115 – 51. The End of Regression
In the hero party, Ian was handling a considerable burden.
Superficially, he had been assigned a supportive role without discriminating between offense and defense.
However, thinking differently, unlike others who only had to perform a single role, it meant that Ian had to undertake various missions.
‘If the front line seems like it’s going to collapse, lend a hand. If an attack is directed towards Glendiana Illian in the rear, block it… Simultaneously, if Ariel starts doing something strange, cover that.’
The reason he had to constantly move around was also because of that.
If he were to be absent, a tremendous gap would be created in the party.
Although some might criticize it as excessive and absurd, Ian didn’t express any discontent.
Perhaps it was a natural thing.
‘Because that’s the role I should play as a collaborator.’
Fate bestowed upon him by the heavens dictated so.
Even if he expressed dissatisfaction, what could be done? There seemed to be no one else suitable to fulfill that mission.
Having regrets about things that couldn’t be changed would only make it more difficult.
‘Even if it’s tough, it’s better to keep my mouth shut and do what I have to do. That’s the wiser choice.’
The reason he silently carried out his assigned mission was also because of that.
It was an incredibly natural thing to do.
To protect the party members, defeat Lucifer, and sever the regression in order to obtain a life where there were no constraints after everything was over.
A burden too heavy for one person to bear. That was Ian’s role.
“Kkueuuk!”
“Ariel! Are you okay? Just wait a little, I’ll help you!”
“No, Hailey Instructor! I’m fine, please take care of the others first!”
It was natural for those remaining to struggle to fill the void left by Ian.
A scream involuntarily escaped from Ariel’s lips as she blocked Lucifer’s attack.
Hailey, feeling helpless, had prepared to rush to her aid, but at Ariel’s words, she hesitated and was moving those in a lifeless state to a safe place.
In Ian’s eyes, watching this scene, a spark of life gradually began to return.
“What in Glendia’s name happened while I was unconscious…?”
“Well…”
“You can tell me slowly. I’m fine.”
“Huh….”
Uncertain about how to handle Ian’s question, Glendia turned her head.
Considering that Ian had entrusted tremendous wounds to Lucifer and fainted, it might not be right to disclose the current situation to him.
However, sadly, knowing that the current situation couldn’t be resolved without Ian’s help, Glendia made up her mind and opened her frozen mouth.
“The being that emerged from the reversed wounds… was Lucifer. He discarded the human form and awakened as a true vampire.”
“…So, he eventually awakened.”
“Yes. Ian, you fainted swept away by the magical storm that flowed out when he awakened, and Illyan quickly brought you to the rear. Meanwhile, Ariel was buying time.”
Listening to Glendia’s words without realizing it, Ian took a deep breath and looked at Lucifer.
“Indeed…. It seems like he completely discarded the human form.”
Although it was only the size of a giant seen in myths, Lucifer had no proper form.
The body felt like it had moved galaxies, and on the protruding arms, weapons made of magic such as spears, axes, and swords were gripped.
Truly, the oppressive force was so immense that the body trembled involuntarily.
Ariel, who was supposed to stop him, was not in a normal state either.
Thud! Kwaaang!
“Krrrk!”
It was only blocking and protecting the colleagues behind, rather than counterattacking.
If Ian hadn’t prepared armor that could enhance her durability, he might have lost his life long ago.
And now, the situation where the already strong Lucifer had awakened. Ian, clenching his fist, asked while looking at Riana Eri.
“So, what’s the reason for you all being here?”
“We came to support because the demonic onslaught against the Empire has somewhat subsided… But Ian, your condition is like this.”
“Even without this, it would have been tough. You just added unnecessary worry.”
“Is it okay to say that when your body is in this condition?”
Eri, bowing deeply, trembled.
Watching Ian, who didn’t take care of himself even on the verge of death, it was not just frustration but also anger.
Back when they first set foot here, Glenidia, who was treating the unconscious Ian, had said something unforgettable.
“Being alive is a miracle… You probably won’t be able to move for a while…”
In a state close to death. Worries arose about what would happen if he couldn’t open his eyes.
But as soon as he stood up, he made such a statement.
Although she wanted to scold him as she pleased, Eri couldn’t spit out the words that had risen to her throat.
There was no need to speak to a sick person, and moreover, Ian probably didn’t say such things without any thought.
‘I try to act fine just to avoid worrying others…’
As someone who knew Ian’s inner thoughts, Eri could only gaze at him like this.
