Chapter: 131. The Moment of Final Battle
Above the clouds, the originally azure sky has taken on a different appearance.
With wave after wave of magical force crashing, the clouds beneath churn into monstrous waves, forming layers of spirals, as if a great storm is emerging.
The air around seems to solidify into an invisible solid, disintegrating into particles of light under the intertwining of silver starlight and purplish-red lightning.
Nagi has lost track of how long it has been since she fought with all her might like today.
She thought that her peaceful life as “Star Palace Nagi” over the past decade would dull her combat skills and instincts, but when she really began to “synchronize” with the fantasy monsters she had contracted in the past, it was as if she instinctively recalled the feeling she had when she fought as the “Elemental Sovereign.”
The clouds are expanding at an astonishing speed.
This is the effect of Nagi infusing all her magical power into Garuda’s storm authority.
Purplish-red lightning mixed with deep gray air ravages the sky. The terrifying vortex within the clouds grows larger and larger, and at the center of this storm, it resembles a giant black hole, swallowing the entire horizon.
The figures of Nagi and Natsuki seem like mere specks of dust before this deep gray storm. Only the brilliance of their magical power trails can indicate their positions as they cut through the darkness behind them.
Natsuki is being guided by Nagi, gradually merging into the storm’s center.
Although Nagi’s current magical power and strength are far inferior to Natsuki, who has merged with all fantasy monsters, the latter is ultimately a soulless shell, a puppet under the control of fantasy monsters.
It seems that the fantasy monsters led by Loki only realize Nagi is leading them to a specific position when they are deep within the storm. They temporarily unbind one of the fantasy monsters from “synchronization,” summoning it to attack Nagi, attempting to disrupt her formation.
It is a semi-transparent wraith, moving as if it can ignore the howling winds around it, charging toward Nagi at high speed. Wherever its pale body passes, the air turns to patches of white frost.
However, Nagi remains unflustered; she seems to have anticipated the counterattack initiated by the fantasy monsters.
“Garuda.” As Nagi softly calls, a petite white figure appears behind the deep gray clouds, accompanied by several bursts of silver lightning.
With each eruption of thunder, numerous wraiths rushing toward Nagi are instantly obliterated. The lightning and storm tear apart those semi-transparent bodies that lack solidity. Even if they try to reform, Nagi locks them one by one into the Mirror Flower, excluding them from space.
Finally, Natsuki’s body has fallen into the center of the storm.
And Nagi is also prepared for the gathering of magical power.
“Elemental Fusion—” Nagi’s eyes burst forth with a radiance as bright as daylight.
Her entire magical power combined with the fusion attack from twelve authorities Pierces directly at Natsuki, who cannot evade in the storm’s center.
This is the final form of elemental-type supernatural abilities, transforming all things into basic magical energy. This almost dragon’s breath form of magical power can wipe anything from this world.
The dazzling magical beam pierces through the center of the storm, completely engulfing Natsuki’s body.
The earth-shattering impact disperses the surrounding clouds, exposing the artificial island below. However, due to the domain’s isolation, this impact does not reach the Infinite Academy; otherwise, the fantasy monsters on the surface of the island might be paralyzed by this magical shock.
Nagi is fully aware of the risk of setting a flag at this moment, so she silently watches the center of the impact, secretly hoping that her attack will have the desired effect.
Because, by common reasoning, no one or fantasy monster can survive an assault of pure magical energy.
Unless—
“Truly deserving of the Elemental Sovereign… the attack of Elemental Fusion remains as tyrannical as ever.” Loki’s voice, overlapping with other fantasy monsters, resounds throughout the horizon.
“However, it is unfortunate that even pure magical energy cannot destroy the ageless and immortal Origin Holy Maiden.”
A powerful stream of magical energy disperses the magical dust around Natsuki, revealing her seemingly unscathed appearance in Nagi’s eyes.
As if the magical beam that just struck her was merely a dream.
“Surely, it wasn’t going to be that simple?” Nagi meticulously adjusts her facial muscles, revealing an expression of regret as she speaks the lines she had long prepared.
The previous strike was merely a probe, a part of her plan. As long as she can understand that Natsuki currently has no ability to evade her Elemental Fusion, then she possesses the method to defeat her.
