[ ◎ Minor Healing Potion x2 ]

Type: Consumable

Price: 1,000pts

Description: Can recover from minor injuries.

Remaining Points: 0pts

[ !Warning! ]

[ Purifier Boss Battle in progress. Due to the influence of demonic energy, recovery has weakened. ]

For a Minor Healing Potion, it was filthy expensive.

Although potions were rare in Sera, it was still hella expensive. Moreover, its effect was even weakened because of the boss battle.

And despite having spent all my points, the pain from my twisted joints was only slightly alleviated.

However, this was a desperate situation.

“…”

Gritting my teeth, I dodged the attack flying toward me.

Each Chapter Boss in the world of Sera had a unique skill.

They basically had an extra sword that one couldn’t find in normal opponents.

And that was why Marquis Riverback was called the Purifier rather than Grunt A.

-!

As the demonic energy emitted by Marquis Riverback was about to hit Eleanor, a shield appeared before her and bounced the attack off with a loud bang.

It was the same shield that had previously protected Eleanor in the train accident.

〚Fool, you can't stop me!〛

However, despite being able to fend off a huge boulder with ease, the shield was completely shattered as Marquis Riverback’s attack swung back like a boomerang.

Yes, this was his skill.

He was able to dissolve some of the power of an opponent’s attack or defense.

It was as if he was purifying them.

“…Ah, damn it.”

This was really too much.

A shield of that caliber couldn’t just be broken like glass. Alas, Marquis Riverback's power soared, exponentially after the demonic transformation.

System Message

[ A moment of danger has been detected.][ Determined the situation as life-threatening. ][ Skill: Desperation raised to EX-Grade. ]

[ !Warning! ]

[ Confirmed existence of opponent's unique skill Purification. ]

[ Skill: Desperation downgraded to C-Grade. ]

And to rub salt in my wounds, this happened.

The disparity between EX Grade and C Grade was roughly the same as a person who could K.O. the future Hero with one punch and a normal person who worked out regularly.

It was a heaven and earth difference!

Gritting through the pain and screaming inwardly, I forcefully rolled to the side, which was no different than torture for a seriously injured body like mine.

System Log

[ Attribute: Breathing Technique - Duckweed proficiency has increased! ]

The only reason why I was barely able to hold on was because of the attribute I received from Eleanor not too long ago. If it weren't for this, I wouldn't even think of moving my body right now.

Immediately after, a black beam passed through where I was just standing, leaving my hair standing on its end in fright.

Although it was a light attack, it left a huge crater as if a missile had exploded there.

This was like that guy’s basic attack.

‘The difficulty is no joke…!’

Even as I was thinking that I was giving precise instructions to Eleanor.

“Eleanor, to the left!”

Using the gap created while he was attacking me, Eleanor charged forward with her sword.

The tip of her sword was sharp. Even for Iliya, who was called a heavenly talent, the strike was akin to smashing into a wall.

However, despite being perfectly executed and timed...

〚Ha!〛

It got blocked as if it was nothing.

With just a slight release of demonic energy, Eleanor rebounded from the shock wave and rolled over to my side.

Things weren't looking good for us.

Even the future final boss was being pushed back here.

She was covered in dust and dirt, and her one-piece dress was torn and soaked in blood from the injuries all over her body.

It was an unimaginable image for someone who always appeared perfect and neat in the original story.

Looking at the clock, it had only been a minute since the battle began.

With just that much, we were practically on the brink of losing everything.

Meanwhile, Marquis Riverback was only gradually driving us back without showing any real signs of struggle.

‘I have that strategy in mind.’

I thought so with a dizzy head, as Eleanor grabbed me and dodged another incoming attack.

The timing was on point. The methodology was also correct. The chance to attack Marquis Riverback was created based on the timing and path that I remembered.

However.

While everything else might be perfect, but we lacked the capability to carry it out.

A demon’s body was a monstrosity that could break rocks and fly through the air. Even the monsters whose intellect had degenerated and were solely focused on physical abilities couldn’t hold a candle to their physique.

And even if they were wounded, they could just quickly recover everything with the demonic energy supplied from the essence.

“…”

This was not good. In fact, this situation was as bad as it could be.

In this battle, Eleanor and I needed to work together. Eleanor didn’t know how to fight him and couldn’t just rush forward because of his Purification.

I was the only one who knew all of his attack patterns. Without my instructions, it was difficult to even attempt to attack him.

