Slime Dragon unleashed its power without restraint, determined to bring down Sevnir Fortress. After acquiring the immortal Magic Sword Zaile Berza, its magical energy had significantly increased. The circulation and concentration speed of its mana had improved, allowing it to release its breath attacks more rapidly.
“Kukuku… Krhhahaha!” Slime Dragon laughed maniacally as it watched Sevnir Fortress turn to ashes. The fortress would no longer protect the humans. Though it could destroy more fortresses, it saw no point in wasting its strength. Killing all humans and destroying everything in sight would suffice.
‘The humans wielding Magic Swords are still alive.’
Slime Dragon slowly moved forward, searching for any presence. If there were humans with Magic Swords, they would have either blocked the attacks or launched a counterattack. Yet, the humans were swiftly wiped out, and no formidable opponents were in sight.
‘Killing those humans will secure my victory.’
Humans with Magic Swords had eradicated Abyssal King, Ocean King, and Shadow Dragon. Even the Demon God had succumbed and handed over Zaile Berza to Slime Dragon. While they couldn’t be underestimated, Slime Dragon felt invincible against any foe now.
‘Why haven’t they come out yet?’
Slime Dragon frequently unleashed its breath as it advanced. The screams of humans gradually subsided, and there was nothing left to destroy. The humans with Magic Swords should have appeared by now, but there was no sign of them.
‘If they won't come out, I'll rampage until they do!’
Slime Dragon intended to move deeper until it eventually encountered them. It planned to kill more humans and destroy everything in its path. The end result would be the same, whether it happened sooner or later.
‘I will kill them all and reach the end of this world.’
The end of the world was unknown, but Slime Dragon believed there were no beings stronger than itself. If anything tried to interfere, it would crush them mercilessly. If it reached a new world, it would destroy it and move towards the next end.
‘I will ascend to a higher realm and surpass even dragons.’
Slime Dragon yearned to reach the ultimate pinnacle, to transcend the concepts of living beings and species. Destroying the continent of Karonbelaz alone wouldn’t have satisfied it. Consuming other calamities was essential to reach the highest realm.
‘Demon God will soon die. Next is this continent, and finally, this world!’
The apocalypse was the end of this world. What remained at the end was unknown, but it was connected to the ultimate pinnacle. Though it might lead to its own destruction, it had to face it to achieve the ultimate goal.
‘I will stand at the end of this world. If I cannot have it, I will destroy it all!’
### Duke Adelaira’s Mansion, First Floor Hall
Zion was clad in armor, inspecting personnel and supplies. Predicting the enemy’s attacks had become nearly impossible, so they had to react defensively. Hence, he had called upon the family’s forces after receiving the report.
‘How much stronger has it gotten?’
The message from the royal palace indicated that Sevnir Fortress was under attack by a beast with a red hue. It was a massive creature, not resembling the Three Demon Kings or the Four Calamities. The fortress wouldn’t hold for long, and they had even requested reinforcements from the capital.
‘It must have absorbed Chimera Dragon and Bone Dragon.’
None of the Four Calamities were red, but Slime Dragon was the likely suspect. If Bone Dragon had won, it wouldn’t have invaded Alain Kingdom. It had probably undergone physical changes by consuming other calamities, becoming stronger and unleashing its mana without hesitation.
‘It’s likely using an artificial Magic Sword.’
Slime Dragon would have sought to regain its power as a complete dragon. With Shadow Dragon gone, it couldn’t achieve that goal. If it still craved power, it might be using an artificial Magic Sword to fill Shadow Dragon’s void.
‘How long can they hold out?’
With the combined power of the Four Calamities, its destructive force would be overwhelming. Reinforcements might arrive too late, leading to total annihilation.
‘The Violet Archer alone can’t stop it.’
The Silver Thief was conducting reconnaissance and intelligence missions beyond the frontlines. Though they likely detected Slime Dragon’s approach, it must have taken time to send word. Even with two Setinos Quasar joining forces, they couldn’t defeat Slime Dragon.
‘Can all the Magic Sword users gather?’
He and Hanette, along with Oz, Enrite, and Seran, needed to head to Sevnir Fortress immediately. However, the queen and the third princess might refuse to leave the capital. The third princess, being part of the Lychness Knights, would follow orders, but the queen’s actions were uncertain.
‘For the plan to work, all Magic Sword users must be present.’
