Chapter 176
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Chapter 176
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Kawaii]
Chapter 176: Rubia (1)
***
“Ugh... Ah...”
A night with a full moon hanging high in the sky.
While everyone else slept, Athena writhed in pain and clutched her ankles.
Both of her ankles were wrapped in cloth. The fabric which was originally white, had now been dyed red.
It happened the evening she was imprisoned. Claire returned to the prison with a few mercenaries.
“There’s a risk of escape. Cut her Achilles tendons.”
The mercenaries were taken aback by Claire Fowler’s order. Even though she was a suspect in a case, Athena was a pureblood.
“Lady Claire... This prison is built with rare metals that absorb mana and cannot be easily broken. Moreover, Lady Athena is currently wearing a mana-sealing...”
“Considering that child’s abilities, we can’t be careless.”
“But...”
As the mercenaries continued to hesitate, Claire slapped one across the face.
A sharp sound filled the prison. With a rattled expression, Claire spoke hysterically to the mercenary.
“If you heard an order, shouldn’t you follow it quietly? Why are you babbling on?”
“Y-Yes, Lady Claire... It’s not that...”
“Who do you think is in charge of the mercenary corps now? Should I call Ulric and have him torture you all to understand the situation?”
At those words, Athena understood who had taken over her father’s position as the leader.
It was Ulric Hopper, Claire’s son.
Honestly, it wasn’t that surprising. Ulric Hopper was a Master Class fighter and an unparalleled pureblood within the mercenary corps.
“Do you understand? Do it as I say, quickly!”
At Claire’s scream, the mercenaries reluctantly surrounded Athena. However, they couldn’t readily carry out Claire’s orders.
“I... I’m alright.”
Athena knew who Ulric Hopper was. He was an honest and reliable man, but someone who could never disobey his mother’s commands.
If Claire truly called upon Ulric Hopper, the mercenaries would have no choice but to be tortured.
The Fafnir Mercenary Company wasn’t known for strict discipline, but their punishments were harsh, sometimes even fatal.
“So please, do as she commands.”
The mercenaries bit their lips. In the end, they drew their swords and slashed at Athena’s ankles.
The tendon guards on her heels were very thick. When they were severed, the pain was unimaginable.
However, Athena only shivered violently and didn’t scream.
“Stubborn girl.”
Claire left the cell in a huff. The mercenaries followed suit.
Only then could Athena release a groan. Barely managing any strength, she clutched her ankles.
“...It hurts.”
Even after several hours, the pain hadn’t subsided a bit.
Athena closed her eyes, leaning against the wall, hoping for even a slight lessening of the agony.
Some time passed, but it was hard to tell how much.
The iron door of the prison clanged open, and someone entered. Athena opened her eyes to identify the visitor.
Claire Fowler stood before her.
“Looking good.”
Claire remarked, looking down at Athena. Because of her severed Achilles tendons, Athena could only look up at her.
“You resort to childish tricks.”
There was no way Athena could lower herself to Claire. She spoke to her in her usual manner.
“Childish? What can I do about that? Every time you do those childish tricks, it makes my insides churn with satisfaction.”
Claire said with a bright smile. Athena shivered slightly at the errie emotions she felt radiating from Claire.
Damien let out a small laugh. He didn’t expect that Rubia could contact Sla that fast. His luck was terrible.
“Come to think of it, there were more than a few strange things.”
Rubia continued while staring at Damien.
“Dark mages never refer to ‘Him’ by name. He is a far too great a being for that, and there’s always the risk that the Empire might discover his identity.”
There wasn’t a particular reason why Damien had addressed him as “He.” He simply couldn’t bring himself to use honorifics for someone like Dorugo.
“And it was also strange that He would order you to kill Garrot. There’s no way He, who cares for us and loves us so much would never tell us to kill each other.”
Damien nearly laughed out loud at that.
Dorugo cared about the dark mages because they were valuable tools that he could deploy in the coming war of destruction.
