The Mage’s Nemesis Has Reincarnated - Chapter 176

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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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The Natural Enemy of Mages Has Been Reincarnated – Episode 176
Clifford found his situation utterly pathetic.
‘Here I am, a Lich Dragon, fleeing like some cowardly wretch…’
Though he rarely displayed his emotions, his inner turmoil was beyond measure.
His startled heart refused to settle—what had just transpired seemed impossible to comprehend.
‘Is a descendant of the divine truly such a formidable adversary?’
Formidable hardly began to describe it.
The merciless efficiency with which this being slaughtered Lich Dragons without hesitation was enough to make even Clifford’s breath catch.
‘I never imagined that severing mana and magical essence could be such a terrifying ability.’
I was utterly helpless.
I couldn’t even invoke my specialty in telekinesis, let alone polymorph into my true form.
Even the swordsmanship I had honed to blend seamlessly into human society proved worthless before a descendant of the divine.
‘It’s not merely exceptional ability. The swordsmanship itself is extraordinary.’
Whoever trained that creature possessed at least advanced Aura Master-level sword technique.
It was obvious at a glance.
Engaging that being would mean being outmatched in both strength and skill.
‘In all my existence, I have never felt so utterly powerless.’
I couldn’t fathom how things had come to this.
Why that creature had pinned my tail.
Why it had chosen to spare me.
‘We devised a plan to kill that being. If it had overheard us while invisible, such slaughter would be justified. But why did it let me live? There were clear opportunities to end me.’
That point troubled me, but there was no time for such contemplation now.
I had to report back.
To both the Lich Dragon Council and the Forerunners.

* * *
Carjephilos, the Lich Dragon, let out a scoff.
He had just heard something that didn’t even sound like a joke.
“What did you say, Karkleanous? Or was it Clifford in the human tongue?”
“That’s not important right now. You mustn’t dismiss my words lightly.”
“You expect me to believe that? That absurd jest about all our kinfolk in the assembly being slaughtered?”
“It’s no jest. The Descendant of God is our mortal enemy. They will surely interfere with the Heavenly Demon War itself.”
“You suddenly appear and spout nonsense, Karkl. You infiltrated the human side as a spy, and now your mind has become humanized too?”
Clifford sighed inwardly at Carjephilos’s mocking demeanor.
He wasn’t even willing to listen.
The preconception that Lich Dragons were invincible dominated his thinking.
“That being is capable of slaying even Lich Dragons. We cannot allow them to run rampant any longer.”
“Even if what you say is true, how am I supposed to stop someone who has slaughtered dozens of Lich Dragons?”
“I will devise a method for that. For now, please increase our numbers. Don’t you have slaves in Weltergarden?”
“Transform all the slaves here into Lich Dragons?”
“Yes. Now is the time we must replenish our lost Lich Dragon forces.”
“Karkl. Or was it Clifford? You seem unfamiliar with the situation here. We discovered their dwelling, but their resistance is formidable. It’s embarrassing to even call them slaves. Strictly speaking, they aren’t slaves—they haven’t been captured by us yet.”
“Regardless, by any means necessary, subjugate them as quickly as possible. I will also speak with the Forerunners and secure support from the Demon Faction.”
At the subordinate’s consistently grave tone, Carjephilos’s expression grew somewhat serious as well.
“Is everything you’ve said the absolute truth?”
“Why would I speak falsehoods?”
“I find it hard to believe. An existence capable of slaying the immortal…”
Carjephilos, his face grave with contemplation, finally spoke.
“Very well. I’ll pressure the dragons here as you suggest.”

* * *
‘Hmm?’
Baluduk couldn’t hide his surprise upon seeing an emergency conference request signal arrive at the Luminous Portalsphere.
‘Clifford. Why would he…?’
Conference requests were only supposed to be made when there was an urgent matter at hand.
In other words, it signified a grave situation.
He found it utterly unbelievable that such circumstances would arise from Clifford, who ranked third in the hierarchy.
‘I suppose I need to hear what this is about.’
Upon entering the virtual space, Stella, Clifford, and Ethan were gathered together.
“Why are you so late, old man? Should Stella have to wait because of you?”
Baluduk felt stress from Ethan’s immediate confrontation upon his arrival, but he endured it.
Confirming the matter at hand took priority.
“What is this summons about, Clifford?”
“Now you’re openly ignoring me?”
[That’s enough, Ethan.]
“Yes, ma’am.”
Clifford opened his mouth beside the now-silent Ethan.
“While handling personal matters, I received a report from a Lich Dragon named Carjephilos.”
“A report?”
“A shocking report that fifty Lich Dragons had all perished.”
Baluduk’s eyes widened.
The others showed no surprise, having already heard the news.
“Aren’t Lich Dragons immortal beings? How is this possible?”
“A descendant of the gods apparently appeared. It seems they manifested at the location where they were holding a conference and engaged in a massacre.”
Clifford spoke of what he had experienced as though it were someone else’s affair, though the others remained unaware.
A poker face was his specialty, after all.
“A descendant of the gods… slaughtered fifty dragons single-handedly? Does that even make sense?”
“I merely relay what I heard. A single Lich Dragon who barely survived the carnage asked me to convey this message.”
“Hah…!”
Fifty dragons unable to handle a mere human.
‘Isn’t that practically a monster?’
Though the situation was utterly unbelievable, Baluduk had no choice but to accept it.
There was no reason for a Lich Dragon to lie, so he could only believe it.
“Then what are we to do?”
[I’ll try contacting Seirei. We should focus on our own work.]
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They were Forerunners who had already clashed with the descendant of the gods.
They knew better than anyone that direct confrontation was futile.
They had no confidence in handling an enemy that even the Lich Dragons could not overcome.
[All we can do now is trust in our patrons, the Demon Faction.]

