Chapter 223

Chapter 223 - Shambler (2)

The destructive power of Blackout that Eugene swings already does not fall into the category of an axe.

It is the same as a castle wall being erected in real-time wherever the axe blade exists. An opponent cannot strike it back, and enduring it with defensive power is even more impossible.

Indoors, it means Eugene can individually take charge of one axis of the hammer and anvil.

However, since it is a cold weapon, his proper power requires enough space to swing. When he went around to the enemy's rear like right now is precisely the best combat environment.

"■■■!"

Chattering in an ancient language, the center row Dragon Tooth Warriors attacked, but they were swept away just like that.

Eugene refreshingly fired consecutive horizontal slashes that he normally restrained from the risk of slicing allies too. That is a sight where it's confusing whether he is fighting or harvesting.

Nod.

The few remaining center row Dragon Tooth Warriors looked at each other then scattered and rotated their bodies.

The distant past. The lingering thoughts of having fought as outstanding warriors move the bones.

Buung!

Buaaak!

Throwing attacks thrown putting all their weight into it flew towards Eugene.

It isn't blindly throwing but a volley fire limiting his action radius so there's no place to dodge.

Kwak!

Eugene slammed the axe head into the ground and then hid behind it like a pavise shield. Right after, considerable shocks battered the axe blade, but that was it.

Eugene charged immediately before the Dragon Tooth Warriors could pick up the weapons of their comrades that fell to the ground. And the horizontal slashes and diagonal slashes resuming.

Among the shattered bone fragments flying about, a certain Dragon Tooth Warrior jumped backwards to dodge. It was amazing jumping power, but it was after the black flash that tracked that guy narrowly brushed past its lower body.

"■■?"

Kudangtangtang!

When jumping up its four limbs were intact, but when landing, below the knees had disappeared so it tumbled wretchedly.

The last remaining Dragon Tooth Warrior in the center row nimbly laid face down. Immediately changing to a quadrupedal walking posture, it rushed at Eugene at tremendous speed like a lizard.

As if saying 'Welcome!', an axe blade cleaving the lower part came out to meet that guy.

Spat!

The Dragon Tooth Warrior immediately jumped to dodge, but this time too it was half a beat late. When landing, about 30% of its body had disappeared.

It's an attack where Eugene's monstrous strength and speed are added to a striking range far longer than normal two-handed weapons.

Most times, by the time the enemies thought 'With this much I dodged.', they were already exposed to the attack.

Peoseok!

The spike on the back of the axe was lodged into the crown of the head of the crippled Dragon Tooth Warrior that was crawling over.

Burururu.

Eugene lifted the Dragon Tooth Warrior that convulsed for a moment then stopped, spun it around once, and threw it towards the front row.

A certain Dragon Tooth Warrior engaged in a bloody battle with a knight in front of it collided and rolled away.

As even the center row was annihilated, the front row Dragon Tooth Warriors were cleaned up instantly receiving a pincer attack from both Eugene and the knights.

"Lord, you have worked har..."

"Excellency! Excellency! Please calm down!"

"The battle is over! Please!"

The words of the tribal knights were buried by the shouts of the peninsula knights hurriedly stepping back. They have frightened faces worrying they might be sliced together too.

"...I have never once touched an ally."

To Eugene, who cared about friendly fire more than anyone else in battle, it was sorrowful.

* * *

Those who pray to the God they believe in.

Those who take a slight bow of respect to Eugene.

Those who kiss their family's signet ring.

Those who converse passionately with Homi who has a bothered complexion.

Those who thank Marbas for the grace of saving their lives.

The knights celebrated the victory in their respective ways. Among them, the one rejoicing the most was Marbas.

"Ooh! Oooooh!"

He tossed aside his usual dignity and is lying face down on the ground like a beggar. He examined the destroyed bone fragments here and there and even rummaged through them while sniffing.

"What are you searching for like that?"

"The thing your archer unit does first thing when they win."

"Picking up arrows?"

"Yes! Among the earth dragon bone fragments used for the summon, some can be recycled."

Crouching down, Homi also sat beside Eugene who was asking.

"...Keuheum."

The knights averted their gazes from that cute back figure.

Homi is also a trained warrior and is taller than many women. Being seated side-by-side with Eugene, their back figure looks like friendly siblings.

Swish swish.