“Not only did you trick me, but you even killed Kardak! Do you know how useful he was? It’ll be incredibly difficult to find another dark mage of that caliber who specializes in poisons!”
Rubia wasn’t angry about Kardak’s death but rather the loss of a useful “tool.”
She was exactly like the Rubia that Damien had seen in his previous life. She never cared much for men. She saw them as tools to be used and discarded. Her attitude was the complete opposite of her master, Sla.
“You’re awfully confident. Have you forgotten that two of your kind have already fallen to me?”
Damien’s remark caused Rubia to burst into a chilling laugh.
“Are you comparing those two to me? That’s a little insulting to my pride.”
Grand Mages were classified by their proficiency in dark magic. Naturally, a Grand Mage who had studied and honed their magic skills for a long time would overpower a newly Grand mage.
Rubia wasn’t just a Grand Mage; she was a disciple of the Giant evil Sla. The dark magic she wielded was far superior to anything those two could muster.
“Honestly, what would a knight with a hollow head know? Very well, then. Let me show you firsthand in a way you can easily understand.”
Dark mana erupted from Rubia, a dense and volatile energy.
Crack.
One of Rubia’s shoulders jutted upwards unnaturally.
Crack.
Then, her neck twisted sharply to the side.
Groan.
Her entire body began to contort grotesquely. Bones lengthened, tearing through her skin. Hundreds of muscle fibers writhed over the exposed bone.
A towering figure reaching three meters tall.
An inflated mass of muscles that resembles a tumor in appearance.
A hideous form devoid of any discernible gender.
The beautiful woman was no more. In her place stood a horrifying monster that inspired pure dread.
– Ah, refreshing.
In stark contrast to her monstrous form, Rubia’s voice remained hauntingly beautiful. It only made the sight more eerie.
-This sense of liberation, it never gets old.
There was only dark mage sect in this world who fought by transforming their own bodies:
The Berserker Sect.
Specializing in close-quarters combat, they boasted the highest combat prowess among all dark mages.
Just like the Giant evil Sla, Rubia was also from the Berserker sect. The pheromones she exuded were a product of her body-altering magic.
– Resist with all your might. I want to savor this feeling for as long as possible.
Rubia raised her leg which was as thick as a tree trunk. The ground turned into a crater as she slammed her leg down with all her power.
Rubia’s body shot forward in a straight line. Appearing right before Damien, she swung her arm in a wide arc.
Her arm suddenly grew very long and became a weapon the size of a whip.
***
As Rubia’s attack was about to hit him, Damien also swung his sword in counter-attack. The unleashed aura cleanly sliced off Rubia’s elongated forearm.
– ......Huh?
Rubia’s surprise was momentary. Damien seized the opportunity and swung the sword upwards, unleashing a burst of aura.
The explosive energy ripped through Rubia’s body, leaving a gaping wound that stretched towards her head
***
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Kawaii]
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 176
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Kawaii]
Chapter 176: Rubia (1)
***
“Ugh... Ah...”
A night with a full moon hanging high in the sky.
While everyone else slept, Athena writhed in pain and clutched her ankles.
Both of her ankles were wrapped in cloth. The fabric which was originally white, had now been dyed red.
It happened the evening she was imprisoned. Claire returned to the prison with a few mercenaries.
“There’s a risk of escape. Cut her Achilles tendons.”
The mercenaries were taken aback by Claire Fowler’s order. Even though she was a suspect in a case, Athena was a pureblood.
“Lady Claire... This prison is built with rare metals that absorb mana and cannot be easily broken. Moreover, Lady Athena is currently wearing a mana-sealing...”
“Considering that child’s abilities, we can’t be careless.”
“But...”
As the mercenaries continued to hesitate, Claire slapped one across the face.
A sharp sound filled the prison. With a rattled expression, Claire spoke hysterically to the mercenary.
“If you heard an order, shouldn’t you follow it quietly? Why are you babbling on?”
“Y-Yes, Lady Claire... It’s not that...”
“Who do you think is in charge of the mercenary corps now? Should I call Ulric and have him torture you all to understand the situation?”
