Invincible
patreon
#167
🕑 Added 2024-12-21 05:50:14 +0000 UTCThe Blue Marlin (2)
The blue marlin’s long and massive body exuded an overwhelming aura of dominance. It was true that tension was rising, but this was precisely the moment when provocation was needed more than ever.
“You’re not going to dodge, are you?” I taunted, pointing with my pinky finger. The giant marlin twisted its elongated body in midair as if swimming through the void.
“I’ll pierce straight through your chest!” Its body swelled and then shot toward me at an angle like a bullet.
‘How foolish. Revealing its own attack point out loud,’ I thought, recalling Donatan's words. If my target is clearly pointed out, it makes my job that much easier.
I grinned and responded, ‘Indeed. So arrogant.’
In an instant, a shadow loomed over me, and the glowing point grew in size. The creature barreled through my barrier with impressive speed, its pointed horn aimed right at me.
Tap!
Originally, I only intended to break its horn. But something unexpected happened. As soon as its horn touched the pad of my pinky, it shattered, and its entire body started piercing through me under the weight of its momentum.
Crack, crack, crack!
It felt as if bullets were tearing through my flesh. I remained still, but I could feel its nose, the splattering blood and bones, and even the squishy brain tissue slide through me. The unpleasant sensation made me scowl.
“Ugh…” I muttered in disgust.
***
The blue marlin’s horn shattered, and it finally slammed its head into the ground. Its enormous weight caused the hard earth to tremble, sending a thick cloud of dust into the air.
Boom!
As the dust settled, those watching from afar opened their eyes wide in disbelief. The marlin’s head had burst open, and blood and brain matter were oozing across the ground. Its long body wriggled briefly, like a crushed worm, surprising the onlookers, but soon its tail fell limp.
“Is… is it dead?” Erucel’s voice trembled in disbelief.
Mircel, watching from a distance, shouted, “What are you standing around for? The big guy got impaled!”
Such a massive creature had fallen, striking the ground with all its weight—a force no living thing could survive. Mircel rushed forward to check on Hersel’s condition.
Just then, with a slicing sound, the marlin’s skin split open in a line.
“Ugh, that smell,” a voice grumbled irritably from the gap. The deep, familiar voice stopped Mircel in his tracks, making him flinch.
“Huh?”
Surprised only for a moment, Hersel emerged, stepping out through the marlin’s skin with sticky, heavy steps. He brushed off the blood clinging to his clothes and spoke.
“Don’t come any closer, Mircel. Unless you want this smell sticking to you.”
There were no apparent injuries on him. Erucel was shocked by Hersel's calm demeanor.
“B-Brother, are you sure nothing’s broken?” he asked.
Hersel flexed his pinky finger a couple of times and replied curtly, “Not really.” Then he turned back to gaze at the blue marlin’s corpse.
The intermediate spirits that had gathered near the marlin’s mouth before it charged began to emerge one by one. Though a few spots looked worse for wear, with crushed heads or battered bodies, the spirits gradually healed and took on an aggressive stance. They seemed to have survived solely due to the impact of the fall, not from any mana or aura-inflicted damage.
“I’m going to take a shower. You all can handle this mess,” Hersel said, walking toward the fortress.
Mircel drew his sword, but he found it hard to look away from Hersel’s retreating back. The others were equally captivated.
“D-Did he really kill it with just his pinky finger?”
“No, it must’ve been the impact of its head slamming into the ground. It was huge and crashed down at that speed.”
Mircel shook his head in disbelief.
“Died just from that? Ridiculous.”
The marlin had surrounded itself with a dense and powerful energy, enough to break through the barrier. If it had died from the fall alone, it would’ve been due to sheer stupidity.
More importantly, Mircel was certain of what he’d seen in that brief instant.
‘The strength surrounding that creature… it seemed nearly indestructible, and yet, its horn broke from just a pinky finger...’
The marlin’s horn shattered when it couldn’t withstand the force it threw at Hersel’s pinky, penetrating through to its brain. It died instantly, unable to channel its defensive power to the utmost and slammed its head into the ground, which exploded upon impact.
