Night fell over the landscape, enveloping the terrain in a dense and silent darkness. In the distance, Kiyohime and the three demons advanced at full speed, their figures barely visible.
Meanwhile, in the nearby village, tension hung in the air. Zero and the Elder stood face to face, each measuring the other's power. Zero gripped his scythe firmly, his cold eyes focused on his opponent. Across from him, the Elder wielded the divine sword known as Sky Destroyer.
Without preamble, the battle began. Zero was the first to attack, lunging toward the Elder with a swift and precise movement. The blade of his scythe cut through the air in a wide arc, aiming to weaken his opponent's defenses. The Elder intercepted Zero's scythe, deflecting the strike with a single motion of his sword. The clash of metal echoed in the stillness of the night.
Both retreated, reassessing each other. Zero's eyes burned with determination as he adjusted his stance, preparing his next attack. The Elder remained calm, his body relaxed but his sword raised, ready to counter any offense.
Zero charged again, spinning his scythe in a series of rapid strikes, targeting the Elder's vital points. Each blow was precise, and every movement flowed with skill. The Elder responded with solid defense, blocking and dodging with agility.
"Is that all you have?" the Elder taunted.
The provocation ignited a flash of rage in Zero's eyes. He gritted his teeth and redoubled his efforts, launching an even more intense barrage of attacks. With each clash of their weapons, the ground trembled slightly.
The two combatants were evenly matched in skill, but the Elder had a decisive advantage: the divine sword Sky Destroyer, a weapon that significantly amplified his power. Zero noticed this and decided to end the fight with a single strike before the Elder's advantage became insurmountable.
Focusing all his power, Zero swung his scythe and unleashed his ultimate ability: "Wasteland of Death." The environment changed instantly. A thick fog covered the terrain, and a shadowy field unfolded around them. Zero controlled every shadow and breeze in this field, ready to drain the life of anyone trapped within.
The Elder looked around, taking in the scenario created by Zero. But instead of showing concern, he let out a powerful laugh. "Is this all you have?" he exclaimed. "A cheap illusion to intimidate me?"
Without wasting time, the Elder stood firm and raised his divine sword. With calculated precision, he concentrated his energy on the blade, which began to glow intensely. "Dimensional Slash!" he shouted, unleashing a devastating technique. The blade cut through the air with incomparable force, shattering the structure of Zero's ability.
The "Wasteland of Death" began to crumble and fade into the air. The Elder lowered his sword, unable to hide the satisfaction in his gaze. "Is that it, Zero?" he said with a smirk. "I thought someone like you could offer something more interesting. But it seems you've overestimated yourself."
Zero was breathing heavily, exhaustion evident on his face. But the Elder's disdain only fueled his irritation. The battle had only just begun, and Zero knew he would have to risk everything to face an opponent of such magnitude.
Zero realized his mana reserves were nearly depleted. He knew he couldn't prolong the fight in a direct confrontation; every second put him at a greater disadvantage. He was aware that if he used Teleportation to escape, his lord might have defeated him instead. But the idea of fleeing was unthinkable.
He had arrogantly proclaimed that no one could defeat him, and now he was trapped by his own promise. He acknowledged that he had underestimated his enemy, and it was costing him dearly. However, he had no intention of surrendering.
He decided to use one last ability, a forbidden technique known as "Soul Destroyer." This technique would consume all his remaining energy and could destroy his opponent's soul.
He knew it was a desperate move, a double-edged sword. If it failed, not only would he be defeated, but he might also be caught in the devastating effects of the ability.
Taking a deep breath, Zero transformed his scythe into a sword, a final and lethal weapon. Dark energy began to envelop the blade, turning the air around him into a dense and heavy field.
"Soul Destroyer!" Zero shouted, charging at the Elder with all his might. The speed of his charge was overwhelming, each step resonating on the ground.
The Elder watched Zero's approach calmly, an expression of interest on his face. He raised his divine sword, preparing for the impact.
