My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 236
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 236
At first, the changes were subtle. My body’s proportions became more perfect, and the definition of my muscles grew sharper. Then my height increased by several centimeters, and my shoulders broadened. The transformation was not confined to my appearance. Far more significant changes were occurring within.
My magical power was expanding at a tremendous rate. The reservoir of my crimson mana doubled, then tripled, and its potency surged dramatically. Yet the most astonishing transformation was the new force taking shape within my being.
Holy power.
Pure divine energy, born from Karn’s soul, began to take root within my body. At first it was merely a faint flame, but it grew steadily stronger. Ordinarily, mana and holy power are fundamentally opposed, yet within me, these two forces coexisted in perfect harmony.
This transformation became visually apparent across my skin. Beneath the surface, crimson mana and golden divine energy flowed in intricate patterns.
My eyes underwent a profound change.
Where once they burned with pure crimson light, now a golden ring formed at their center. Wherever my gaze fell, subtle waves of energy rippled outward.
When the transformation reached its apex, an intense radiance erupted from my body. That light, a blend of crimson and gold, engulfed the entire tower top and shone so brilliantly it was visible from great distances.
As the light gradually faded, my form became visible once more. I appeared much as before, yet subtle differences were unmistakable upon closer inspection. My presence had grown immeasurably more powerful, and the space around me seemed to warp ever so slightly.
I slowly raised my hands to examine them. Gathering crimson mana in my palm, a flame far more powerful than before blazed forth. Then I concentrated holy power in my other hand. Golden energy materialized in my palm, radiating warmth and tremendous strength.
Finally, I brought both hands together. Where crimson mana met golden divine energy, a new form of power was born. It approached an orange hue, yet within it swirled patterns of countless colors. It appeared more stable and potent than any force I had wielded before.
I fell into contemplation for a moment. The golden and crimson light in my eyes danced and sparkled.
“Let me try summoning using holy power.”
I slowly raised my right hand, extending it toward empty space. From my fingertips, both crimson mana and golden divine energy bloomed simultaneously. The two energies intertwined, spiraling outward and gradually expanding their reach.
A subtle tremor appeared in the empty space before me. At first it was merely a distortion of air, but soon a small rift began to form. The fissure stretched vertically.
As the gap widened, the spatial rift was completed. It resembled the rift through which Arulan had appeared, yet its color and energy flow were entirely different. Where the previous rift had been filled with violet mist, this new rift was composed of a unique energy blending golden light, crimson light, and black light.
As the rift widened sufficiently, two silhouettes began to emerge from within. At first they were merely faint shadows, but gradually their forms became distinct. It was Dercan and Arulan.
The two beings stepped through the rift into the material world. Their appearances were similar to before, yet subtly transformed. Dercan’s crimson armor remained, but now golden patterns were inscribed across its surface. The crimson flames burning in his skeletal visage now bore a golden border.
Arulan’s transformation was even more striking. His once-translucent form now possessed far greater substance. His skin, which had shimmered with blue light, now appeared to have golden veins running through it. The violet flames that had burned in his eyes now shifted to a mysterious color blending gold and black. Even the robes he wore had transformed.
A special radiance emanated from both beings’ bodies. It was a light in which red, black, and gold were intricately blended. The three colors sometimes flowed separately, sometimes merged completely to create new hues. This light formed a faint aura around them.
Most remarkable was the aura they emanated. They remained undead still. The faint scent of death and decay clung to them. Yet simultaneously, they radiated powerful holy power. The essence of life and purification coexisted with the aura of death. Two opposing attributes dwelt within a single form.
Dercan and Arulan emerged completely from the rift and stood side by side before me. In unison, they knelt on one knee and bowed their heads. Their movements had become more fluid, and their eyes now gleamed with greater intelligence.
I gazed upon them with satisfaction. They were the first beings I had summoned with my newly acquired power. They were no longer mere summons.
“Excellent.”
