The Crazy Battle God Has Returned - Chapter 59

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————

A Mad Swordsman Returns – Chapter 59

Disbelief. Shock.
Wei Hao could not fathom the sight before his eyes.

“…The Japanese duo. Both are dead.”

There was no other possibility.
Suzuki Haruto and Inoue Seigo, whom he had sent ahead.
Both lay dead in a state of utter devastation.
Not only that—the subordinates sent alongside them were equally lifeless.

“The mage at least seemed to have put up some resistance, but the spear-wielding Japanese appears to have mounted no real defense whatsoever.”
“…Slaughtered one-sidedly.”
“Yes. There are no signs of combat.”

Inoue Seigo lay dead with his heart pierced by a spear.
The Legendary-grade spear was shattered pathetically—split clean in half as if unable to withstand some monstrous force.

‘Unbelievable. Just how strong is this person?’

The reality far exceeded Wei Hao’s estimates.
Two Rankers and their followers—all slain by a single opponent.
The plan had crumbled. There was no time to devise a new one.
Only one path remained.

“Track the traces and move! Quickly!”

Somehow, I had to pursue and kill Han Yu-sung.
Hesitation flickered across the faces of the Destroyers following Wei Hao.
The opponent’s true strength remained unknown.
Was it wise to pursue such a foe?

‘The risk is immense. But it cannot be avoided.’

If I complete the Epic Quest, my strength would grow immeasurably.
I had to stop him before that happened. If necessary….

‘…Even if I must use what the Lord of Darkness has given me.’

Wei Hao glanced at his gauntlets and stamped the ground.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he pressed forward desperately through the Dragon Lord’s Lair.
As he did, an indelible anxiety surfaced in his mind.
The fear that he might already be too late.

* * *

[Are you prepared to become the last king of a ruined world?]

The Statue’s solemn voice resonated through the Cavern.
The Hatchling’s response to that question was.

– Kyuuuruk?
[It appears you do not comprehend, little one.]
“I was thinking the same thing myself.”

The Hatchling tilted its head as if bewildered by the words.
When one thought about it, this was only natural.
A Hatchling—the name was generous, to say the least.
It was a dragon soul that had perished in its egg, never born into the world. It had possessed consciousness for mere hours—how could it possibly comprehend such words?
It was impossible, no matter how draconic its nature.

[Young Hatchling, are you prepared to become the king of a ruined world…?]
– Kyuuruuk…?
[Alas… how lamentable and pitiable this is.]

The Statue sighed.
It had not anticipated such circumstances.
This was the first time a Hatchling so young—or rather, one that could scarcely be called newborn—had arrived here.
Yet there was a way forward.

[Young dragon-kin. Though the time is premature, I shall share our knowledge and experience with you. Only then will we be able to communicate.]
“It judged that understanding was impossible, so it chose the convenient path.”
[Hmm, a Statue with quite the practical function, I see.]

It’s not bad. Thanks to this, I can move forward with my plans.
Soon, a crimson aura flowed from the Statue and was absorbed into the Hatchling.
The Hatchling closed its eyes and concentrated its mind. When it opened them again, the previously hazy pupils had vanished, replaced by the gleam of intelligence.

[Now you can understand our words. Listen, young dragon-kin. You were born bearing the destiny to become a king. Yet simultaneously, you carried the fate of failing to achieve that destiny and perishing.]
[But now, you have twisted that fate.]

The Statue’s remaining eye glowed crimson.

[This Statue contains the power we prepared for that moment. According to the covenant, you shall bear the task of ‘Reconstruction’.]
– Kyuruuk!

The Hatchling nodded as if it understood.
Seeing this, Kakasha muttered, “I’m not sure if it really understands.”
Han Yu-sung shared similar doubts.
Just then, the Statue spoke words that defied comprehension.

[And when you accept that power, a trial shall befall you. A trial we did not desire, nor could have foreseen.]
“A trial? What exactly is this trial?”

Han Yu-sung recalled the message he’d seen when accepting the Epic Quest—that the content of future trials would change.
This was an opportunity to learn what trial awaited.