Erucel seemed to have grasped the truth too, swallowing hard with a look of pure shock.
“Ugh… That man… I wouldn’t be surprised if he kills someone with a single strand of hair soon.”
“You should be thankful, Erucel. Every time he hit you, he probably controlled his strength with great precision.”
“Do I… have to be thankful for that?” Erucel stammered, incredulous.
Mircel turned away from the dumbfounded Erucel. “Just think of it positively… though…” he trailed off as someone caught his attention.
Dorosian stood silently, her gaze fixed on Hersel’s back. Her eyes, filled with admiration, formed a delicate arc. The sight filled Mircel with an eerie sense of foreboding.
‘What’s that?’
Her expression shifted in a way that seemed like a smile, as if silently claiming, "That’s still not enough."
He had no time to dwell on it. Someone’s shout turned his head.
“They’ve recovered!”
“Everyone, take your positions!”
The intermediate spirits, now fully recovered, began charging en masse. Erucel grumbled as he led the charge.
“Ugh, I’m so sick of this. Let’s wipe them out quickly and get some rest.”
“…Yeah, right.” Mircel pushed aside his unease and gripped his sword tightly. The spirits inside the barrier were swiftly dealt with.
***
In the faculty office, papers fluttered. As the professors filed out and disappeared, Rockefeller let out a deep sigh in front of the situation board.
‘Finally, we have a moment to breathe.’
They had been battling a large number of high-level spirits that breached the barrier, and everyone fought relentlessly without rest until they were on the verge of exhaustion. Though the successful defense brought a much-needed reprieve, there was still no room for complete relaxation.
Many were injured, and twelve professors had died. Although the barrier had severed the enemies’ access, allowing time for treatment and weapon maintenance, it also meant they were isolated.
‘How long can we hold out…?’ Rockefeller pondered. With limited food supplies, a prolonged standoff would surely lead to starvation. The barrier was so robust that they couldn’t even send a request for support to the Empire. And even if they managed, it would take too long for reinforcements to arrive.
“This is a headache,” Rockefeller muttered, sinking into his chair as he recalled the remote location of Frostheart. Worst-case scenarios kept running through his mind.
‘There’s no guarantee the barrier will hold. Higher-level spirits capable of breaking it could reappear. Maybe even more powerful ones like that giant fish…’
They maintained a 24-hour guard rotation, but an emergency could arise at any moment. As Rockefeller scanned beyond the barrier through the crystal orb, footsteps approached. Arkandric entered, scratching at the bandages wrapped around his chest.
“You should get some rest, even if only for a bit,” Rockefeller suggested.
“You should be the one to focus on resting,” Arkandric replied, smiling as he glanced at his bandages.
“I’ve fully recovered, had plenty of sleep too. I’m just here for a bit of fresh air.”
Rockefeller fell silent at Arkandric’s words. Arkandric chuckled lightly and pulled a chair over to sit.
“You’re too tense. There’s no immediate cause for concern. Didn’t you see that huge fish burst open?”
Rockefeller allowed himself to relax slightly. Judging by the power and presence of that giant marlin, it was likely a key enemy force. Given the ease with which it was destroyed, the enemy would hesitate to launch another attack without understanding this side’s capabilities.
‘That’s true. And with Bellen and the headmaster having also dealt with high-level spirits…’
Rockefeller’s gaze moved from the crystal orb as Arkandric unwrapped his bandages. The wound from the giant monkey’s tail had already healed.
“Completely healed,” he remarked, glancing at the scar and chuckling.
“It’s remarkable, isn’t it? For something to pierce me like that. I have no idea what kind of energy it was,” he added, referring to his encounter with the high-level spirit.
Rockefeller replied confidently, “If you’d been fully cloaked in ‘Unbreakable,’ you could’ve blocked it completely.”
Arkandric sighed deeply. “Maybe. But I’m not sure even then. And that kid managed to shatter it entirely.”