Tears welled up in the emotion, and at that moment when she tried to turn her head to hide it,
Thud!
“I, Ian?”
“Don’t cry. I’m really okay.”
The moment Ian’s hand, filled with scars and calluses, gently touched her eyes.
A sense of shame surged at the thought of showing a vulnerable side.
He would have never admitted to shedding tears under normal circumstances.
But there was no need for a conversation between them right now.
“…”
Just by locking eyes, it became easy for them to read each other’s emotions.
A brief exchange of glances… that alone was enough to substitute for a conversation.
Swoosh!
Ian, releasing Eri’s hand, forced a smile and looked at Ria.
“Can you help me up, Ria?”
“What, what are you planning, Ian…?”
“What am I planning? My brother is in a fight. We need to go help.”
“You’re going to fight again in this state? You can’t even move on your own.”
“It’s okay. I know my body condition the best. Probably can’t engage in prolonged combat, though.”
The moment I opened my eyes, I knew my body was not normal.
Even now, I can’t stand properly without the support of others, is there even a need to mention that?
Instead of avoiding, all I can manage is swinging the sword once.
Ian was already aware of this fact.
That’s why he had no intention of engaging in a fierce battle like before.
What Ian wanted was just one strike… with that, he intended to end this fight.
“I realized while confirming all the truths.”
Now, at this moment, how difficult a path I have walked to get here.
I kept my distance because I was afraid of losing the connection with my precious people.
Fearing the disappearance of the bonds with my loved ones, I faced another hellish regression even with happiness within reach.
Looking at that past with my own eyes, Ian could understand.
“Now is the crucial opportunity to maintain the connection with these people.”
Even if this body burns to ashes, I must end this regression this time.
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Ian deeply engraved that determined will in his heart.
“…Got it.”
With a careful motion, Ria raised Ian’s head.
“Phew…”
“Are you okay, Ian?”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”
Ian, who stood up with his body covered in wounds, immediately grabbed Nathalian’s hand.
“Use all the remaining divine energy, Neltalion.”
– All… the divine energy? Isn’t it enough to create arms?
“No. The celestial essence is fine. Even if it’s just for a moment. It’s enough for me to move my body.”
– Alright! Ian… Oh, and this…
As Neltalion used the divine energy, he pulled something out from his embrace.
It was a sword with a black blade… Lebryon.
I wondered where it had gone, but it seems Neltalion had caught it and kept it safe.
“Well done. Thank you, Neltalion.”
– Yeah. But the sword is broken… I’m sorry, Ian…
Neltalion carefully handed over the broken Lebryon.
As damaged as it was, it was already beyond use, just like her reaction.
Lucifer’s attack must have been quite severe.
“It’s alright. Don’t worry. I have a plan.”
However, Ian wasn’t particularly concerned.
Fixing the broken parts with ether would solve the problem.
After all, they just needed to withstand one attack.
“Yeah… Just one attack is enough.”
It was only natural for all worries to vanish.
***
Having restored his body with divine energy, Ian headed straight for Ariel.
Ian, who had suffered serious wounds and fallen, moved again, and the gazes of onlookers, seemingly incredulous, followed.
“You held on well. Now take a moment to rest.”
“Oh, Ian? Are you okay?”
Ariel, who had been single-handedly blocking Lucifer’s attacks, was no different.
Ian, who was thought to have no chance, rising again and joining the battle—was this even a reasonable thing?
‘Ian is standing up again…’
She didn’t say it out loud, but Ariel and the party members had a premonition that the chances of winning this battle were slim.
That was understandable, considering that even the sturdy tank Heksar and Ian had lost consciousness, enduring blows from Lucifer’s awakened attacks.
‘We were just buying time, judging that we couldn’t win.’
At that moment, Ariel began to consider retreating to seize an opportunity.
If Ian regained his senses, she planned to retreat with him and the injured, prepare thoroughly, and come back.
However, the situation was unfolding in a direction she hadn’t anticipated.
“You said to rest. And now you want to fight again? You don’t have to do that!”
Ariel, perplexed, tried to stop Ian.
“You don’t need to worry about my body. It’s not to the point where I can’t move.”
Ariel couldn’t continue speaking when she looked into Ian’s eyes.
His eyes reflected enmity towards Lucifer, deeply engraved, and determination to end everything here.
There was no room for uttering words like running away or waiting for the next opportunity.
There was only one thing Ariel could do.
“Hmm. Got it.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
Accepting Ian’s thoughts and following his judgment.