If only it wasn't for the big, cute tail wagging here and there out of curiosity.

"If I knew this would happen, I should have struck a bit gentler."

"The ferocity of primeval beasts dwells within the teeth that became the catalyst. Only when that lingering thought is destroyed first can they be fully commanded as a person's servant. It's a pity the numbers are decreasing, but it cannot be helped."

"You saying so puts my mind at ease."

"And in battle, prioritize only victory. Because thinking of the spoils of war first is a dangerous thing. This is the most important part."

Marbas gathered the bone fragments 'refined by battle' and put them in the pouch at the waist of his robe.

"Does roughly any tooth of a dragon-like creature work?"

Eugene recalled the Hydra in the bone exhibition hall. Compared to its body size, the number and size of the teeth are small, but it can be covered by the quantity coming from 7 heads.

"If so, I would have already asked you if you could give me some teeth."

"So as expected, there seem to be separate conditions."

Nodding his head, Marbas raised one finger.

"First, it must be teeth that cut off the breath of countless mysteries. Those used for the purpose of putting in poison or something won't work. Only when they are primitive teeth that bite and tear does the resentment of the sacrificial lambs dwell in them."

"Are you referring to monsters of a somewhat high class?"

"That's right."

Farmers, Goblins, Orcs, Gnolls, wolves, and bears. Commonly seen lives are just bags of meat and blood from the perspective of magic.

However, medium-sized or larger monsters like Trolls, Yetis, Minotaurs, Ogres, and Hydras hold the mystery of nature in their bodies.

"It's the same reason a hero's weapon is special. Because when tempered by the death agonies of powerful monsters, that power dwells in it. It's possible even for human weapons, so there's no reason it would be impossible for monster teeth, right?"

The ones that can stably hunt medium-sized monsters are really only limited large monsters. This kind are mostly predators classified as earth dragons.

"The second condition is tricky, but the remains must be left in a place isolated from the circulation of nature. Just like here."

Decay doesn't simply end at blowing away muscles and making bones rot. The mystery that dwelt within them also reverts to nature.

"These two are the conditions I know, but every magician has different opinions. There are also many who add one or two more conditions."

"Meeting perfectly just those two also seems extremely hard."

Marbas, who collected the refined bone fragments, stood up with a satisfied face. Running not even a few steps, he opened the pouch again and smirked.

"Do you like it that much? It's the best reaction among the spoils of war obtained so far."

"An army of one's own. An army that will transcend the providence of nature and offer eons of service. Getting one's hands on such underlings is the dream of all summoners."

It's a craving that can absolutely not be filled with imperfect things like slaves, warriors who swore loyalty, or contracted spirits.

'It certainly was a considerable combat power.'

The knights gathered here are absolutely not weaklings. By the fact that they fought a tight duel alone, the majesty of the Dragon Tooth Warriors could be known.

Eugene recalled the throwing attacks the center row Dragon Tooth Warriors had fired. The experience of blocking the blind spots after confirming with each other by nodding their heads.

He felt like he was seeing veteran warriors who survived on the battlefield for a long time. It is not a pincer attack the likes of golems or Wights can imitate.

"It's truly a huge relief to exist as your retainer."

"To say retainer. Those are gracious words."

Eugene had always considered Marbas an advisor. Yet asking to be a retainer with his own mouth, it's moving.

"First when we return, I'll have to prepare exclusive armor. Since we obtained precious guys after a long time, we must use them sparingly."

"That, just imagining it is exciting. Isn't it a man's romance? Truly thank you."

"There is the matter of me breaking Old Man's staff in the meantime after all."

Eugene procured a highest-grade oak magic staff for him, but it can never compare to the one his hands got accustomed to for a long time.

Flap flap!

Listening by their side, Homi's tail also went beyond swish swish and wagged wildly. She didn't really know what it was about, but seeing the two people she reveres rejoicing, that alone was satisfying.

* * *

For the subjugation squad going deeper, tracking gradually became easier. Because traces as if something large dragged past were discovered on the floor.

"It doesn't seem to be a walking creature. It's a large, heavy, and squishy guy."

Because of their physical structure, such an existence can absolutely not hide the traces of their movement.

In the process of tracking the monster, an ancient skeleton was additionally discovered. Compared to the earth dragon discovered first, it's about half the size.

The knights rushed to examine the skull first.