—Come on, since you’ve discovered that this move was ineffective against you…
Natsuki, as Nagi predicted, slowly raises her arm, with countless magical energies starting to gather around her body. Like Nagi just now, this is a precursor to launching “Elemental Fusion.”
Seeing this, Nagi deliberately feigns a flustered appearance, mimicking her opponent by raising her hands.
—Indeed, when it comes to the final battle, the essential aspect is…
The surrounding air is permeated with a sense of oppression due to the gathering of magical power, invisible fluctuations bursting outward from the two bodies, and the magical power intertwines within the air, causing everything around to gradually distort.
“Elemental Fusion—”
“Elemental Fusion—”
Almost simultaneously, both unleash a dazzling beam of magical power.
The entire space shakes violently due to the collision of the two forces, even the surface of the domain starts to show fine cracks.
Under Nagi’s guidance, the two enter a state of “wave confrontation.”
She knows that her magical power and authorities are not the opponent’s match, and if she persists in a flexible offense and defense, she will undoubtedly be at a disadvantage, making it easier to make mistakes or leave openings.
Thus, Nagi attempts to make her opponent realize that she does not fear the attack of “Elemental Fusion” and reminds her of the unparalleled destructive power of this move, as this way, the opponent may be likely to attempt the move herself.
For Nagi, as long as she enters the “wave confrontation” phase, she no longer needs to worry about other supernatural attacks from the fantasy monsters since, while using “Elemental Fusion,” all her magical power and the authorities of her contracted beasts will be infused into the magical beam.
The only reaction between magical energies is to devour and disintegrate one another.
Thus, what remains is simply a contest of magical power.
Although Nagi’s magical power is far inferior to her opponent’s in this respect, at least this can buy enough time and minimize her own risks.
The dazzling light emitted from the collision of the magical beams illuminates both of their faces.
At this moment, Natsuki notices the slightly raised corners of Nagi’s mouth.
In that brief instant, Loki and the other fantasy monsters finally realize they have voluntarily given up their advantage.
“….. I see, so it was this intention?” Loki’s voice sounds again, “But unfortunately, your scheme has been seen through by us.”
As soon as Loki’s words fall, Natsuki abandons the continued output of magic.
Nagi’s silver beam swallows the other magical beam like a tsunami, instantly closing in on Natsuki. The latter can even feel the intense heat of the magical energy through her skin.
However, Loki doesn’t care; after all, Natsuki, as the Origin Holy Maiden, is an immortal being. Even if hit directly by “Elemental Fusion,” she will be fine—
At that moment, Loki’s mind seems to be stirred by some invisible intent, making him notice the hidden meaning behind Nagi’s slightly raised lip.
—”This is the flaw she deliberately revealed.”
If it were that Elemental Sovereign, it would be impossible that she couldn’t manage such an expression. What exactly is her purpose? After revealing her intentions, what benefits could she gain?
Time seems to come to a halt at this moment as Loki’s brain races.
—If he realizes that she wants to contest magical power with him, the action he might take is to abandon maintaining the Elemental Fusion. It is apparent that her Elemental Fusion cannot harm the Origin Holy Maiden, and his unscathed state after withstanding the attack of Elemental Fusion is proof…
—Unharmed?
Loki finally focuses on Nagi’s eyes, which are shining with silver starlight, fragments of the star authority, proof that she can control souls.
Just because the Holy Maiden’s body was unharmed after taking the Elemental Fusion does not mean her soul is safe.
Ignoring the true soul of the Holy Maiden for now, what is currently in her body is merely a presence in a “soul” state, which does not have the effect of immortality—
At the critical moment just before the magical beam touches Natsuki.
Her eyes ignite with magical light once more, maintaining the infusion of magical power for “Elemental Fusion,” slowly pushing the beams of magical power that were so close back.
“…… Truly, one must not be careless, Elemental Sovereign.” Loki sneered using Natsuki’s body.
“Tsk, discovered, huh?” Nagi’s expression seems unaffected.
“The authority of the stars… If you merge various elements based on this authority, it can directly affect the essence of the soul. You almost succeeded.” Loki coldly responds.
Nagi’s strike just now was based on Garuda’s storm for the Elemental Fusion; its primary purpose, aside from paralyzing and baiting the opponent into a “wave confrontation,” was to probe, testing if the opponent had any strange abilities to evade or counter the attack of “Elemental Fusion.”