At those words, Athena understood who had taken over her father’s position as the leader.
It was Ulric Hopper, Claire’s son.
Honestly, it wasn’t that surprising. Ulric Hopper was a Master Class fighter and an unparalleled pureblood within the mercenary corps.
“Do you understand? Do it as I say, quickly!”
At Claire’s scream, the mercenaries reluctantly surrounded Athena. However, they couldn’t readily carry out Claire’s orders.
“I... I’m alright.”
Athena knew who Ulric Hopper was. He was an honest and reliable man, but someone who could never disobey his mother’s commands.
If Claire truly called upon Ulric Hopper, the mercenaries would have no choice but to be tortured.
The Fafnir Mercenary Company wasn’t known for strict discipline, but their punishments were harsh, sometimes even fatal.
“So please, do as she commands.”
The mercenaries bit their lips. In the end, they drew their swords and slashed at Athena’s ankles.
The tendon guards on her heels were very thick. When they were severed, the pain was unimaginable.
However, Athena only shivered violently and didn’t scream.
“Stubborn girl.”
Claire left the cell in a huff. The mercenaries followed suit.
Only then could Athena release a groan. Barely managing any strength, she clutched her ankles.
“...It hurts.”
Even after several hours, the pain hadn’t subsided a bit.
Athena closed her eyes, leaning against the wall, hoping for even a slight lessening of the agony.
Some time passed, but it was hard to tell how much.
The iron door of the prison clanged open, and someone entered. Athena opened her eyes to identify the visitor.
Claire Fowler stood before her.
“Looking good.”
Claire remarked, looking down at Athena. Because of her severed Achilles tendons, Athena could only look up at her.
“You resort to childish tricks.”
There was no way Athena could lower herself to Claire. She spoke to her in her usual manner.
“Childish? What can I do about that? Every time you do those childish tricks, it makes my insides churn with satisfaction.”
Claire said with a bright smile. Athena shivered slightly at the errie emotions she felt radiating from Claire.
Damien let out a small laugh. He didn’t expect that Rubia could contact Sla that fast. His luck was terrible.
“Come to think of it, there were more than a few strange things.”
Rubia continued while staring at Damien.
“Dark mages never refer to ‘Him’ by name. He is a far too great a being for that, and there’s always the risk that the Empire might discover his identity.”
There wasn’t a particular reason why Damien had addressed him as “He.” He simply couldn’t bring himself to use honorifics for someone like Dorugo.
“And it was also strange that He would order you to kill Garrot. There’s no way He, who cares for us and loves us so much would never tell us to kill each other.”
Damien nearly laughed out loud at that.
Dorugo cared about the dark mages because they were valuable tools that he could deploy in the coming war of destruction.
“Not only did you trick me, but you even killed Kardak! Do you know how useful he was? It’ll be incredibly difficult to find another dark mage of that caliber who specializes in poisons!”
Rubia wasn’t angry about Kardak’s death but rather the loss of a useful “tool.”
She was exactly like the Rubia that Damien had seen in his previous life. She never cared much for men. She saw them as tools to be used and discarded. Her attitude was the complete opposite of her master, Sla.
“You’re awfully confident. Have you forgotten that two of your kind have already fallen to me?”
Damien’s remark caused Rubia to burst into a chilling laugh.
“Are you comparing those two to me? That’s a little insulting to my pride.”
Grand Mages were classified by their proficiency in dark magic. Naturally, a Grand Mage who had studied and honed their magic skills for a long time would overpower a newly Grand mage.
Rubia wasn’t just a Grand Mage; she was a disciple of the Giant evil Sla. The dark magic she wielded was far superior to anything those two could muster.
“Honestly, what would a knight with a hollow head know? Very well, then. Let me show you firsthand in a way you can easily understand.”
Dark mana erupted from Rubia, a dense and volatile energy.
Crack.
One of Rubia’s shoulders jutted upwards unnaturally.
Crack.
Then, her neck twisted sharply to the side.
Groan.