"Damn it. As expected, there are no teeth."

"Take a combat formation."

Was it truly so? A moment later, Dragon Tooth Warriors aiming at the intruders appeared.

Compared to the guys encountered first, they fell short in numbers and size. However, their bizarrely long arms and holding stones looked extremely ominous.

'The arms themselves are essentially slings?'

Knowing the danger of slingers, the knights tensed up and raised their shields.

At that time, Marbas, grasping the pouch of refined bone fragments in his hand, moved his fingers in the air.

"A Dragon Tooth Warrior is forming a warrior by gathering bones using teeth as a catalyst. Right now, the thickest catalysts are gathered in my hands."

When his magic began, the Dragon Tooth Warriors stopped their movements.

'Grow as much as needed then stop.'

Because the command given to the bones composing the Dragon Tooth Warriors' bodies ran wild.

Bulge bulge.

Kkudeudeuk.

Bones sprouted in bizarre forms at each joint. Like rapidly growing tumors.

"I interfered with the magic composing them and distorted it."

Marbas, who was panting for breath, said with a proud face.

"Excellent! Summoner!"

"Count Excellency! Please give the order to attack!"

Receiving reliable magic support and the command of the most powerful knight, the knights were a hundred times more courageous.

"■■■?"

The Dragon Tooth Warriors whose movements were hindered were crushed just like that.

"Grow. Remember the sturdy legs that ran across the earth in the distant past, the arms that scratched trees. Grow even more."

The movements of the Dragon Tooth Warriors in the back who were still intact and on standby also began to creak.

The unknown monster that raised them is far away, and a summoner possessing powerful catalysts is right in front.

The throwing attacks thrown with messed up joints were terrible in both accuracy and power. The knights broke through the flying bone clubs and stones and stormed like a tempest.

* * *

After defeating the group of Dragon Tooth Warriors once more, what appeared in front of the subjugation squad with raised morale is a large cavern. That place was also a grave where bones were piled up heavily.

Compared to the ancient beasts encountered so far, they are so small they are insignificant. However, that number is easily hundreds.

It is exactly the bones of Dwarves. Forms of dress gnawed by time such as armor, everyday clothes, miner clothes, etc. were of all types.

"From the past when our ancestors first settled to the present day, there have been countless missing person cases."

The Dwarf Prince said as if sighing.

"No outstanding investigator could find them. People just considered it as them leaving Khazad-dor without a word for unknown reasons."

"Now the secret has been solved. It is regrettable."

"Perhaps everyone faintly knew. Even those who would absolutely never leave this city, and those who would leave at least a farewell even if they did leave, suddenly evaporated..."

The cause of that was the call of the monster lurking deep underground in the Kingdom.

When the monster, not satisfied with only the minds of Dwarves, craved flesh and blood. The Dwarves bewitched by that call came all the way down to this deep place without even knowing it themselves and were eaten.

The lacerations engraved on the skulls, thighbones, pelvises, and other bones. The traces left behind by the ugly teeth and tongue digging through enraged the Dwarf Prince.

"Fold away the sorrow for later. Because we are in a situation where we have entered that guy's banquet venue. Right now revenge comes before mourning."

Marbas brought the oak staff to his forehead and narrowed his eyes.

[Wicked existence. I know that you are here.]

Marbas's language spoken like reciting a spell could only be understood by Eugene.

A language that has no contact point with any ethnic group or any culture in this world.

[Hiding yourself in the darkness and the debris you preyed on is useless.]

A merciless language where concepts like morals, freedom, tolerance, and mercy do not exist.

[The providence of the world has come to banish you.]

It is the language used by existences of another world.

The knights could not understand Marbas's words but gripped their weapons tightly and glared around.

"Haaa."

Breath flowed out from their mouths. Every time Marbas spat out a word, it felt like the temperature was dropping by 1 degree.

The existence lurking in the darkness is getting closer to the subjugation squad.

However, it lacked one punch. Even if it felt annoyed by Marbas's call, the monster that had been gnawing at the Dwarf Kingdom had the power to resist sufficiently.

The guy held out in the secret space it composed.

Drip.

A stream of blood flowed down from the nose of Marbas who pushed himself to drag the monster out.

He who was energetic when firing magic at the Dragon Tooth Warriors is now on the verge of losing an arm wrestling match where he did his best.

