New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (2/3 chapters)
The Phantom of Rhizomata (2)
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I ran at full speed, weaving between the falling debris. Having been subjected to gravity magic until just now, my body felt lighter than I had imagined.
“……Schwer………ch(Press Down)!” (Anfan)
“I won’t let you!” (Jack)
I reached him faster than his incantation could finish. Every time, Anfan switched his chant.
“Eröffnung (Open Up)!” (Anfan)
He jumped into the teleportation portal, avoiding my sword strike. The next place he appeared was a short distance away.
“Next bullet, loading―――fire!” (Shia)
I didn’t know when she had learned it, but Shia was floating her body using Air Pressure Control and moving smoothly. Each time her aim was set, she accelerated with the same skill and fired magical bullets.
The swift magical bullets traced a straight trajectory, closing in on the magician.
“Eröffnung (Open Up)…!” (Anfan)
And then, that arrow was swallowed by the portal site.
The opening destination was right in front of Shia. The magical bullet she had shot was reversed and launched back at her.
” Eröffnung (Open Up)!” (Anfan)
But Yustin immediately transported it away to protect her. The arrow passed by Shia and struck the collapsed wall behind her. I swung my sword at Anfan while running.
” Brandstifter (Arson Shooting)―――Triplikat (Triple)! Eiswand (Barrier)!” (Anfan)
In response, Anfan created both fire magic and a barrier in front of him simultaneously. My attack was blocked by that wall, and in retaliation, a three-fold fire magic attack came rushing at me.
Time control…!
My heartbeat quickened. As three flames approached slowly in the accelerated world, I unleashed anti-mana bullets from the Insignia Arms on my right arm and nullified all of them.
“Ugh, how petty…!” (Anfan)
Anfan was also growing increasingly frustrated. However, even while being attacked by three people, he showed no signs of running out of mana. As expected of a high-ranking member of the magic guild, his use of magic and the amount of manar he possessed were incredible.
If only… if only one of my or Shia’s attacks could hit… He likely has evasion and defensive capabilities, but his body’s armor was weak. So, if I could land even one hit, it should be able to deal a fatal blow.
“Shotgun (Shotflinte)……Triple (Cut)!” (Shia)
“Übergang (Rebirth)!” (Yustin)
It seemed both Shia and Yustin thought the same thing and decided to increase the number of bullets in one shot. The countless magic bullets that unfolded behind Yustin, in a variety of colors, surged toward their father. This was merely a diversion.
Shia’s arrows would be the main attack afterwards.
” Schwerkraft (Press Down)!” (Anfan)
However, those three consecutive arrows were also brought down by gravity magic before they could reach their target. It was never-ending. I still had some stamina left, but if I dawdled, there was a possibility that Emped would be fully revived. Right now, the underground of the castle continued to rumble, but I had no idea what kind of reaction would occur next.
At the timing of my third charge at Anfan, a voice was thrown to everyone.
“Shia Randall! Yustin! Here…!” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama, who had been crouching at the edge, threw something toward each of them. Shia and Yustin caught it. What was handed to them seemed to be from the Volga series. What Yustin received was a blue glass tube, the same Aquaram Volga he was used to. It was an ice staff that amplified magical power. And the Volga thrown to Shia was something I had never seen before.
From a distance, it looked like a wooden tube…
“The Aerial Volga… your parents will help you!” (Sylphid)
That wooden tube was indeed the Aerial Volga. It was the mysterious power that Shia’s parents had risked their lives to protect. Now, it was in her hands, providing her strength.
After gazing intently at it, Shia extended her arm and poured in mana. Then, distorted wooden branches sprouted from both ends of the wooden tube. The tips of those branches were strung with green mana. Shia was also astonished by that sight.
“……..Is this a bow?” (Shia)
It seemed that the Aerial Volga was a weapon of archery.
—
“Starkung (Enhancement)―――von pat (One shot)!” (Anfan)
Taking advantage of my momentary distraction as I watched Shia, Anfan cast an enhancement spell on his right arm.His augmented fist came rushing at me with increased force. The stronger the caster’s magic, the more powerful their physical abilities could be enhanced. It might be obvious, but Anfan’s boundless magic power also worked wonders in enhancement magic.