When Zero's sword clashed with his, a wave of energy enveloped the battlefield, shaking everything around them. The power of Soul Destroyer began to press against the Elder, attempting to penetrate his defenses.
But, against all odds, the Elder resisted. A golden aura surrounded his body, protecting him from the dark energy that threatened to devour his soul.
"Is this all you have, Zero?" the Elder murmured, dismissing the forbidden technique with unshakable calm.
Zero stared at him, his eyes burning with fury and hatred, but also with the realization that he was facing an opponent who surpassed everything he had imagined.
In those seconds of silence, the Elder, now bored with prolonging the fight, decided to finish Zero with a single strike. A golden light began to emanate from his body, and several anti-magic barriers appeared around him, radiating overwhelming power.
These barriers were specifically designed to weaken spiritual and demonic beings like Zero.
Zero, exhausted, recognized those barriers and realized he couldn't escape. His last attack had drained every drop of his energy, leaving him powerless, in a state where he could only await death. His face reflected despair and exhaustion.
Around him, magical circles began to form on the ground and in the air, activating with lethal precision.
The Elder raised his sword, his voice resonating with unquestionable power. "Divine Miracle: Disintegration!"
The golden circles responded to his call, activating in perfect synchronization. From them emerged a devastating light, a pure and celestial energy that rose into the sky and began to descend toward Zero. The attack was charged with immense power, an energy that would completely destroy any spiritual or demonic being in a single impact.
The light reached Zero, enveloping him with its relentless power. A cry of pain and despair escaped his lips as his body and soul seemed on the verge of destruction. In a final act of helplessness, Zero called out to his lord for help.
Suddenly, a strong and clear female voice resonated in the air. The voice came from a distant figure, approaching at full speed. "Stella!"
In an instant, a golden bullet pierced the sky and crashed into the Elder's anti-magic barriers, disintegrating them instantly. The bullet continued, destroying the magical circles of the Disintegration ability and nullifying it completely.
The celestial light falling on Zero dissipated at once, as if its force had never existed.
The Elder, surprised and enraged, watched the attack being nullified and searched the air for the being who had dared to intervene in his execution. His face reflected unimaginable anger.
In those seconds, as the Elder, disconcerted and still searching for his attacker, failed to notice the imposing and beautiful figure now standing in front of Zero, surrounded by three formidable-looking demons.
When he finally noticed them, irritation became visible on his face, his expression furrowed with anger.
"Who are you, and why do you dare interrupt my execution?" he demanded sternly, his voice dripping with disdain. His scrutinizing gaze fixed on Kiyohime.
The female figure, with long green hair and golden eyes, looked at him with a calm yet challenging smile. Her sweet and melodious voice resonated with unexpected firmness as she stood tall and confident.
"I introduce myself. My name is Kiyohime, loyal subordinate of my lord, Sora-sama. For the pride of serving him, I assure you that today I will kill you."
The Elder fell silent for a moment, surprised by her confidence, and then laughed with a mocking sneer. "So you're another of that monster's creatures, naming spirits and giving them physical bodies?" His tone was laced with sarcasm as he glanced at the three demons. "And these… they don't seem like ordinary demons. They're greater demons, aren't they? Only someone reckless would give names to beings like them, knowing what they could become."
As he processed this, the Elder couldn't stop thinking about what it would mean to face archdemons or demonic dukes if they evolved after receiving their names.
But Kiyohime, without losing her composure, gave a firm order to the demons: "Attend to Zero." Her voice left no room for doubt.
Zero was kneeling, barely conscious, his body on the brink of destruction. His suit was torn and covered in burns, his skin showing deep, bleeding wounds from enduring the direct impact of Disintegration. Drops of blood fell from his body, and his hand trembled as he held his sword, now bathed in his own blood.
One of the demons quickly approached, placing a hand on Zero's shoulder and beginning to apply healing energy. Zero could barely stay on his feet, his breathing ragged as he tried to process what was happening.