〚Fight me, you worms! Stop this game of hide and seek!〛

Marquis Riverback shouted as he flew towards us. This would continue for a while.

‘The important thing right now is to lure this guy away from the barrier.’

If the barrier got damaged during the fight, it would be a big problem for us.

If I were Marquis Riverback, I would have prioritized breaking the barrier regardless of any interference. But he was a vain and conceited person.

It meant that for now, he would prioritize revenge against me and Eleanor first, who had cornered him not so long ago.

Moreover, his rational judgment had become increasingly blurred due to the influence of demonic energy.

He was also throwing a fit and using crude words, rather than his usual dignified formal language.

This became even more evident once you considered his style of faking formality till death.

But what did this all mean?

It meant that it was the perfect time to set up a trap.

“...We have to bring him to the Academy.”

I whispered to Eleanor, who was carrying me like a burden.

Due to the Full Moon Festival and the emergency that occurred in the city, the outskirts of Elfante were most likely deserted right now.

The Deans and the Headmistress were probably all focused on the city, so we couldn’t really expect any support from them. However, this also meant that we were free to do things without worrying about collateral damage.

This was my aim.

With that thought in mind, I continued to repeat the routine I had done so far.

Get hurt a little, buy time, and lure him away.

It was just a matter of giving him enough to relish and not lose his attention.

Despite severely lacking in many aspects, I was enduring it somehow.

I was doing the same this time too.

I avoided the attacks he threw at me, and instructed Eleanor to launch a counterattack, followed by dodging to minimize the damage caused by his retaliation as much as possible—

〚…By the way.〛

He suddenly said in the middle of the battle.

At this moment, I could feel chills running through my spine. There was something amiss.

For starters, he was speaking in a voice that maintained reason, unlike his rage-filled voice from earlier.

This guy.

Was he just pretending to be lured by us all along?

〚Do I look like a fool to you? Did you seriously think that I wouldn't notice you trying to lure me away? 〛

As he said that, Marquis Riverback’s chest suddenly trembled and the darkness inside him stirred.

It was as though the demonic energy he had been lashing out at us until now was just the leftovers of the bigger one he had been collecting within.

And by the sight of it, a sense of crisis, stronger than anything else in my life, constricted my body.

Just like how I hid my intentions from this guy, he also hid something and responded back!

〚You're the kind of person who'll ruin everything if left alone.〛

Then from his chest, Marquis Riverback's heart, a murky darkness started to spread out.

Despite it being the evening, it was clearly visible as if it was repelling every wave and particle of light in its path.

〚Surely, you'd be done in by this.〛

Subsequently…

The soaring dark curtain descended upon me.

[ Soul Linker Activated. ]

[ Magic Power Received. ]

[ Skill: Penance has been activated. ]

[ Skill: Guardian Shield has been activated. ]

That was the last thing I remembered.

The first thing I felt when I regained consciousness was excruciating pain; as if my whole body was being torn apart.

“…!”

I opened my mouth, but not a word came out.

It felt like my brain was wired into a power supply and was pumped directly with electricity. My body was convulsing uncontrollably as a result.

“…K-kuluk…!”

After coughing out coagulated blood, I took a look at the current state of my body.

My left arm was utterly destroyed.

Both my lower and upper body had been completely smashed, torn, and broken to bits. Not a single part of my body was saved from being wedged with pieces of nasty-looking stone, glass fragments, and tree branches.

My whole body was in tatters.

How I was even alive right now was a valid question at this point.

It was a miracle with the kind of injuries I had sustained.

“…”

Regardless, I tried to force myself up.

“…Ah, ack…!”

My vision was stained red.

And my body was trembling all over.

From deep within my nerves, I felt a spark of new sensation that I had never experienced before in my life.

“…”

Alas, I fell right back to the ground as I gasped for air.

I was wholly immobile.

“…Fuck.”

Cursing, I supported myself with my healthy right arm and reached out for Divine's Ultima, which was on the edge of my vision.

If I hadn't been able to create a shield at the very last moment, I would have died.

Demonic energy was particularly vulnerable to divinity. And it was because of this advantage that the power of the attack was reduced.

“…Are you kidding me, really.”

In the meantime, I could hear a round of laughter.

I could see the Academy building not too far away.

Just from that attack, I had flown over hundreds of meters from where Eleanor and I were fighting against Marquis Riverback.