Her entire body began to contort grotesquely. Bones lengthened, tearing through her skin. Hundreds of muscle fibers writhed over the exposed bone.
A towering figure reaching three meters tall.
An inflated mass of muscles that resembles a tumor in appearance.
A hideous form devoid of any discernible gender.
The beautiful woman was no more. In her place stood a horrifying monster that inspired pure dread.
– Ah, refreshing.
In stark contrast to her monstrous form, Rubia’s voice remained hauntingly beautiful. It only made the sight more eerie.
-This sense of liberation, it never gets old.
There was only dark mage sect in this world who fought by transforming their own bodies:
The Berserker Sect.
Specializing in close-quarters combat, they boasted the highest combat prowess among all dark mages.
Just like the Giant evil Sla, Rubia was also from the Berserker sect. The pheromones she exuded were a product of her body-altering magic.
– Resist with all your might. I want to savor this feeling for as long as possible.
Rubia raised her leg which was as thick as a tree trunk. The ground turned into a crater as she slammed her leg down with all her power.
Rubia’s body shot forward in a straight line. Appearing right before Damien, she swung her arm in a wide arc.
Her arm suddenly grew very long and became a weapon the size of a whip.
***
As Rubia’s attack was about to hit him, Damien also swung his sword in counter-attack. The unleashed aura cleanly sliced off Rubia’s elongated forearm.
– ......Huh?
Rubia’s surprise was momentary. Damien seized the opportunity and swung the sword upwards, unleashing a burst of aura.
The explosive energy ripped through Rubia’s body, leaving a gaping wound that stretched towards her head
***
[Translator – Kie]
[Proofreader – Kawaii]
Chapter 176Translator KieProofreader KawaiiChapter 176: Rubia 1***Ugh... Ah...A night with a full moon hanging high in the sky.While everyone else slept, Athena writhed in pain and clutched her ankles.Both of her ankles were wrapped in cloth. The fabric which was originally white, had now been dyed red.It happened the evening she was imprisoned. Claire returned to the prison with a few mercenaries.There's a risk of escape. Cut her Achilles tendons.The mercenaries were taken aback by Claire Fowler's order. Even though she was a suspect in a case, Athena was a pureblood.Lady Claire... This prison is built with rare metals that absorb mana and cannot be easily broken. Moreover, Lady Athena is currently wearing a mana-sealing...Considering that child's abilities, we can't be careless.But...As the mercenaries continued to hesitate, Claire slapped one across the face.A sharp sound filled the prison. With a rattled expression, Claire spoke hysterically to the mercenary.If you heard an order, shouldn't you follow it quietly? Why are you babbling on?Y-Yes, Lady Claire... It's not that...Who do you think is in charge of the mercenary corps now? Should I call Ulric and have him torture you all to understand the situation?At those words, Athena understood who had taken over her father's position as the leader.It was Ulric Hopper, Claire's son.Honestly, it wasn't that surprising. Ulric Hopper was a Master Class fighter and an unparalleled pureblood within the mercenary corps.Do you understand? Do it as I say, quickly!At Claire's scream, the mercenaries reluctantly surrounded Athena. However, they couldn't readily carry out Claire's orders.I... I'm alright.Athena knew who Ulric Hopper was. He was an honest and reliable man, but someone who could never disobey his mother's commands.If Claire truly called upon Ulric Hopper, the mercenaries would have no choice but to be tortured.The Fafnir Mercenary Company wasn't known for strict discipline, but their punishments were harsh, sometimes even fatal.So please, do as she commands.The mercenaries bit their lips. In the end, they drew their swords and slashed at Athena's ankles.The tendon guards on her heels were very thick. When they were severed, the pain was unimaginable.However, Athena only shivered violently and didn't scream.Stubborn girl.Claire left the cell in a huff. The mercenaries followed suit.Only then could Athena release a groan. Barely managing any strength, she clutched her ankles....It hurts.Even after several hours, the pain hadn't subsided a bit.Athena closed her eyes, leaning against the wall, hoping for even a slight lessening of the agony.Some time passed, but it was hard to tell how much.The iron door of the prison clanged