[According to the covenant, when a new Dragon Lord is born… the entity that once brought ruin to this world shall reveal itself. Joining your strength to defeat that entity—this is the trial you shall face.]

After hearing this, Han Yu-sung stroked his chin.
The content had definitely changed.
In my past life, the Guardians offered their dragon souls at the Dragon’s Altar to be evaluated, while the Destroyers interfered by destroying the Altar—that was the final trial.

‘So essentially a boss monster has been added.’

It had become more troublesome, one could say.
However, since I had been prepared for this, there was no reason to be greatly shaken.

[As time has passed, that entity has also grown weaker compared to when it brought ruin to this world. Still, it will not be an easy opponent.]
[Consider this fact and make your decision.]
– Kyuuuuu….

Hatchling pondered with his head bowed low.
Han Yu-sung watched from where he leaned against the wall, observing the creature’s deliberation.

‘If you have confidence in victory through battle, then accept it,’ I thought.
[Simply put, that would be the case. In any event, these dragons! Burdening such a young child with such a heavy responsibility.]
‘And they mentioned reconstruction. What exactly are they asking to be reconstructed…’
[There is nothing more to say. They speak of the reconstruction of the species itself, do they not? Separate from dragons in other worlds, the dragons of this world have certainly gone extinct. This is a world where only dragon souls wander, bereft of physical form.]

Han Yu-sung stroked his chin, lost in thought.

‘Is it even possible to reconstruct an extinct species?’
[An individual of Dragon Lord caliber might manage it. But it would certainly demand tremendous effort and time.]
‘So that is why it is called a task.’

A task that must be undertaken precisely because one is a Dragon Lord.
Han Yu-sung remained against the wall, watching as the Statue and Hatchling conversed.
Time was not abundant.
The presence of enemies could be felt not far away.

[Young dragon-kin. You must become the king of your species and embrace all dragon souls. And you must find a place where your kind can be rebuilt.]
[I ask once more. Are you prepared to become the king of a fallen world? This path is harsh, and its trials will be unbearable.]
[If you believe you cannot endure it…]

The weighty voice pressed down upon Hatchling.

[If you feel yourself being crushed, step back now. I will not fault you for it.]
– Kyuuuu…

Hatchling remained with his head bowed, consumed by contemplation.
He likely did not fully comprehend the Statue’s words. Yet he grasped something of the weight they carried.
The duty to rebuild his species.
Even young Hatchling hesitated before such a weighty task.

[That creature is looking at you.]
“Huh?”

At Kakasha’s words, Han Yu-sung turned his gaze toward the Hatchling.
Desperation gleamed in the Hatchling’s eyes.
It seemed to be hoping I would offer some answer.
Han Yu-sung shrugged his shoulders.

“You’re asking for answers from someone you’ve known less than a day? What do you expect?”
[How cold! This human truly has no heart, no tears!]
– Kyuu-ruuruk….

Kakasha was taken aback, and the Hatchling’s expression grew dejected.
But what could be done? We hadn’t even known each other for a full day, and there had been no emotional exchange between the Hatchling and me.
I had merely accelerated its growth.
There was no relationship to offer counsel, nor did I intend to.

“This isn’t a decision to be made by someone else’s advice. The choice is yours. Hatchling, judge for yourself and decide.”
– Kyuu-ruu….

Han Yu-sung drew his blade and turned away.
The presence of enemies had drawn near.
Beyond that point, I could hear the sound of many rushing forward. Urgent shouts as well.
Destroyers or Guardians?
Impossible to tell.
Either way, I had to consider them enemies.

“Though if I must add something more.”

Suddenly, Han Yu-sung recalled the past.
The image of myself advancing alone through a world that faced annihilation.
When despair and defeat consumed everything, what had I done?
What path had I walked?

“It will be a difficult road, but I believe it has worth.”

Just as Han Yu-sung had abandoned the throne and returned.
It was too ambiguous a statement to serve as genuine advice.
Yet the Hatchling seemed to find meaning in those words, falling into contemplation.
After a brief moment of consideration, it nodded its head.

– Chirp.
[…Very well, young dragon-kin. I accept your decision.]