For her, still an inexperienced warrior, it was the best situation.
“Well, what do you plan to do? Saying this, but you’re not planning to jump back into battle with that body, right?”
“I have no intention of doing that. I couldn’t do it in the first place. A single attack. That’s all I can do.”
“If it’s just a single attack… then what should I do?”
“It’s simple. I’ll make Lucifer helpless with this attack, so…”
“Yeah…”
“You just need to deliver the final blow. Can you do it?”
“I’ll give it a try.”
Honestly, Ariel wasn’t sure.
She trembled at the thought of what might happen if she failed and feared that she might lose her life if she made a mistake.
But she could never refuse Ian’s proposal.
At this moment, Ian was more frightening and fearsome than anyone else.
‘Even my brother, whose body is completely broken, does this much…’
She, chosen as a warrior, had never once acted as befitting that position.
She had relied on others all her life, wanting to seize attention. Blinded by clumsy jealousy, she made things difficult for her colleagues.
At the same time, she despaired. There were times when she realized she wasn’t qualified to be a warrior and tried to give up everything.
‘I’ve lived my whole life like that. I know it too. I’m aware that I’m not qualified as a hero. But since I’ve been chosen…’
If fate determined by the heavens is a life as a hero,
Then, even once, one must show a figure befitting that.
That was the reason.
“Take care of yourself.”
“Sure, I’ll ask for that.”
The reason Elysion could tightly grasp Ian’s hand as he moved forward silently.
The situation where Ariel had conveyed the plan to him.
Now, all that remained was to inflict a fatal wound on Lucifer.
Lucifer and the venomous Ian faced each other nonchalantly.
Roaaar!
“Even if awakened, does it mean you haven’t lost your will?”
There was no conversation, but the magic flowing from his body contained dense determination.
How he stood up again. Even if he returned, there would be nothing but death. Why he wielded a sword… that’s probably the story he wanted to tell.
Kwooong!
As the earth slowly trembled, the magic lingering in the air began to seep into the weapons held by Lucifer.
Admiration involuntarily arose at the appearance of gathering all the energy in Astelgia.
But it’s not a job where you can just be surprised by seeing that.
“No need for conversation, is that it… Fine. Ether.”
Ian, too, reassembled the shattered Lebrion and gathered all the mana.
Quaaah!
All the memories of his journey so far begin to dissolve into his mana.
Even the memories he wanted to avoid, like pain, sadness, and despair, were not missed by Ian.
Because he knew that he had grown from them, he couldn’t possibly discard them.
He encompasses everything. With that thought in mind, Ian grasped his sword.
Hwaaah!
Lucifer and Ian. The energies flowing from their bodies began to dominate their respective domains.
Soon, their weapons would clash, and the moment the winner was decided, the loser’s domain would be shattered, and they would lose their lives.
But at this point, there was no fear.
Shiik!
“Come at me!”
Quaaang!
The attacks of the two collided. The powers of magic and mana, two energies that could never be mixed, as if they were determined not to yield, began to engulf each other.
Kuwaagaa!
“Kreuugh! Unleash Valhalla. Glendia!”
“Ariel! It’s dangerous if you’re there!”
“I’m fine! Protect the others first!”
The entire space was swept away.
The collision of Lucifer’s domain, filled with the will to annihilate all living things, and Ian’s domain, filled with the desire to never give up.
When the two domains collided, an enormous gust of wind accompanied by a deafening noise erupted.
“Hoo… Hoo… Cough, gasp!”
Ian’s expression crumpled as he fully absorbed the impact.
‘I thought I had recovered my body miraculously. Was it too much of a stretch…’
His body had been in ruins for a long time already.
Externally, it might have looked somewhat intact, but internally, it had burst open and continued to spill blood incessantly.
In a state similar to a dying mountain, probably heading straight to death if all the divine power was depleted.
‘Lucifer’s resistance is harsher than expected. I need to finish this as quickly as possible…’
Gradually, abnormalities appeared in his body as well.
Trembling arms without respite and a body losing strength continuously. The divine power was rapidly depleting, reaching a state where it could no longer support the body.
Of course, Lucifer was also suffering severe wounds in real-time… but he was probably doing much better than Ian.
‘Damn… Is it not going well.’
He wasn’t sure how much longer he could endure.
Even though he had vowed to burn his whole being, it seemed to end up in failure once again.
Kwaaang!
“Grooaaargh!”