I was seriously relieved that I didn’t die in one shot.

〚Did you survive that?〛

However, hearing those words made me reconsider whether I was really lucky.

Barely able to turn my body, I saw Marquis Riverback walking toward me from a short distance away.

Even with that demonic energy-filled body, covering most of his features, I could clearly see that mocking smirk on his face.

〚You're much more tenacious than I thought. The Prophet would be pleased.〛

After saying that, he reached out to my face.

〚Looks like you’ve exhausted all your cards.〛

Then, demonic energy started to gather on his palm.

〚To be honest, you were a great opponent. If you meet a friend in hell, you can confidently brag about it.〛

“…”

There was no way out.

The downgraded Desperation wouldn't be able to withstand his blow. Not even an upgrade to EX class right now would change anything. I couldn’t even move my body at this point.

But there was still one thing left.

-!

-!!!

A sword suddenly cut through the air and slashed Marquis Riverback’s neck.

It was a terrifying blow that could cut down even steel, but it only slightly penetrated his skin before getting repelled.

The wound also healed instantly as if it was never there.

However, thanks to this, the impending attack on me was canceled.

〚…You're really quite the persistent pair. You'll make a good couple.〛

Eleanor retrieved her sword and quickly approached me as he grumbled.

“It's okay…”

Eleanor was about to say something but stopped. She only looked at me and kept her mouth shut.

Her expression relaid her sorrow.

“…It might look bad, but this is normal.”

I smiled and tried to change the subject.

Though not as severe as mine, Eleanor also had injuries all over her body.

She had broken ribs and arm, and terrible lacerations on her legs. She had torn her dress to use as a bandage in order to forcefully move.

She looked like she could barely stand and it was a burden being upright, let alone fight.

The only reason she was able to move was because of her superhuman mental strength, nothing more, nothing less.

But why was she worried about me?

In her current state, how could she worry about other people?

“…”

After looking at me without saying a word, she took off the necklace she had been wearing and threw it at me.

As I caught it with my right arm, a new window popped up in front of me.

[ The Necklace of Vitality has been equipped. ] [ Endurance has been slightly increased. ]

“It will help you keep your body together. It'll allow you to move.”

“…Yes?”

“Didn’t you say that we had to bring him to the Academy? Marquis Riverback also keeps saying that he would use me in his plan. I don't think he'll kill me right away.”

“…”

“Move to the target location first. It's not too far away, I will buy you some time.”

“…Eleanor.”

“I trust you until the end.”

At a loss for words, I could only stare at Eleanor, who simply smiled back.

It was the same shy smile when we held hands at the start of the Full Moon Festival.

“…Isn’t it just right to give back what you have received?”

“…”

I had never done anything to deserve such gratitude from this person.

I was just struggling to get through the situation.

But this person…

〚Is the strategy meeting over?〛

Marquis Riverback said with folded arms, still smirking at us.

His attitude was that of, 'Do whatever you want, I've already won anyway.'

It was a self-centered and vain attitude, but it wasn't the wrong move this time, as Eleanor and I were already as good as incapacitated.

However, Eleanor cared for none of that and confronted Marquis Riverback without fear.

“Let me ask you one thing, Marquis Riverback.”

〚What is it?〛

“How much do we look like as a couple?”

〚...Yes?〛

“This is an important question, so answer it honestly.”

Marquis Riverback looked at Eleanor speechlessly, then he burst into laughter.

〚You're a match made in heaven. If you somehow survive here, why don't you start a family?〛

“It's a good answer. I can spare you a little mercy.”

Eleanor smiled and raised her sword, while demonic energy also surged from Marquis Riverback.

“Dowd, go!”

I didn't have a say here.

I would just be a burden if I continued to stay here.

I finally turned away from Eleanor and walked toward the Academy building.

“…Huk, heok…”

I was already in a state of exhaustion, then adding the unimaginable injuries made even breathing itself harder.

Every step I took felt like I was being stabbed by a hot iron rod. My body writhed with pain, and my vision was flickering all the time. However, despite my body giving up and collapsing to the ground, I gritted my teeth and pushed forward.

Because I knew that someone was enduring more pain than I was right now.

At this point, I was crawling but persisted in moving forward. Oh how I badly wanted to rest, even for a little bit, but I felt like once I did that, I would never be able to get back up.

After a few minutes of crawling, I saw it.