Therefore, even Anfan, who was not well-versed in martial arts, could unleash a strike that was the strongest.
“That was close…!” (Lost)
I avoided that fast punch with a backflip to create some distance. However, if I created too much distance, it would take time to close in again, and I knew I would fall prey to the gravity magic. So, I maintained a moderate distance.
“You fell for it…! Schwerkraft (Press Down)!” (Anfan)
Just like this.
I messed up again. I got caught in the negative chain of gravity magic… No matter how exhausted I was, this battle was too sloppy. It was a critical moment.
Get it together, me!
My body once again felt heavy, as if I were carrying a weight.
Moreover, this time, Anfan seemed to be holding nothing back. He had applied maximum weight from the very start. The weight was sapping not only my physical strength but also my willpower.
“Ugh…” (Jack)
“Lost-kun, it’s your turn first. It will be much easier once you, the bomber, are out of the picture…!” (Anfan)
And then, that enhanced fist approached.
Golden mana coursed along his legs and arms. His charge was fast. While Colin used enhancement magic as well, the method of enhancement was different, and the colors visible to the eye were also different.
――――At that moment, the roar of artillery echoed.
I felt a change in air pressure. Surely Anfan felt it too. A flow of air I had never experienced before. As if engulfing everything, the arrow of the strong horn was about to pierce Anfan’s body.
That was launched by Shia. It was no ordinary arrow. The sound drowned out even the rumbling of the castle. The trajectory of the comet due to the Aerial Volga.
“No matter how many times, it’s the same. Eröffnung (Open Up)!” (Anfan)
Anfan transported the projectile that was about to pierce him at the last moment. The portal that opened redirected it right in front of Shia, setting a trap for counterattack. The great fangs unleashed with all his strength were absorbed as a means of the enemy’s attack, literally preparing to strike back.
Yustin also extended his left hand, attempting to chant the incantation to open a portal, but the blade was too fast and too close. His comrades’ support was too late, and the arrow was about to hit Shia’s head.
“I’m fine!” (Shia)
Thereupon, Sylphid-sama shouted. The assurance of the sage who created the Aerial Volga. Even with that backing, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the great fangs would still attack Shia.
However――――it curved…!
The massive blade wrapped in air pressure that appeared before Shia changed its trajectory and grazed her side. Green particles trailed from the arrow’s fletching, veering widely off course. Shia passed through it with a composed expression.
“It curved…?” (Shia)
Then, that arrow made a large trajectory change and approached Anfan once again. The reversal was an unexpected movement. Anfan, witnessing that curving living arrow, furrowed his brow.
“What… is this, the power of Aerial Volga…?” (Anfan)
It was a projectile that tracked the targeted opponent until the end. The blade, unaware of betrayal, became a condemning arrow aimed at this man who had continued to betray everything.
“Ch… Eröffnung (Open Up)!!” (Anfan)
Even if he tried to transport it again, it was the same. No matter how far he pushed it away, that arrow continued to chase Anfan with a tremendous sound. Furthermore, Shia was preparing to follow up with that condemning arrow.
That Volga was a secret weapon protected by Shia’s parents. The weapon imbued with the affection of parent and child was in stark contrast to the merciless magic produced by Anfan.
“Ugh, Randall. Is this the consequence of revenge… you wretched Schwerkraft (Press Down)!” (Anfan)
This time, the weight did not bear down on him. Although there was some deceleration, the power of Volga surpassed the gravity magic and continued to soar without a sign of stopping.
“Ugh, damn it…!” (Anfan)
“Shotgun (Shotflinte)………Triple(Cut)!” (Shia)
At that moment, Shia added three shots to her follow-up. It seemed a flame of revenge had ignited within her. Even though it became three shots, each maintained its power, and the particles of light reminiscent of a comet spread out to surround Anfan from three directions.
” Eröffnung (Open Up)……!!” (Anfan)
In response, Anfan desperately tried to push those arrows away.
Even after transporting them, those arrows continued to pursue him. Anfan was unable to fend them off. The sight of four arrows circling around Anfan reminded me of the pursuit-type light magic, Intense Ray, that I had struggled to evade back in Urban Fraternity. The serpentine trajectory of those arrows resembled a four-headed serpent (Orochi) devouring its prey.