Ian’s domain began to recede gradually. Lucifer’s power, which had been nourishing Ian, started to be gradually swallowed.
“My strength…”
Ian no longer had the strength to even hold the sword.
His domain was left with just enough to wrap around his body.
Will it be swallowed like this… Is eternal death the only future?
It was the moment when he sensed the end that he tightly closed his eyes.
Bam!
“Jo, just hold on a little longer. I’ll help you.”
“Haley… Instructor?”
The sight of Haley grabbing Ian’s hand, which was gradually slipping away, and pushing once again.
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Did she come through the barrier to help?
“How on earth.”
As I shifted my gaze to her struggling words, Ian could see.
“Oh, my right arm….”
“I sacrificed one arm to survive the shock. It’s okay, don’t worry about it…. It’s just an arm.”
The image of her missing right arm… She had used a curse ritual sacrificing her body to survive in the shockwave and had come here.
Did she say she had flown her arm to help herself?
Looking at her as if he couldn’t understand, Haley smirked as if it were cool.
“I couldn’t even apologize…. I can’t let you go.”
“Because of that….”
“Of course, that’s one reason, but there’s another. The people behind me weren’t just watching.”
As Haley finished speaking, mana began to be transmitted from her hand to Ian.
Not only her mana but also Ilyan and Glendia, and finally, Eri, Ria, Bianca, and even Reyna.
All the mana possessed by the colleagues behind was being transmitted.
‘Ha….’
I guess it’s not enough to just watch.
As I inherit their mana, my eyes become wide and a faint sense of shame rises within me.
While my comrades in the rear are wishing for victory, I can’t lift my head because I briefly thought about defeat.
“Yeah… If they provide this much help.”
It must be the right thing to do, to win as they desire.
“It’s a bit tough. Will you help me?”
“Yeah… Even if it costs me my life, I’ll help you.”
Ian, who raised the corners of his mouth at the warmth flowing from their touching hands, once again infused power into his sword.
“I was wrong. I couldn’t defeat him just by accepting his memories.”
Now that I think about it, it might have been the wrong approach from the beginning.
To be honest, Ian was confident that if he reached the level of Grand Master, he could defeat Lucifer.
But now, he realized that he might have been completely wrong.
Simply accepting the memories he had been avoiding all this time wouldn’t be enough to defeat a god.
“Simply accepting is not enough… I have to pour all of those experiences into it.”
He had to put everything into this attack.
The meaning of it was simple.
To gather the experiences forged through 1083 regressions and all the memories he had lived as Lee Hyunwoo.
“If I can contain all those memories, they will naturally disappear. But now, it’s okay.”
For the sake of a true happy ending, it would be better if there were no memories tainted with misery.
“What I wanted was a life spent with precious people. That’s why I walked this path. If I can contain all the memories and seize that happiness…”
I willingly give it to you.
That was the moment.
[Preparing for the final blow that contains all memories.]
[Except for this chapter, all memories will disappear. Are you really going to contain the memories?]
“What are you asking?”
The moment Ian smiled at the emerging status window.
“Of course, I have to contain them.”
[Converting all memories obtained through regression into experiences.]
[Contain this experience in the current attack!]
Kagagak!
The moment Ian’s domain, which had been pushed into a corner when he contained the memories, began to revive.
Mana started to revive with a momentum that couldn’t be compared to before.
“Crackle!”
Lucifer, sensing that this was an abnormal phenomenon, put even more strength into it, thinking that he couldn’t fall behind like this.
Whaaack!
“Crackraaack!”
There was no way to stop Ian’s mana, which kept surging without a break, from pushing out his domain.
Ian accepted all 27,075 years of experience, meticulously cultivated through 1,083 regressions, without missing a single one.
Shaaack!
“Crackraaack!”
The vast realm of Ian grew endlessly, as his magic obliterated Lucifer’s and his sword began to cleave Lucifer apart.
“Now is the time! Ariel!”
Amidst the screams that swallowed blood, Ian felt his vision blur.
What he last saw was simple.
“Now, leave it to me, Oppa.”
Crack!
“Kraaah!”
As flesh was torn apart, the Holy Sword Elysion pierced Lucifer’s exposed heart.
Ting!
[Defeated the possessed Lucifer!]
[Truly well done. Ian Volkov… no, Mr. Lee Hyunwoo.]
Upon receiving the long-awaited notification, Ian raised the corners of his mouth and closed his eyes.
that was a dramatic clash of power