24 – Pilgrimage Trail (2)
Magic.
On the first day fallen into this world, Li-An awakened an unprecedented power. The criterion distinguishing awakened individuals from ordinary people, the unique rules existing in the entire atmosphere of this world.
All Li-An knew about magic was that it encompassed everything. Speeding up the body, enhancing regenerative abilities, and amplifying destructive power.
Though he attached the term “mageseek” to it, in conclusion…
“I still don’t know much about magic.”
Li-An had no intention of denying his ignorance. It was about clearly distinguishing his own strengths and weaknesses—a habit he had carried since his past life.
So, what were his strengths?
“The body.”
More precisely, everything related to the body.
Among them, the memory capacity of the body was also included.
Zzzzt…!
The magic spreading from the heart infused Li-An’s entire body with powerful vitality. Normally, it would have ended there.
“The expansion of the sensation I felt just now. I’ll mimic that.”
In accordance with Li-An’s will, the magic circulating through his body simultaneously surged through both eyes. An expanding field of vision accompanied by exhilarating sensations.
Swoosh!
At that moment, acidic fluid spewed from the large creature’s mouth, engulfing Li-An.
But faster than that, his reinforced telekinesis sensed it.
Li-An simply turned his head to the side, evading the acidic fluid.
Chiiing!
Even with the fierce sound coming from behind, Li-An’s expression remained nonchalant. Becoming infinitely calm during battle was also one of the talents he had possessed since his past life.
Li-An slowly raised his head, calmly staring at the large creatures.
Two of them.
It seemed that one of them was following the Muller group.
Up close, it was definitely massive. It was as if a gigantic shadow had appeared beneath the barren wasteland.
“Do you plan to play with it?”
Just by hearing their cries, I could tell.
Kiki kiki kick…!
A physique that was overwhelmingly smaller than the prey I had hunted before. Moreover, there was no weapon in their hands.
It’s not unreasonable to let your guard down.
Lian smiled slightly and summoned his strength. How long has it been since someone let their guard down after seeing his appearance?
At least he could boast that no one had done so since he became a soldier.
“Let’s see how long you can keep that up.”
Lian instantly enhanced his body and leaped into the air.
Kaddeuduk!
A scream-like sound echoed from the muscles in his shoulders as they rotated to their limit.
A precarious situation that seemed like it could break at any moment. But Lian’s talent wouldn’t allow that.
The vulnerable areas became even stronger, and the cohesion became incomparable to before.
“Just as I expected.”
In a situation that matched his predictions without a single error, Lian raised the corners of his mouth.
The more he pushed himself to the limit, the stronger his body became.
Until now, he had been uncertain, but now he could be certain.
From Noble mtl dot com
The impact laden with weight surged forward.
Thwaaang!
Along with a powerful shockwave, the colossal beast’s body was pierced through.
Unbelievably potent force emanated from that small fist.
A gaping hole, several times larger than the fist, opened in the center of the creature’s torso, and it screamed.
Simultaneously, countless tentacles shot up from the ground, blocking Lian’s path.
Resembling a gigantic cage.
Squaaack!
In the next moment, tentacles crisscrossed in the air like a net, lashing down towards Lian.
Swoosh!
At the moment when the colossal beings, confident of their victory, gazed down at the dust-covered ground.
“Fools.”
In a voice that shouldn’t have been heard, the colossal beings finally realized something was amiss and swiftly retracted their tentacles.
Crash!
It was already after more than half of the tentacles had been severed.
…!!
Astonished gazes of the monsters all turned towards Lian simultaneously. More precisely, towards the weapon in his hand.
The silent blade. Overlaid with a radiant blue glow.
‘Nobody’s watching anyway.’
Unless Muller was nearby, there was only one human standing in the desolate wasteland – Lian.
No matter how exceptional Miler’s vision was, he wouldn’t have the luxury to pay attention to this side while being chased by another giant creature.
Grrrooar!!
Was it only now that he realized he had been deceived? Enraged giants exposed their massive bodies to the ground.
A heavy, deafening noise echoed across the land. From the severed section crafted by Lian, new flesh was rapidly regenerating.
A regenerative power incomparable to medium-sized creatures.
Because of these monsters, veteran mercenaries would gather in dozens for a hunt.
Kwaang! A tentacle narrowly passed by, piercing behind Lian. Dust scattered, narrowing his field of vision.
And with that, his senses heightened.
The flow of air. Grains of sand popping against his skin.
Feeling such things, he responded to attacks coming from all directions.
Shlurp!
The dagger, rotating once in Lian’s grip, instantly transformed into the shape of a gun. Though the surroundings were filled with dust, it posed no problem for Lian, who had roamed the Middle East for years.