“Tou-sama…” (Yustin)
Yustin was also watching his father’s struggle.
“Such physical attacks… Brandstifter (Arson Shooting)!” (Anfan)
That father attempted to incinerate the arrows. However, even that was overwhelmed by the overwhelming wind pressure and was extinguished. That feeling of powerlessness was likely the moment when the charismatic magician felt the most defeated. With a look of shock on his face, his movements stopped for an instant――――.
“Ugh―――!” (Anfan)
And finally, a single hit pierced his abdomen.
That shock halted the movements of the middle-aged mage, and all three remaining serpents gouged into his body. The cool face that had shown signs of confidence until now twisted in pain.
“Guh…!” (Anfan)
It was undoubtedly a fatal wound. Two of the four arrows had pierced through Anfan’s body from his back, while the other two had penetrated his heart and abdomen.
He vomited blood from his mouth. The mage halted his movements. With the vibrations of the castle, his body staggered and collapsed against the nearby pedestal.
—
―――Did we win?
The blade of revenge unleashed by Shia stopped the movements of this embodiment of evil. It was a victory claimed by Shia Randall. Yet, she showed no expression of triumph.
Her beautiful hair, cascading like a waterfall, was swept back as she gazed steadily at the defeated opponent. …There was no sense of accomplishment or clarity. Even though she had avenged her parents, it was nothing less than revenge that tore apart a family. She understood that the cycle of battle could birth new resentments.
“Tou-sama!!” (Yustin)
Then, that son involuntarily rushed toward his parent’s gruesome form.
Anfan’s movements had ceased. That was also the wish of his son. So, Yustin would surely not harbor any resentment toward Shia.
…We watched as Yustin leaned toward his father. That father-son duo was now just a father and son. No longer a charismatic mage, nor a just great mage. They had cast aside all those titles. Whether that father would accept it was another matter…
“Yuu………ugh…!” (Anfan)
“Tou-sama…! Tou-sama…!” (Yustin)
Their conversation was not coherent. However, perhaps not wanting to abandon him, Yustin was desperately casting healing on his father. Shia showed no signs of stopping her healing either. It seemed she could not be so cruel as to deliver the finishing blow.
However, those four condemning arrows seemed to have pierced quite deeply. Even enhancing healing magic, recovery was slow. Well, one method could be to have Anfan repent for his sins after being revived.
―――Revival?
Amidst that father-son interaction, I noticed that the vibrations in the castle had settled down.
“Huh? Speaking of which, what about Emped’s revival…?” (Lost)
The moment I voiced that question, a discordant sound echoed throughout the castle. It sounded like large claws scratching the underground, accompanied by a rumbling sound. The sound of the earth splitting… All kinds of sounds combined, and Azalea Castle began to collapse.
In the next moment, a fissure opened in the floor from the center of the pedestal of Volcanic Volga, tearing the ground apart. The pedestal, which had been blinking red and black, intensified its ominous red-black glow and enveloped the Schwarzschild Household.
“What the?!” (Jack)
“……It seems Emped has been resurrected.” (Sylphid)
Sylphid-sama informed us from behind.
The floor, which I thought had cracked, became fragmented like tumbling blocks and was sucked deep into the ground. The walls that had enclosed the hall also turned into block-like fine particles and were drawn into the earth. I, Shia, and even the Schwarzschild family were bewildered by the sight we had never seen before.
The vibrations were no longer the kind that could allow us to stand on two legs. Both Shia and I stumbled and placed our hands on the ground to support each other.
“Rhizomata Volga…!” (Lost)
The hall and corridors of the castle were all connected, and before we knew it, the field had transformed into a massive rubble stage that exceeded the boundaries of the great hall. From the gaps in the collapsed castle walls, some of the outside scenery was now fully visible. It seemed the long battle had caused the night to fall, and even the starry sky was reflected in our view. And in the center of that enormous stage, a large hole gaped wide open. It looked like a chasm connected to the depths of the abyss.