Rockefeller’s eyes widened. “You mean… the energy on that giant fish’s horn was similar to…”
“Yes, similar to the energy on the monkey’s tail,” Arkandric confirmed, a hint of excitement in his voice. “It’s astonishing, really. Even now, he surprises this old man.”
“From what little I’ve seen, it’s hard to be sure, but that kid may have reached the level of the grand duke, and at such a young age,” he continued.
Rockefeller felt a complex mix of emotions. Up until now, he’d only considered the young man to be slightly above the level of the other professors—a high evaluation on its own. But now, with the headmaster’s recognition, it was hard to grasp his potential.
“Considering his abilities, there’s little for him to gain here as a knight. I’d wondered why he joined the Magic Division rather than the Knights Division, and I think I finally understand.”
As Arkandric spoke, Rockefeller’s expression grew heavier. ‘So, that’s why he joined the Magic Division…’
There was no other explanation for why the eldest son of a renowned swordsmanship family would enter the Magic Division instead of the Knights Division. He must’ve chosen to learn something useful in the magical arts rather than spend time idly.
Even so, Rockefeller couldn’t accept this as the right choice. “I understand what you’re saying, Headmaster, but I don’t recognize him as a mage. And I don’t think that will change.”
His magical talent is terrible. Even with leniency, he’s hopeless. Setting aside pride as a mage and any personal feelings, as an instructor, he couldn't allow a student to waste time.
“It would be better to have him self-study. At least then, his skills wouldn’t rust.”
“Hm. You’re still firm in your stance, I see. I handed him over to you, so I won’t say more,” Arkandric replied with a wry smile as Rockefeller prepared tea with telekinesis. As the atmosphere lightened a bit, Arkandric took a sip and looked out the window. Beyond the barrier, spirits still crowded the scene.
“We’ve eliminated so many, yet there are still plenty. How much have you assessed?” Arkandric asked, shifting the topic.
Rockefeller shared the gathered information: from Ecok’s leadership in the incident to the door through which spirits poured in, speculating on their goals.
“From what the monkey chief said, it seems their goal is to conquer the human realm. I’m not sure why they’re targeting Frostheart specifically, but they must have a reason. Otherwise, they’d have shifted their route and moved on.”
The fact that they remained here, obsessively focusing on this place, indicated they had a specific purpose.
“And judging by their coordinated moves, they must have something like a command tower,” Rockefeller added.
Their methods showed intelligence. High-level spirits had created three breaches in the barrier, turning the interior into chaos. The high-ranking spirits that followed targeted the control room, demonstrating a clear strategy.
‘There’s undoubtedly a mind at work among them,’ Rockefeller thought, realizing that this wasn’t just about defending the fortress from creatures.
“That means we must take a different perspective than we would for ordinary battles,” Arkandric noted.
“Yes…” Rockefeller replied.
This was a war between armies.
***
Ecok looked around with a sullen expression. In the spirit control room, there were not only the plague-masked spirit but also two others: a black slug with spiked back and a golden bat. The three spirits huddled around a crystal orb, muttering.
“Hornbull’s defeat is quite a shock,” the bat remarked, and the slug nodded.
“Indeed. I was surprised when the other two were defeated as well… simply attacking won’t work.”
Ecok knew exactly who they were referring to.
‘They must mean that one with the eagle’s head and horse’s body, and the monkey that smokes at the year’s start.’
With the atmosphere turning grim, Ecok shrugged and chuckled.
“That fish… maybe it was just big and weak, wasn’t it?”
The plague doctor spirit shook his head, clearly irritated.
“Hornbull was known as Dordorn’s Spear. He possessed the strongest offensive power among us. He was by no means weak.”
The doctor’s voice held a faint edge of displeasure, and Ecok swallowed nervously. Then the bat, sounding angry, asked, “And who, pray tell, is that blond human? How could he kill Hornbull so effortlessly?”
“Oh, that’d be Hersel Ben Tenest,” Ecok said with a dry laugh. “He’s quite well-known among us.”
Even Ecok felt uneasy, though he hid it behind his words. He’d witnessed the sheer might of the giant marlin, whose power was clearly beyond the ordinary for breaking through the barrier. Yet that human had killed it in an instant without a single injury.