The Elder watched, his expression of superiority slowly fading as he faced the unexpected threat posed by Kiyohime and her demons.
In a blink, Kiyohime disappeared from the Elder's sight, and before he could even react, a shocking blow to his back sent him crashing into a group of trees, breaking them like mere twigs. Stunned, he tried to recover, but he didn't have a second to react.
Kiyohime was already in front of him, her face stern and determined, her gaze cold and resolute. Before the Elder could even raise his sword, Kiyohime struck him with overwhelming speed. Her attacks didn't stop; each movement was swift and precise, a constant assault that left the Elder breathless and with no chance to defend himself.
Every blow resonated with force, and the Elder felt each impact breaking his defenses and weakening his body.
He tried to retreat, seeking a moment to catch his breath, but Kiyohime didn't give him a second of respite. Her speed was such that he could barely perceive her before the next strike landed.
Desperate, the Elder attempted a counterattack, launching a direct strike at her. But Kiyohime dodged effortlessly, and in that moment, her gaze turned cold and calculating. Her arm began to glow with draconic energy as a spectral figure of a dragon emerged from her fist, enveloping it in an aura of pure power.
The dragon's figure was imposing, with black scales and red eyes that glowed with intensity.
"Dragon Fist!" Kiyohime shouted, unleashing a destructive blow toward the Elder. The spectral dragon shot straight toward its target, piercing the Elder's defenses as if they were paper.
The impact was devastating: the dragon tore through his body, shattering any magical barriers and defenses that might have protected him. A sharp pain coursed through the Elder's body as he fell to his knees, his breathing ragged, aware that his defenses had been completely destroyed.
Without the strength to stand and with his body weakened, the Elder looked up, barely able to comprehend the overwhelming power before him. His face reflected surprise and defeat.
Kiyohime let out a cold laugh, openly mocking the Elder as she looked at him with disdain. Her face showed a mocking and amused smile. "Don't you think you're a bit too old to play the hero?" she said mockingly, her smile never fading. "It's a shame… I really expected more from someone who nearly wiped out Zero. But look at you now, barely able to stand."
The Elder clenched his teeth, trying to ignore her words. His face was tense and flushed with anger and frustration. With effort, he quickly stood up, lunging at her in a final attempt to attack. However, Kiyohime moved with ease, dodging his charge with inhuman speed and precision, making it clear that even his top speed wasn't enough to reach her.
"Did you really think you could touch me with that pathetic speed?" Kiyohime commented, her tone dripping with disdain. "Quick thinking? You have no idea how useless it is against someone like me." Kiyohime looked at him with an expression of amusement, continuing to humiliate him.
"Since this fight began, I've been using Universal Perception and Universal Thought," Kiyohime explained. "Every move you attempt is light-years away from even grazing me."
The Elder, stunned and increasingly exhausted, felt the weight of helplessness growing within him. His face reflected defeat and despair. He had faced countless enemies, but never someone who made him feel so small.
Kiyohime looked him up and down, her expression contemptuous and mocking. "I could kill you here and now," she said, slowly approaching as he struggled to stay on his feet. "But… where's the fun in that? I'd rather keep playing with you a little longer."
She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper that pierced him. "Oh, right, I forgot I already left you nearly crippled. And in case you're wondering… that earlier strike was just a fraction of my strength."
Every word from Kiyohime was like a direct blow to the Elder's pride, who, despite his injuries, fought to remain firm. But deep down, he knew he was facing a far superior force, one that was annihilating him not just physically, but mentally as well.
Amid the torture Kiyohime inflicted on the Elder, she began to grow bored. She no longer found any excitement in prolonging the fight with someone so pathetically weak. She was about to finish him when, suddenly, she noticed something unusual. The Elder, with the last of his strength, gripped his sword with both hands and whispered, "Lord of the Arts, Susano…"
At that moment, a devastating aura surrounded the Elder, enveloping him in a bright white light that seemed to defy the surrounding darkness.