From the center of that great hole, a strong light source appeared. What floated up were overlapping circular rings. Those overlapping circular rings rotated freely, forming a sphere. In the hollow center of the rotating rings―――a chaotic vortex of red-black magical power was swirling outward.
Is that the Rhizomata Volga?
That red-black vortex of magical power felt oddly familiar―――.
“Mage Emped!” (??)
And before our eyes, a single humanoid phantom flickered in the air. A tattered black cloak covered its entire body, and black magical energy swirled around it like steam. Its movements gave no appearance of human will. It floated about like a marionette, swaying aimlessly. I strained my eyes, but I could not discern what kind of face the humanoid had.
Is that the great mage Emped, who is said to be the embodiment of evil…? I could tell it was cloaked in a powerful dark aura, but it showed no actions that would instill a sense of threat.
—
(POV switch – Anfan)
It was a defeat, but in terms of achieving my objective, it was also a victory for me. In my hazy consciousness, I gazed at the black phantom rising in the void.
That… would become our hope as mages.
The resurrection of the ancient great magician Emped… it had become the foundation of my longed-for pursuit of truth. Though I had mastered gravity magic at the university, I could not withstand the pressure from the upper echelons of the magic guild and felt limited in my ability to develop new magic.
Gravity magic was developed by another magician. I had merely researched it by following in their footsteps. Even the “teleportation magic”, which I believed could be achieved by elucidating gravity and applying the principles of wormholes, had already been patented by another magician. The so-called elite I had been was reduced to a mere magician trailing behind someone else’s inventions.
However, my best friend from university, Isaiah Aldridge, seemed to have gained inspiration from investigating a certain ruin and created an unprecedented magic known as “time magic”. Though he had been labeled a dropout at university, his achievements were recognized, and he easily surpassed the pressures from the magic research institution.
To me, who saw Aldridge as both a best friend and a rival, his great accomplishment was beyond jealousy; it was worthy of admiration. Moreover, he seemed to have changed his personality completely, discarding all his accomplishments and leaving the magic university behind. He prioritized his reputation as a noble instead.
I transitioned into a position at the Magic Guild, but I still could not give up. To end my days as just a magician was something I could not allow for the pride of the Schwarzschild Household. Thus, what I aimed for was the resurrection of the mage Emped, who had become a symbol of evil floating there. At my age now, I no longer cared about my own reputation. However, as a magician, I wanted to contribute something to the magical world. What I came up with was the revival of an ancient charismatic figure. I believed in the further prosperity of magic.
“……Heh… hehehe… with this, I will be rewarded…” (Anfan)
I had caused my son various troubles. However, once he became a little more mature, he would understand the meaning of what I had done. I slowly closed my eyes, just a step away from falling asleep.
“………Something is off. Is that Emped…? No, something is different!” (Sylphid)
That voice reached my ears just before the world turned dark. The wind sage Sylphid, who had become one of the five great spirits, was someone who had seen the real Emped. Her words carried credibility while simultaneously irritating me.
“Different… you say…?” (Jack)
I glared at that fairy-like figure floating in the air, which was similarly drifting like Emped.
“Is this the shell of the magician Emped?” (Sylphid)
“A shell…?” (Lost)
Immediately after that shocking truth was revealed, the phantom of Emped absorbed something from the red-black vortex of Rhizomata Volga behind him. Crackling red lightning stimulated its body, seemingly drawing energy from it.
“B, B, B-B-B… Guo Guo… Guo Guo!” (Emped)
Emped emitted incomprehensible shrieks. It was far removed from the image of the charismatic mage I had envisioned. There was no trace of reason or intelligence. It resembled nothing more than a mere monster wrapped in black magical energy, seen in forests or plains.
Then, having finished charging with the red-black energy of Rhizomata Volga in the air, it spread its arms and legs wide, celebrating with a sinister aura. The purple lightning it scattered fell upon me and Yuu like fangs.
“Watch out! Tou-sama, let’s escape from here!” (Yustin)
Supported by my son’s shoulder, I was slowly carried toward where Sylphid and Lost-kun were. However…
“Guo! Guo Guo―――――!” (Emped)
When I looked back, I noticed that the shell of Emped had grown even larger. Its zombie-like decayed mouth was capturing us, the parent and child. It slowly approached us from the air.
