Published: January 22, 2026
The jet-black arrow flew straight into the swarm of demonic beasts, and magic power spread out as if exploding above them.
By generating a gravitational field at its center, the dispersed magic power transformed into a massive sphere that engulfed everything around it.
What was swallowed was then obliterated by the destructive flood of magic power and gravity.
After the jet-black sphere lingered for a while and then vanished, the swarm of demonic beasts consumed within it was literally annihilated.
“What an attack…”
“Amazing…!”
Ms. Loretta and Ms. Lucy, witnessing the annihilation of the demonic beasts by Li Tian, murmured in amazement.
(Should I have aimed a bit higher?)
Li Tian is the strongest attack I can unleash.
Its impact on the surroundings is tremendous.
By setting the origin point in the sky, it didn’t gouge out the ground like when I used it previously in the Reglyph Territory, but still, trees and other things were swallowed, causing some destruction of nature.
Since I chose certainty, I was prepared to accept any criticism from Ms. Lucy due to this, but it seems she has no intention of blaming me.
“…[Zero Form (Mont Null)]”
I transformed the magical bow in my right hand into shapeless, fluidic magic power, manipulated it into a long, scarf-like shape, and wrapped it around my neck.
The first wave was wiped out by Li Tian, but this isn’t the end.
The second wave should be making contact soon.
I had used up all my stored concentrated mana with [Demonic Sword Unification (Alteration)] and Li Tian.
It would take time to prepare new concentrated mana, so I couldn’t release [Demonic Sword Unification (Alteration)]. Thinking Ms. Lucy would feel uneasy if I kept the weapon in its usual form, I took this makeshift shape.
Well, it’s winter, so it’s not too out of place, I guess?
“For now, the immediate threat is gone. Ms. Lucy seems to have a technique to sense demonic beasts, so I assume she’s aware, but the second wave is coming soon. Please don’t let your guard down.”
Ms. Lucy had been dazed for a while but snapped back to reality at my words.
“Y-Yes, I understand. Um… Excuse me, but would it be possible to use that attack again against the second wave…?”
Well, I figured she’d ask.
“I’m sorry. Releasing that attack again requires a considerable amount of time, so I can’t spam it.”
That’s not a lie, but it’s not exactly the whole truth either.
The concentrated mana I use is a special kind created by my supernatural ability.
So if necessary, I can prepare it instantly.
However, it involves considerable risk, so I prefer not to take that route if I can avoid it.
By taking time, combined with the storage magical tool my grandfather improved for me, I can prepare concentrated mana without risk.
Since it’s highly likely a cult is behind this flood, I want to keep reserves until I grasp the full picture.
Besides, the Jade Gale will arrive before the second wave, so I’ll rely on them for that.
“Y-Yeah, that’s right. But oddly, that makes me feel more reassured.”
Ms. Lucy’s fear eased somewhat with my response.
Given her position, that’s only natural.
“Ms. Loretta, I was thinking to leave the second wave mainly to the Jade Gale, but what do you think? The Silver Rabbits of the Night Sky analyzed that you all aren’t good at handling large numbers of demonic beasts.”
Ms. Loretta gave a wry smile at my question.
“As expected. It’s true that we struggle against many enemies at once. But that applies to us as explorers. Currently, my comrades are equipped with magical weapons, so we should be able to handle a group of demonic beasts of that scale without any problems.”
I see, so that’s how it is.
Perhaps her fixation on being a ‘hero’ was influenced by Mr. Warren.
“Understood. Then I’ll leave the handling of the second wave to you. Jade Gale, fight as usual. I’ll move around tactically in coordination with your actions.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. We don’t have time to confirm coordination, and to be honest, I’m not bad at adjusting to others during combat.”