Estimating the direction of Focalos, he raised his magic once again.
Thaang…!
With a thunderous noise, the magically imbued bullet pierced through the sandstorm.
Kiaaah…!
And then, it explosively hit Focalos’ body terrifyingly.
“I got him.”
Having scored a direct hit, there was no need for further hesitation.
Swish! Shlurp!
The slider at the top makes a smooth sound as it slides and spits out casings onto the ground.
Dudududududududududududu!
The rapid fire of the pistol is unbelievable. Not only does it cause significant damage to Fokalos, but it also intercepts the movements of the tentacles shooting towards this side.
If someone else had seen Lian’s appearance, they would have mistaken him for a veteran gunner who had rolled through the battlefield for many years.
Tick!
The moment when he used up all the bullets.
Kigigigik…!
As if waiting, Fokalos’ beak is pushed right in front of Lian’s nose.
However, Lian, without even blinking an eye, extends a fist full of mana.
As if reminiscent of a whirlwind, the mana in the air is sucked in at once.
And with that, everything was shattered and moved forward.
Kwajijijijijik!
An incessant barrage without a moment to breathe. In the fleeting moment when Fokalos’ beak opens and closes, Lian thrusts in over a dozen blows.
The destructive power was so strong that the newly designed Fokalos, when struck, was pushed back slightly.
However…
It is Lian who is spitting blood.
“Damn it.”
Lian ignored the pain in his throbbing chest. At first glance, it may seem like he has the upper hand, but in reality, it is the complete opposite.
“So shallow.”
He was only forcibly continuing the battle with his unique talent, which should have ended long ago.
Chwaak!
As evidence, Lian’s body was gradually covered in wounds.
It was impossible to break through the dozens, no, hundreds of tentacles.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
While even one hit from them could be fatal, they seemed unaffected. They quickly recovered as if asking when they got hurt.
The holes that were made in the beginning were already sealed. The skin was incredibly tough, giving the illusion of hitting a steel plate. Lian wiped the blood dripping from his mouth and activated his mana once again.
“…!”
A massive tentacle shot diagonally. Crack! Lian’s new body, which allowed the attack, was sent flying.
“Damn bastard.”
Lian cursed with a rough breath and tightened his broken left arm.
At least he managed to block, but if he had failed, his spine would have been broken.
Crack! Crack!
Gradually, Lian began to be pushed back. Intense pain reverberated throughout his body. But Lian’s pupils still retained their color.
“Damn you, Muller.”
Lian cursed Muller, who was not present. He wished he could look around to see where he went, but he didn’t even have the luxury to do that.
Am I going to die?
The question arose in his mind. Lian asked himself, then immediately raised his head.
“Not dying.”
There was something Lian regretted the most. It was not being able to strike the man who resurrected him just before he died.
Was it because he couldn’t catch him with his hands? Of course, that man was not human, and his physical form was closer to a soul, but still.
“Can’t die twice from injustice.”
Lian laughed heartily, adjusting his posture. Then, he channeled all the magic within his body into his right hand. Simultaneously, a looming sense of crisis approached. However, Lian did not retract his decision.
Thud, thud, thud…!
It’s coming.
To devour its wounded prey in one gulp.
The earth cracked with a roar, revealing its terrifying maw.
Lian took a deep breath, thrusting his fist forward.
Although he was not a herbivore and had not learned proper martial arts, ‘I will break it.’
His determination and overwhelming talent were enough to bridge the gap in his vast learning.
As if leaping through space, his strike advanced, colliding head-on with Pocalos.
Crunch…!
It crumpled like a crushed can. The body rapidly compressed, blood and entrails bursting out, dyeing the surroundings in a red stench. It was an undeniable instant death.
“Kuh… huh…”
Lian collapsed on the spot, groaning as the recoil of seeking power beyond his limits engulfed him. He vomited blood, slowly lifting his gaze.
Squelch…!
“Ha…”
Lian opened his mouth, releasing a hollow laughter. There was still one more, but he had no strength to move.
At that moment.
Chwajwajwajwajwajwajwajwajwajwajwajwaj!
With a terrifying sound, Focalos stopped moving in his tracks. And then, he shattered into dozens of pieces and fell to the ground.
“……”
Lian’s gaze slowly shifted. Above Focalos’ corpse stood a woman dressed in a white cloak.
Her eyes, which had been looking down at her surroundings while firmly planting a giant sword as big as her body in the ground, suddenly widened.
“Oh, you were alive?”
“……”
Then, she descended gracefully and extended her hand to Lian.
Her golden hair was so voluminous that it flowed down to her cloak. Despite having just defeated a horse moments ago, she had a slender appearance that was hard to believe.
She smiled and spoke.
“I am Aliana, a servant of Axt.”
******