* * *
Zeke McLafflin wore a somewhat troubled expression.
‘How am I supposed to manage this many people?’
The enslaved dragons he had freed were pleading with him to let them come along.
“Master Zeke McLafflin. If you’re going to rescue our brethren, please let us accompany you.”
“Indeed. We know the geography of the Eastern Continent well. We would surely be of assistance.”
I could only increase my Dragon Power stat by liberating the enslaved dragons from the Lich Dragon.
Each time my stat rose by twenty points, a new Dragon Language skill would unlock.
‘My path forward is clear. I must rescue the enslaved dragons.’
With that resolve, I questioned them about the whereabouts of the other enslaved dragons.
What I learned pointed to Weltergarden on the Eastern Continent.
‘Somewhere in that forest, there are dragons who haven’t been enslaved yet—ones who are resisting.’
They were a kind of resistance force opposing the Lich Dragon.
The fact that they hadn’t yet been enslaved nagged at me somewhat.
‘If I rescue the resistance fighters, won’t my Dragon Power accumulate as well?’
With that thought, I told them I would go to the Eastern Continent to save the dragons.
And now this chaos had erupted.
They wanted me to take them along too.
‘How am I supposed to take twenty people with me? We’d be far too conspicuous.’
No matter how well they polymorphed into human form, moving about in a crowd would draw attention.
There might be situations requiring infiltration, and what good would it do to travel together?
‘I could manage just fine on my own.’
Zeke McLafflin made this point clear as he persuaded the dragons.
Fortunately, the dragons weren’t stubborn creatures.
“Hmm, you’re right. A large group would indeed be disadvantageous for infiltration.”
“Ah, we overlooked that consideration.”
“As expected of Master Zeke McLafflin. Your perspective is truly exceptional, befitting a descendant of the gods.”
“Then let’s select a small, elite group. How many would be appropriate?”
“I don’t need many at all. Just one guide to show me the way. If I have too many people to protect, it becomes burdensome for me.”
The dragons nodded at Zeke McLafflin’s words.
Not a single dragon dared suggest he couldn’t handle the Lich Dragons alone.
They had already witnessed his overwhelming martial prowess firsthand.
“Then the dragon most knowledgeable about Weltergarden’s geography should go.”
“In that case….”
“A dragon who lived in Weltergarden would be most suitable.”
The Dragon Race’s gazes converged on one location.
There stood Cardiplian.
The very dragon whose knees had been shattered when he first resisted the Lich Dragon.
“I shall serve as your guide, Master Zeke McLafflin.”
“You said Cardiplian, correct? Did you live in Weltergarden?”
“Yes. Three thousand years ago, I dwelled there before crossing to the Southern Continent to engage in a fierce battle with the Lich Dragon. A few years back, I also encountered resistance forces on the Eastern Continent. I’m uncertain if they still occupy that position, but….”
“So you’re saying you’re the most knowledgeable about geography among us? Then it’s decided. I look forward to working with you. May I call you Cardi?”
Zeke smiled and extended his hand. Cardi returned the gesture with a smile, clasping it firmly.
“Of course, Zeke. I look forward to working with you as well.”
Thus, the expedition to the Eastern Continent to rescue the remaining dragons was decided.

* * *
A naked man emerged from within a cave.
It was Decarabia, ranked 69th among the high-ranking Demon Faction.
[Mmm. The air of the Human Realm is always so refreshing.]
“Welcome, Lord Decarabia.”
An old man in a black robe prostrated himself before the demon.
Baluduk had taken on the task of summoning him to the Human Realm.
“I am Baluduk Rahbez, ranked 2nd among the Forerunners. I have heard much about you from Captain Seirei. It is truly an honor that you have agreed to assist us so readily. As you can see beside you, I have prepared fresh offerings, so please feel free to indulge without concern for my humble station.”
[Ah, these female humans, I presume?]
“Mmph!”
“Nngh!”
Though gagged and unable to speak, the women bound upon the Altar were seized by overwhelming terror.
How could they not fear when a red-skinned demon stood before them, utterly naked and towering above?
Yet Decarabia seemed entirely indifferent.
[The offerings appear fresh enough, but they are merely humans, after all. I have no interest in such vermin.]
“Mmph! Nngh!”
“Nnnnngh!!!”
[Cease your noise.]
Decarabia waved his hand.
Splurt! Splurt! Splurt! Splurt!
The women’s heads suddenly burst, spraying blood everywhere.
Yet the blood hung suspended in the air, gathering in one place.
It was Decarabia’s specialty—blood sorcery.
Tap.
He pressed his finger against the compressed sphere of blood, testing it.
[The blood is indeed fresh. Though I have no desire to taste the blood of vermin.]
Baluduk could not even meet his gaze, paralyzed by fear.
‘To manipulate living blood with such freedom. Had that ability been directed at me….’
I would have been dead before I could even respond, my head burst asunder.
[So, you say they are hindering your capture of the divine descendant?]
“Y-yes, that is correct.”
[I shall assist you. You may not realize it, but my true specialty is not mere blood sorcery.]
“Pardon? Then…?”
[I heard they’re searching for a technician capable of constructing the gravitational field required for the Heavenly Demon War…]
Decarabia’s lips curled into a sinister smirk.
[Shall I create it for them?]

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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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