A blazing crimson aura poured forth from the Statue.
An intensity so overwhelming that I couldn’t even fathom the magnitude of power contained within it.
That aura settled into the Hatchling.

[You shall walk a harsh path from this moment forward. I am sorry for forcing such a path upon you. If there is anything you wish for….]

Rumble rumble rumble!

The colossal Statue began to crumble.
At the same moment, a crimson shell-like substance enveloped the Hatchling’s entire body.
‘Evolution’ had begun.

[Forgive us for burdening you with such a heavy weight.]

With those words, the Statue collapsed completely.
The mighty dragon souls contained within the Statue began to scatter.
One of the scattering dragon souls brushed past Han Yu-sung for a moment.

[Human, are you the protector of this Hatchling?]
“Not exactly a protector, but for now, yes.”
[Then I offer you my gratitude first. This Hatchling was destined never to reach this place. Yet you twisted that fate….]

Indeed, it had been so in my previous life.
The Red Hatchling never met a proper Guardian and never obtained the seed of evolution.
It was likely absorbed and consumed by someone.
The victorious side had been the Destroyers.
Not a single survivor among the dragon souls had emerged.

[Your path and that child’s shall diverge. And someday you shall meet again. Even if only for a moment, please aid that child.]

Han Yu-sung nodded instead of answering.
The mighty dragon souls surged upward, offering their gratitude.

Boom!

With a deafening roar, a massive chasm tore open in the ceiling.
Beyond it, only a sky choked with dark clouds was visible.
And then.

“Here! Wei Hao, over here!”
“Attack immediately!”

The sealed door shattered, and Wei Hao along with the players surged through.
The moment they recognized the colossal egg within and my presence, they unleashed a torrent of skills.
I watched the incoming attacks without making any move to counter them.
There was no need to.

[Epic Quest, 【The King’s Path】 has been completed.]
[Red Hatchling has inherited the power contained within the Statue. The dragon soul awakens as ‘Dragon Lord’ according to its destined fate.]

Crack!

As the egg enveloping Red Hatchling shattered, the fierce barrage of attacks crashed down upon me.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Crash!

The entire Cavern trembled as clouds of dust billowed upward.

“Keep attacking! Don’t give him a moment!”

Han Yu-sung must not be given a chance to recover.
Wei Hao barked orders to his subordinates while executing a footwork technique. His form blurred and shot forward.
Black flames erupted from his body in succession.

Whoooosh!

His leg, wreathed in black flames, slashed through the air and came down upon me.
Upon impact, the black flames detonated.
Wei Hao did not pause, igniting black flames from his gauntlets as he unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes.
But.
None of those attacks ever reached me.

“You’re too late.”

The dust clouds blanketing the surroundings dissipated.
And beyond them appeared two massive pairs of wings enveloping Han Yu-sung.
Wings the color of blood intercepted every onslaught of attacks meant for Han Yu-sung.
Wei Hao’s face twisted with dismay.
Had he not just unleashed a barrage of strikes with every ounce of his power?
Yet the wings bore not even a trivial scratch.

“Wei Hao, you’ll serve as an adequate first test subject.”

The situation had deteriorated.
Wei Hao pushed off the empty air, desperately attempting to retreat.
But Han Yu-sung’s hand clamped down on his leg faster, gripping it like a hydraulic press.

“You die here.”

Crack!

The greaves Wei Hao wore crumpled like paper in an instant.
Han Yu-sung drove him downward without hesitation.

Boom!

“Ugh, argh!”

The tremendous impact sent his body bouncing like a toy.
In the next moment.

Crash!

Wei Hao, caught by Han Yu-sung’s leg sweeping in at impossible speed, was driven into the wall like a lightning bolt.
Only one thought echoed through his mind.

‘What in the world is happening….’

Could a single player truly unleash such power?
What is this? How can he generate such strength?
Wei Hao lifted his head, and the answer became clear immediately.

– Grrrrrrr….

Han Yu-sung stood motionless.
Behind him, the colossal dragon soul materialized in its full glory.
The form of the Dragon Lord itself was the answer.

—————

This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com

—————