"You've worked hard. Let's stop around here."

Eugene patted the shivering Marbas and took off the Wendigo cloak and wrapped it around him.

"Still... I'm still fine. If we don't drag that guy out now..."

"Shh. It's alright. Since it doesn't mean we will return from here. Thanks to Summoner, it has become much easier."

As Eugene signaled with his eyes, Homi took the exhausted Marbas to the back.

[Come out.]

The exact same language as Marbas came out of Eugene's mouth.

Unlike Marbas whose pronunciation was crude like a foreigner, Eugene's intonation overflowed with elegance. Like the language of serfs and the language of royalty.

That is unrelated to language proficiency. It was elegance stemming from how well he understood the other world.

"...!

Marbas was startled and widened his eyes. Because he knew the mysterious power and knowledge Eugene possessed was amazing, but he didn't expect it to be to this extent.

[This is not the place you should be. Being dug out and dying while crouched, or dying facing us squarely; choose one of the two.]

Sizzle.

Sizzle sizzle.

That moment, the light of Marbas's staff and the knights' lanterns dwindled to the verge of turning off.

And a terrible shriek rang out in the cavern. A ringing where it's unknown whether it is an existence with intelligence or just a beast.

The Dwarf Prince felt a sense of déjà vu. The howling a Dwarf who committed a heavy crime and received an exile sentence let out when caught and dragged away by the guard unit one day came to mind.

"L-Look at that!"

The empty space of the dark bone grave. Right in the middle of it, a pitch-black space like a starless night sky was created.

From there, 4 tentacles the size of an able-bodied man's torso popped out as if undulating.

"A monster!"

"Unclean existence! How dare you invade our world!"

The knights shouted like screaming. The highly devout knight from the Theocracy even aimed his sword reciting a prayer.

As long as they were born as living creatures, an instinctual fear they could not refuse suppressed them. However, a knight's soul commanded only one word to the flesh in any situation.

'Fight.'

Grasping their respective weapons, not a single one among the knights retreated. And soon they felt something somewhat strange.

The 4 tentacles did not cross over to threaten the subjugation squad. They were gripping the boundary of the door opened in the air. As if trying with all their might not to be dragged out.

[The world here is far too warm. The meat overflows with sweet juices and the flesh is soft. I also understand the feeling of not wanting to return to your hometown.]

Unlike Marbas who could only conceive limited vocabulary. Eugene smoothly continued speaking like sharing a daily conversation.

However, every time he did, the tentacles shuddered as if hit by a whip.

[However, this is as far as it goes.]

Eugene threw the spear he received from Homi with all his might. The steel teeth he personally blessed dug into the darkness between the tentacles.

[□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□!]

After a terrible scream that could not be considered of this world spread out.

Finally, the sojourner that had acted as a parasite in the Dwarf Kingdom for a long time perfectly revealed its appearance.

The torso is a form like a snake that swallowed an elephant. Below that, multiple tentacles supported the body.

Carapaces like mutant barnacles are attached all over the skin. Even at a glance, it is absolutely not a product of natural evolution.

'Please allow my residence.'

If one shaped that single sentence with flesh, would it be like this?

The immune system of the present world trying to drive out what should not exist. The result of playing tug-of-war with it is the monster before their eyes.

Like an illegal alien who plastered bribes and rejection slips endlessly rejected by reviewers all over their body.

Shuwaaak!

One tentacle grown on the front of the guy extended towards the subjugation squad with tremendous momentum. It is an attack fully containing murderous intent, anger, and appetite.

Spaat!

Eugene, who was at the front, responded immediately.

As a black flash flashed, the cleanly cut tentacle tumbled on the ground.

Pouring out blood from the tentacle shortened to less than half, the monster howled painfully.

It was a terrible ringing shaking a person's soul, but it could not give any influence to the subjugation squad.

"Kiyaaaat-!"

The roar of Homi, who transformed into a beast warrior, cleanly drove away the unclean aura.

The knights of the subjugation squad felt Homi's breath dwelling in their hearts. That hot breath brought overflowing courage as a gift.

"Until when are we going to leave it only to His Excellency!"

"Come, everyone, it is time to work."

The knights arrayed behind Eugene who stood at the front. The enemy they will face as a single team transcending nation and race was right before their eyes.

The time to end the arduous journey of the underground world had arrived.