Once she clarifies this point, Nagi could switch to the Elemental Fusion based on the star authority and take the opportunity to expose a flaw, prompting the opponent to abandon the advantage of magical power for a direct confrontation with her, effectively erasing the “soul” within Natsuki while simultaneously killing those fantasy monsters.
Yet unfortunately, it was discovered by Loki at the last moment.
“Since it is what you desire, then let you die under this ‘Elemental Fusion!'” Loki shouted loudly.
At the same time, due to Natsuki’s magical advantage, the magical beam that had originally approached her is being pushed farther away, getting closer to Nagi’s side.
The scales of victory undoubtedly tilt toward one side.
However, Nagi gazes at the magical beam continuously approaching her without any panic, instead revealing a grim smile:
“Then let us begin! Speaking of final battles, indeed, it cannot lack a wave confrontation!”
As Nagi speaks, her gaze involuntarily shifts to the island below.
This time, she is not fighting alone; she has full confidence in them.
————————————-
Infinite Academy.
“Where did your momentum go just now!? Trash!” “Yeah, trash trash~” “When your contracted beast is stopped by the amorphous mist, do you become a trash that only runs away~” “Hahaha~ Truly a funny sight~”…
The sounds of endless mockery echoed in Kurokawa’s ears.
Along with the laughter came countless light particles, which, moving at nearly the speed of light, were difficult for Kurokawa to evade even with all his effort. The hot light particles pierced through his body, gradually causing him to lose the ability to act.
Were it not for the fact that Infinity was currently enjoying the thrill of the hunt and Nyarla’s grant of favor to the contractee himself, Kurokawa might not have survived more than half a minute in his hands.
“Tsk, what a troublesome ability.” Kurokawa frowned at the countless rings floating before him.
No matter how many attacks he launched, the fantasy monster that splits infinitely from the river of time proves to be a tough opponent, even for Kurokawa, who has rich practical experience in countless battles.
Not far from him, his contracted beast “Nyarla” is being entangled by that strange thick mist. Kurokawa can sense an aura exceedingly similar to Nyarla coming from the thick mist, indicating that it is also an extraordinary fantasy monster.
It is impossible to discern whether the mist is restraining Nyarla or whether Nyarla is obstructing the mist’s attack, but it is clear that— at least at this moment, Nyarla cannot be relied upon.
“Ah, I’m bored. This trash is not as fun as the last one~” “Exactly, you’re simply the trash among trash~” “The amorphous mist seems to have also subdued that fantasy monster. If we kill the contractor now, it shouldn’t go berserk, right?”…
The countless rings of Infinity chattered away, seemingly concerned that Kurokawa’s death would cause his contracted beast Nyarla to go berserk.
However, hearing this, Kurokawa puzzledly countered: “… Berserk? What do you mean?”
The meaning in their words does not align with the knowledge he possesses.
Because normally, when a contractor dies, their contracted beast should disappear as well, and there shouldn’t be any case of berserk.
“It seems you know nothing about your contracted beast~” “Well, after all, you’re just trash~” “Trash trash~”…
Infinity does not appear to intend to explain to Kurokawa but instead unfolded countless rings around him, each ring gathering dazzling light particles, which evidently carry a magical reaction entirely different from just now.
Kurokawa can genuinely sense the breath of death drawing near.
“… How do you defeat a fantasy monster of this nature?” Despite the last minute, Kurokawa continues to contemplate countermeasures, but no matter how he thinks, he cannot conceive a way to defeat the fantasy monster in front of him. He also wonders why it left during its invasion of Ark Academy.
“Well then, farewell, trash human—” Infinity’s voice resembles some cold pronouncement.
Simultaneously, countless beams shot towards Kurokawa—
【Rewrite】
But at the critical moment, a pitch-black flame swept through with a surging force, intercepting all the light particles aimed at Kurokawa.
“What!?” Even Infinity is surprised by the sudden change before it.
“Sorry, I’m late.”
As the black flames dissipate, Kanade’s figure stands beside Kurokawa.
“Tsuki… Tsukimi Kanade? Why are you…..” Kurokawa gazes in shock at the suddenly appearing Kanade.
She slowly turns her eyes toward the countless rings suspended in mid-air, lightly replying, “It’s okay; from now on, leave it to me. This time, I won’t let her escape again.”
A brilliant golden light flickers in Kanade’s eyes.