open, and someone entered. Athena opened her eyes to identify the visitor.Claire Fowler stood before her.Looking good. Claire remarked, looking down at Athena. Because of her severed Achilles tendons, Athena could only look up at her.You resort to childish tricks.There was no way Athena could lower herself to Claire. She spoke to her in her usual manner.Childish? What can I do about that? Every time you do those childish tricks, it makes my insides churn with satisfaction.Claire said with a bright smile. Athena shivered slightly at the errie emotions she felt radiating from Claire.Damien let out a small laugh. He didn't expect that Rubia could contact Sla that fast. His luck was terrible.Come to think of it, there were more than a few strange things. Rubia continued while staring at Damien.Dark mages never refer to Him' by name. He is a far too great a being for that, and there's always the risk that the Empire might discover his identity.There wasn't a particular reason why Damien had addressed him as He. He simply couldn't bring himself to use honorifics for someone like Dorugo.And it was also strange that He would order you to kill Garrot. There's no way He, who cares for us and loves us so much would never tell us to kill each other.Damien nearly laughed out loud at that.Dorugo cared about the dark mages because they were valuable tools that he could deploy in the coming war of destruction.Not only did you trick me, but you even killed Kardak! Do you know how useful he was? It'll be incredibly difficult to find another dark mage of that caliber who specializes in poisons!Rubia wasn't angry about Kardak's death but rather the loss of a useful tool.She was exactly like the Rubia that Damien had seen in his previous life. She never cared much for men. She saw them as tools to be used and discarded. Her attitude was the complete opposite of her master, Sla.You're awfully confident. Have you forgotten that two of your kind have already fallen to me?Damien's remark caused Rubia to burst into a chilling laugh.Are you comparing those two to me? That's a little insulting to my pride.Grand Mages were classified by their proficiency in dark magic. Naturally, a Grand Mage who had studied and honed their magic skills for a long time would overpower a newly Grand mage.Rubia wasn't just a Grand Mage; she was a disciple of the Giant evil Sla. The dark magic she wielded was far superior to anything those two could muster.Honestly, what would a knight with a hollow head know? Very well, then. Let me show you firsthand in a way you can easily understand.Dark mana erupted from Rubia, a dense and volatile energy.Crack.One of Rubia's shoulders jutted upwards unnaturally.Crack.Then, her neck twisted sharply to the side.Groan.Her entire body began to contort grotesquely. Bones lengthened, tearing through her skin. Hundreds of muscle fibers writhed over the exposed bone.A towering figure reaching three meters tall.An inflated mass of muscles that resembles a tumor in appearance.A hideous form devoid of any discernible gender.The beautiful woman was no more. In her place stood a horrifying monster that inspired pure dread. Ah, refreshing.In stark contrast to her monstrous form, Rubia's voice remained hauntingly beautiful. It only made the sight more eerie.-This sense of liberation, it never gets old.There was only dark mage sect in this world who fought by transforming their own bodies:The Berserker Sect.Specializing in close-quarters combat, they boasted the highest combat prowess among all dark mages.Just like the Giant evil Sla, Rubia was also from the Berserker sect. The pheromones she exuded were a product of her body-altering magic. Resist with all your might. I want to savor this feeling for as long as possible.Rubia raised her leg which was as thick as a tree trunk. The ground turned into a crater as she slammed her leg down with all her power.Rubia's body shot forward in a straight line. Appearing right before Damien, she swung her arm in a wide arc.Her arm suddenly grew very long and became a weapon the size of a whip. ***As Rubia's attack was about to hit him, Damien also swung his sword in counter-attack. The unleashed aura cleanly sliced off Rubia's elongated forearm. ......Huh?Rubia's surprise was momentary. Damien seized the opportunity and swung the sword upwards, unleashing a burst of aura. The explosive energy ripped through Rubia's body, leaving a gaping wound that stretched towards her head***Translator KieProofreader Kawaii