Kiyohime felt her Universal Perception fail for the first time: this technique went beyond normal limits. Sofia, analyzing the scene, confirmed coldly:
"Alert: ultimate ability detected. Susano has the ability to ignore laws and concepts, establishing its own absolute reality."
The Elder's energy grew exponentially, unleashing a power that made the air seem to vibrate and distort. An invisible force field formed around him, emitting an energy that seemed capable of annihilating any defense. Kiyohime, though aware of the danger, barely had time to react before the attack was launched toward her, with a power capable of annihilating any defense.
Susano's ultimate strike was meant to kill her.
However, just at the last second, a tall, imposing figure in black armor with glowing red eyes appeared out of nowhere, stepping between Kiyohime and the lethal attack. With impeccable precision, the figure's sword blocked the Elder's attack, stopping Susano's power in its tracks. The energy collided, unleashing a shockwave that resonated like thunder, but the shield formed by the sword held firm without faltering.
"Ultimate ability analysis complete. Ultimate ability Susano acquired. Removing restrictions and optimizing capacity for full use."
The Elder was paralyzed, stunned by what he had just witnessed. Not only had they stopped his ultimate attack, but that same ability had been mastered and perfected in an instant.
With a firm and anger-filled voice, my stern and tense face reflecting the fury I felt, I said, "I am Sora, lord of Kiyohime and Zero. I have observed your murderous intentions toward my subordinates, especially Zero, who refused to fight from the start. That mistake cannot be forgiven; the consequence is death."
Kiyohime bowed before me, her expression showing a mix of respect and satisfaction, with a slight smile on her lips. "Thank you for saving me, my lord. But there's no need for you to dirty your hands with someone so insignificant."
Her words made me reflect. It was true that Kiyohime had dominated this Elder effortlessly, but I couldn't ignore that he had brought Zero to the brink of death. Despite everything, his insolence and the risk he posed justified my intervention.
Without paying much attention to her protests, I responded, "Kiyohime, take care of healing Zero and wait over there."
My golden aura began to emanate from my body, enveloping me in an intense and threatening energy as I approached the Elder.
As I drew near, I looked at him with relentless coldness, my eyes locked on his. "Do you have a name, Elder?" I asked with disdain. "I want to know the name of the man I'm about to kill for daring to touch my precious subordinates."
The Elder, still shocked and barely standing, replied in a trembling voice, "My name is Alexander von Schwarzenberg. I am the First Hero of Humanity… and the former prince of German royalty."
His face reflected a mix of pride and desperation. With those few words, I knew this Elder was either a reincarnated individual or had been summoned to this world.
"Hero Alexander," I said in a challenging tone, my eyes locked on his. "Show me your true power, and let us fight to the death. Kiyohime, Zero… you, my three demons, will witness how strong I am. And you will see how the first hero of humanity falls today."
Hearing this, Alexander released all the restrictions that had contained his strength. His aged appearance transformed slightly, rejuvenating his body as a golden and devastating energy began to emanate. His aura was imposing, almost crushing. Kiyohime and Zero watched with interest.
At that moment, Sofia announced, "Analysis of the Sky Destroyer Sword complete… Sword successfully copied. Initiating evolution… Law Destroyer Sword, successfully created."
Before me appeared a colossal sword, radiant with celestial light fused with deep shadows, distorting the space around it. The mere presence of this sword inspired a fear that surpassed the divine. Its elegant and deadly appearance seemed designed to command respect and horror in equal measure.
Alexander took a step back, his face pale and filled with disbelief. "What… what is that?" he asked in a trembling voice. Kiyohime and Zero exchanged a glance, their expressions reflecting admiration.
As I gripped the sword, I felt its power flowing into me, and with a single slash, I nullified the hero's transformation. It was as if all the power he had unleashed dissolved before the absolute edge of the sword.
"Wow," I said, impressed. "This sword doesn't just destroy laws—it transcends them."
Sofia then added an explanation of its abilities.