‘That monstrous guy… I knew he was strong, but just how strong…?’
Without a concrete grasp of the “Tyrant’s Power,” Ecok found himself reluctant to confront such an opponent.
Ecok felt a chill run down his spine and decided to try and change their minds.
“Why are we so fixated on Frostheart anyway? Couldn’t we just take over somewhere else? There are plenty of other fortresses,” he suggested casually, hoping to divert their attention.
The black slug rebutted with reasoning. “Don’t you know the real value of Frostheart?”
“Real value?” Ecok asked.
“There’s a dungeon underground. It’s perfect for replenishing magical energy.”
The bat, who had been listening, chimed in with a chuckle. “And that’s not all. The barrier itself is incredibly valuable, enough to make it an impenetrable fortress.”
Ecok found himself nodding. In recent history, it was considered ordinary land, but hearing them talk, it seemed more significant.
‘Ah, that’s right. Now I remember why Belam used to keep a close eye on this place.’
Due to its remote location from the human world, it was relatively safe from invasions. On the flip side, if conquered, it would make an excellent foothold for the conquest of the Empire.
But when the plague doctor mentioned another benefit, Ecok could hardly believe his ears.
“This land is adjacent to the Demon Realm, Ecok. It’s the ideal spot for restoring the Demon Realm,” the plague doctor said.
“What?” Ecok cocked his head, confused.
‘Restoration?’
The Demon Realm was an unexplored land, untamed by humanity. "Restoration" implied returning something to its former state—a puzzling idea given the current circumstances. The plague doctor noticed his confusion and tilted his head slightly.
“Hm. Judging by your reaction, I see you didn’t know. Well, it’s no surprise—your kind would never pass down such dark truths from generation to generation.”
“What are you talking about?” Ecok asked, his unease growing.
“Listen closely, Ecok. The Demon Realm was once a land where all species, regardless of race, lived in harmony. But your ancestors, driven by greed, shattered that peace.”
The slug laughed with a sneer. “It was a massacre, under the guise of rising to the top of all races.”
The bat added, “Many chose death over being used and enslaved. Ah, I miss the elves… I had a few good friends among them.”
“Right? I had a giant friend too. But they’re all gone now, either dead or turned into monsters. Without the Spirit Realm, even we spirits would have met the same fate.”
The slug gave Ecok a pitying look. “Do you understand now? You were cast out. The land of peace became the Demon Realm, rejecting humanity.”
Their shocking revelations made Ecok’s eyes twitch. He’d heard of ancient relics found in the Demon Realm, indicating civilizations long ago. But they were saying that the remnants weren’t from ancient humans but from other races.
‘And… turning into monsters? Is that even possible?’
As his sense of reality turned upside down, Ecok felt a chill at the spirits’ voices filled with loathing.
“Humans are the only race destined to live as slaves,” one said.
“They’re finally paying the price.”
“Right. And they’re ideal for it. Given how many different types there are, a lot of them live as slaves anyway, without dignity. We’ll make them serve us endlessly, then rip them apart by monsters at death as a final punishment.”
Their hatred for humanity was unfathomable. Though he was currently allied with them, Ecok himself was human. He began to wonder if he could really trust them.
“I-I’m human too… You’re not planning to betray me, right?” he asked, his voice shaking.
The plague doctor leaned in, speaking in a warm tone, “Don’t worry, Ecok. You’re shedding your vile human flesh and becoming a spirit. We have no reason to harm you.”
Ecok stumbled back when he saw his reflection in the plague doctor’s glass mask—his skin, from his lips down to his neck, had turned a faint white, with some areas now appearing almost blackened.
“A… Agh…”
Ecok tore off his shirt, frantically examining his body, and let out a horrified scream.
“What have you done to me?!”
As he struggled in fear, the plague doctor reached out his hand.
“Rejoice, Ecok. You’re receiving the body of Dordone, the liberating orca. Soon, you’ll inherit his mighty form.”
Ecok’s skin was gradually changing, resembling the distinct markings of an orca.