Creating salvation and eradicating evil. Though the exact time and place weren’t specified, this situation seemed to fit the criteria. If even one of the seven were missing, the plan would fail.
‘But… I have myself and the White Apostle.’
Either he or Enrite could wield both El Tesoykve and Exceed Rain. This act, embodying both light and darkness, would destroy the evil.
‘Having Setinos Quasar would be helpful.’
Considering the threat of Slime Dragon, the Violet Archer, Silver Thief, and Blue Sage might join the battle. If the situation worsened, the queen might personally intervene, bringing the total number of Setinos Quasar to the fight.
‘With that many, we might win…’
“Zion! A messenger from the royal palace has arrived!”
A knight guarding the mansion entered with a messenger. The messenger handed a letter to Zion before swiftly departing. Time was critical, so the messenger needed to move on to the next recipient quickly.
‘Is there another issue?’
Zion opened the letter with haste, its contents making his eyes widen in shock.
- 17th Queen, Brandish Setve Enderoden, sends word to Setinos Quasar.
Sevnir Fortress has fallen, and the beast has breached the eastern region. The lord has perished, and a few surviving troops have reached the supply base.
I issue a royal command.
All Setinos Quasar and their forces are to gather at the Eldran Supply Base to eliminate the beast.
‘The fortress has already fallen?’
Sevnir Fortress was located between Arleard Castle and the southernmost frontline. It connected the two fortresses, with significant forces stationed there due to frequent beast invasions. Despite its size, it had fallen in less than two days.
‘That’s why they’re calling all Setinos Quasar.’
Zion folded the letter, gripped by unease. Slime Dragon was proving to be far more formidable than anticipated. At this rate, it would soon reach the capital after devastating the eastern region.
‘Is this the moment? Is it happening now?’
Zion’s thoughts raced as he stared at the letter. The Three Demon Kings were believed to be completely eradicated, and the Demon God was likely relying on the last artificial Magic Sword. Though Shadow Dragon had been dealt with, Slime Dragon was now flaunting its power.
‘Could Slime Dragon be the final foe?’
Defeating Slime Dragon might also mean destroying the artificial Magic Sword. Given the Demon God’s predicament, Slime Dragon probably possessed the artificial Magic Sword. By swiftly destroying it, the Demon God’s influence would be nullified.
‘We must end this now.’
Zion felt a surge of determination. Even if the Three Demon Kings and Four Calamities were eradicated, other beasts would remain. However, they wouldn’t threaten Alain Kingdom, ensuring a semblance of peace.
‘With Hanette…’
“Zion, what does the letter say?”
Hanette had come down in her armor, ready for battle. Zion looked around before approaching her, whispering urgently.
“Sevnir Fortress has fallen. It’s coming.”
“What? This is serious.”
“A mobilization order has been issued. All Setinos Quasar are to gather.”
“Does that include the queen?”
“Not sure… we’ll have to see.”
The queen, despite being a Setinos Quasar, had heavy responsibilities and couldn’t move freely. However, if she decided to join, the officials wouldn’t be able to stop her. The queen had fought Ocean King directly and proven her might as a Setinos Quasar.
‘The queen knows the plan… she might decide to come.’
Royal Palace, Second Floor Corridor
Yuter, fully armored, was heading to the queen’s office. Barhen walked beside him, contemplating the upcoming battle. Though they intended to join Zion, the queen had summoned them, delaying their departure.
‘Why is she calling now? We don’t have time for this.’
The situation was dire. Sevnir Fortress was said to be in ruins, with only debris remaining. The beast had breached the eastern region, spreading chaos. Immediate action was necessary to prevent the threat from reaching the capital.
‘Is she going to stop us from going?’
Yuter halted before the office, meeting Gloné’s anxious gaze. Confused, Yuter entered the office as soon as the doors opened.
“Greetings, Your Majesty…”
Yuter instinctively bowed, then looked at Brandish. The queen, clad in armor, gazed out the window. Barhen, realizing the implication, wore a tense expression.
“Are you prepared?” Brandish asked, turning around.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Were you planning to join the Black Knight?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to move together than separately?”
Brandish stepped forward. The beast attacking this time was no ordinary creature. Given its swift conquest of Sevnir Fortress, it was likely on par with the Three Demon Kings or the Four Calamities. The Black Knight might know its identity.
‘Eventually, it must be slain. All Magic Swords must gather… I should join them.’