Genuine contentment resonated in my voice. I slowly lowered my hands and placed one upon each of their shoulders. The energy flowing from my hands coursed through their bodies.
* * *
A day had passed.
News of the Fortress’s conquest spread swiftly on the wind. Demon Players began gathering once more at that place where only I and my summons had survived. These were players who had logged out and reconnected.
Rumors of my power—having even defeated Karn—had already spread, and hundreds of Demon Players converged near the Fortress to witness me firsthand.
I stood atop the ruined Tower Top, looking down upon them. My new form was far more imposing than before. Golden and crimson light leaked faintly through gaps in my black armor, and the dual colors in my eyes were visible even from great distances.
“Our next objective is Nibelheim.”
My voice reached every Demon Player’s ears as if by magic. With this new ability born from the fusion of holy power and mana, I could now project my will across far greater distances.
Nibelheim was one of the Empire’s most important cities. It was far larger than the Fortress and possessed far stronger defenses. Home to thousands of NPCs, it was a strategic stronghold guarding the Empire’s eastern border. My choice was more than simple conquest—it was a direct challenge to the Empire itself.
Cheers erupted among the Demon Players. They had already tasted victory at the Fortress, and they enthusiastically supported my choice to pursue an even grander objective.
I descended from the Tower. Walking slowly, I passed through the ranks of Demon Players. Wherever I walked, they bowed their heads.
The path eastward was treacherous. We had to traverse deep forests, towering mountains, and vast fields. Yet for the Demon Players, this posed no obstacle. Those with wings flew through the sky, while others moved swiftly with their enhanced strength and speed. I transformed into black mist, drifting through the air to lead them.
The procession was magnificent. Hundreds of Demon Players moved in diverse forms.
By midday, we finally reached the high ground from which Nibelheim came into view. The city stood in the center of a vast plain. Towering Castle Walls surrounded it, with tall watchtowers erected at each corner. A magnificent Fortress rose majestically at the City Center, surrounded by densely packed buildings.
“This shall become our new territory.”
Kim Jae-beom’s voice carried conviction, and it transmitted to the Demon Players. From their elevated position, they surveyed the city below and formulated their assault strategy. Some resolved to strike the Castle Wall directly, while others chose to attack from above. The Mages among the Demon Lord’s forces assumed support positions in the rear, providing covering fire.
The attack commenced.
Winged Demon Players surged skyward first. They circled above the city, unleashing spells upon the Guard Soldiers stationed atop the Castle Wall. Flames, lightning, and shards of ice cascaded down like torrential rain.
Simultaneously, the ground-based Demon Players charged toward the Castle Wall. They swept across the Field like a dark tide, moving with devastating speed. Upon reaching the fortification, they immediately began scaling its heights.
Nibelheim’s defensive forces responded swiftly. Archers positioned on the Castle Wall loosed volleys of arrows, while Mages deployed protective barriers. Armored Knights gathered near the Castle Gate, attempting to repel those seeking to breach their defenses.
Yet their efforts proved short-lived. The Demon Players possessed overwhelming numbers and strength. Moreover, Kim Jae-beom joined the battle directly. From the air, he unleashed waves of energy suffused with golden and crimson light. Where those waves struck the Castle Wall, the solid stone crumbled like a sandcastle.
The northern Castle Wall collapsed first. With a thunderous roar, dozens of meters of fortification came crashing down. Fractures soon spread across the eastern and western walls. As the defensive line shattered, Demon Players flooded into the city like a torrent.
Chaos intensified within the city. NPC citizens fled in terror, while the defensive forces fought with desperate determination. Combat erupted throughout the streets. Armored Knights held the alleys, attempting to stem the Demon Players’ advance, while Mages cast spells from atop buildings.
An NPC Armored Knight charged toward the Demon Players but fell instantly, struck by multiple spells. Other Knights met similar fates. Their armor and weapons proved powerless against the enhanced attacks of the Demon Players.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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