The outer wall of the Academy.

“…”

I was finally here.

Propping myself up using the wall, I struggled my way to the gates.

Due to the chaos that had ensued in the city, there was not a single guard in sight. So I had no help to even count on.

-!!

A person suddenly crashed on the wall beside me.

“…”

It was Eleanor.

The level of injuries she had sustained now couldn't even be limited to the saying that she looked wrecked.

If it wasn’t for the tattered dress, I wouldn’t even be able to recognize her in such a ghastly state.

〚She was really like a pest, annoying. I already broke all her limbs, but she would still crawl and grab my legs. It’s terrible, really.〛

“…”

〚So, what are your plans now? Do you have anything more hidden up your sleeve?〛

Unable to control my body anymore, I limply knelt in front of Marquis Riverback.

I could still see that laughing smirk on his face.

Then I turned my gaze toward Eleanor.

She had faint shallow breaths, but she still met my eyes with difficulty.

She was giving me an apologetic gaze.

‘…No.’

'You did a good job.'

Otherwise, I couldn't have come this far.

〚Anything else?〛

“…”

〚This is boring.〛

Having said that, Marquis Riverback reached out.

Demonic energy started gathering.

“…!”

Eleanor, who was stuck on the wall, tried wriggling her body to move. Alas, it was all futile. Her current state made her already reach her limit through the act of breathing alone.

-!

A black beam pierced through my chest.

It was certain death.

A shallow scream escaped from Eleanor’s mouth.

〚I was expecting something special after coming all the way here… turns out it's just nothing.〛

I heard these words as my vision gradually turned black.

“…”

A smile curved on my lips.

There was nothing to hide, you fucking bastard.

“…Hey.”

Amidst my crumpling body, I glared at him with all my might.

“I won.”

The moment this guy had stepped inside the Academy...

My plan began.

〚...Yes?〛

I could hear Marquis Riverback's confused voice distantly.

Through my flickering vision, I could see something condensing inside Eleanor’s body as she screamed.

And…

System Log

[ Skill: Fatal Charm has been activated! ]

Just as my consciousness was about to get cut off, I saw a window pop up.

'Yeah, nice to meet you.'

Honestly, I didn't want to meet you, but given the circumstances, I had no other choice.

[ The target ̶̘͛͑̊̇̆́̃͋̏̆͘͝͠C̵̡̹̖̙̭͖̈́̓̐̈́͐¾̸̧̥̬͈͇̹̘͕̠̮̩̙̎ð̸̞͖̋¾̶͕̻́̊̇î̸̙̪͎̥͎͍̲͔̔̈́̀̃͗́̚̚͠͠͝͠ ̷̨̨̣̭̭͓̱̼͚̮̼̭̟̱̾̄͑̈́̋͝¼̸̢̛̞̟͓̗̙͗͊̆̓̈͘͜͠Ǫ̵̛̠̟̲͔̟̀̔̍͛̈́°̶̨̙̠͆͋̔͛̒̀̾̆̉̏̕³̶̟̝̙͔̥̖̯̠̒̈̋̃̇̾̃̽̆̅͊͆̋̋feels ¡̛̰̖̲͉̜̿͑̈̍̕̚͟͝Ą̷̦̘͉̹͓̝́̾͂͂̂͂̅͡͝ø̵̧̡̜̲̗̳̟̀̒̽̊͆̃͒̎̚͟͟ͅ Ç̳͈̟̯̻̾̿̔͆̃̋́͌͘̕Ḁ̷͉̞͎̯̥̫̳̻́͆͊̉̀̾͘͞·̴̢̥̱̝̘̟͎͊͐͌̿̎̋̕͜͟͝͞Î̶̻̙͓͓͎̫͛́͌̀̆͊͒͆̚±̦͖̺̗͎͍̰͊̏͒̉̍̉̚͟͠×̵̢̯̥̟͖̞̔̈́̃̚͘͞·̶̛͈̪͚̹̺͖͉̪̇̎̃̏̃̎̚͡ͅ¡̴̹͉̤̭̥̒̇̎̅͘͝ͅ¹̖̯̰̰̦̝͐͆̿̌̃͂͟͠Ö̵̩̭͇̹̭̤͌͆̔̀̆̚ ¾̨̻̩̩̰͖͇̈́̊͐̃͝ͅto you!]

With that message.

The world took on shades of grey.