked in a synchronized effort, and had already managed to sever one of its horns. Enraged, the Kujata charged at them, but Meena’s new Unique Magic, Wide Mirror Shield, blocked the attack. This Wide Mirror Shield, incorporating earth, ice, and light attribute magic, along with Mirroring and Scaff, barrier magic, and telekinetic magic, became a mirror shield far larger than Kujata. As it received Kujata’s charge, weighing tens of tons, it shattered. However, new mirrors were immediately generated and repeatedly shattered, eventually completely repelling the charge. There’s a Catastrophe Species Grizzly called Scissarssarhylops Phalanx, which, when receiving an attack, replicates the Phalanx that gave it its name using light attribute magic, making it extremely durable. Meena developed her Wide Mirror Shield referencing the Scissarssarhylops Phalanx’s light attribute magic. The Wide Mirror Shield not only blocks physical attacks but can also reflect magical attacks.

“Flamm! Athena!”

“Yes!”

“Understood!”

As Kujata’s charge was blocked by the Wide Mirror Shield, halting its advance, Flamm’s new Unique Magic, Tidal Disaster, unleashed multiple enlarged Tidal Blasters simultaneously, piercing Kujata one after another. As a finishing blow, Athena, in her full draconian form, used her Unique Magic, Blaze Light Blade, to slice through Kujata’s neck. It did not result in severance, but the attack from Athena’s claws, reaching mid-neck, caused Kujata to collapse to the ground, convulse violently, and then completely stop moving. It was defeated more easily than expected, but engaging a Demise Species for an extended period would have been a fatal mistake, so this outcome is acceptable. More importantly, there’s still one more to deal with.

“Mako!”

“Yes, I understand. But before that.”

While Kujata was held back by Field Cosmos, Mako unleashed Starlight Circle, severing both its horns and shredding its wings. Wings are crucial even for Demise Species, so Kujata’s fury, directed at Mako for damaging its wings, was understandable. However, Mako, and indeed all of us, were aware of such a possibility. As proof, Meena’s Wide Mirror Shield is firmly holding Kujata’s massive body.

“Thank you, Meena.”

“This is my role!”

With those words, Meena imbued her Flare Light Sword with her Unique Magic, Mace Quake, and powerfully struck Kujata’s jaw with an upward motion. While Mace Quake shattered with that blow, Kujata was not unscathed. The impact sent a shockwave through its brain, causing it to lose consciousness for a moment, as if its mind had gone blank.

“Now!”

Seizing the opportunity, Flamm’s Tidal Disaster struck true, and Athena’s Blaze Light Blade, this time, severed Kujata’s head. I was ready to intervene at any moment, but it turned out to be completely unnecessary.

“Good work. Excellent coordination.”

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to everyone.”

“I also felt a sudden surge of magic power just as I unleashed the final attack, so I think I was able to evolve.”

“Ah, I think I evolved too.”

Oh, so Flamm evolved into Element Undine, and Athena evolved into Element Dragonian. Meena also felt her magic power increasing during the battle, so she probably evolved as well.

“How about you, Meena?”

“Please wait. ‘Library Ring.’ Yes, I’ve evolved into Element Human.”

As expected. With this, we now have nine Element Classes, a significant increase in combat power for the upcoming invasion of the Gradia Continent. The Divine Emperor is nothing but a nuisance to Helios Orb, and if we encounter him again, I intend to kill him immediately rather than engage in a war of words. However, the possibility of other Ancient Demons besides the Divine Emperor remains, so it’s truly reassuring to have more Element Classes. With less than two weeks until the invasion, I intend to continue engaging in hunts and land development to keep our skills sharp.