“The two of Schwarzschild… hurry and escape!” (Sylphid)
Despite having said just moments ago that she would purge him, Sylphid was now worried about me. The spirit of caring for the good people was truly remarkable.
“Sylphid-sama, what does this mean…? Is that the great magician Emped?” (Jack)
“I don’t know why, but what is there is not Emped! It is the corpse of Emped, completely devoid of soul and mana! Just a mere corpse!” (Sylphid)
“Are you saying Emped was already dead?” (Jack)
“No… I don’t think that can be the case… However, what is there is merely a vessel.” (Sylphid)
Just a vessel…
Have I used all the power and subordinates I could for such a thing and displayed such an embarrassing appearance? The corpse of Emped… where has the essence of that corpse gone?
Was my plan mistaken?
“Tou-sama, stay strong!” (Yustin)
Carrying such a pathetic father, my son desperately pulled on my arm. He had good eyes, resembling his mother. I was truly glad that he didn’t inherit my trifling eyes, which could make him look fearsome. In that desperate rescue, memories of the days I spent with my late wife came flooding back. I realized that Yustin might be my last hope. My wife had left me with a boy who resembled me. But that innocent face was struck directly by a bolt of purple lightning.
“Ugh―――ahh!” (Yustin)
Emped the Phantom was closing in right behind us. A hole opened in Yustin’s cheek, and blood gushed out uncontrollably. It seemed he had lost consciousness from the shock.
“Guo………Ooooh!” (Emped)
That phantom extended its arms toward Yuu’s body, pulling him in with a telekinetic force. My son’s body was drifting away from my arms.
“Yustin! Sylphid, what is Emped doing?!” (Jack)
“It might be like a monster seeking a mana stone, starving for the mana of an exceptional magician…” (Sylphid)
“What, are you saying Yustin is going to be devoured?!?!” (Jack)
Starving for the mana of an exceptional mage… I see. I am already a dying man, having used up almost all my magic power. That’s why Emped chose to pull in my son. Is it trying to consume the living magic power of a body? I won’t let that happen. I’m finished, but Yuu still has a future.
“………Ugh…” (Anfan)
Summoning the remaining power, I conjured fire. It was a very poorly-made fireball. I aimed it at Emped, but its power was so weak that it showed no sign of being affected. In the meantime, Yustin was being captured by the corpse of Emped, trying to merge with that decaying body.
“……Return my son………!” (Anfan)
With the last of my strength, I clumsily dove into the corpse of Emped. My tackle, collapsing onto it, pushed Emped’s corpse down into the abyss. However, I was falling down with it. For such a thing, I had wagered half my life. To die here together might be a fitting end for someone who had repeated failures.
The sensation of floating down with the corpse of Emped. That fall to the bottom of the abyss… the stars in the night sky above seemed more beautiful than ever.
“Guo………Aaaahhhh………Oooooo!” (Emped)
Is Emped the Phantom screaming?
It felt as if this puppet possessed human emotions. I could feel the dense black cloak wrapping around me, trying to make a last-ditch effort to cling to my body and taint my insides.
But this is the end. Fall into hell with me.
There, Emped made one last desperate effort. Using telekinesis, he pulled Yustin’s body, which had been knocked close to the edge of the cliff, back toward him, dragging Yustin down into the abyss as well.
“Bo… Bo… Bo…” (Emped)
That rhythmic groan sounded almost like laughter.
How much do you desire my Yuu, this corpse…?
Yustin was accelerating toward me, pulled by Emped’s telekinesis.
If he merged with Emped like this, Yuu’s future would be…
“Damn it… Schwerkraft (Press Down)!” (Anfan)
By applying gravity magic to myself, I accelerated Emped’s corpse into deeper layers at high speed. With this much weight added, even if it tried to float, it wouldn’t be able to rise easily.
“Vooouuu…” (Emped)
But Emped did not give up, continuing to pull Yustin closer.
Suddenly, memories of my days with my son on the Rivarda Continent flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern. Those were short days, but I believed they were a rich few months for our family.
―――If I lose this fight, I’ll quietly go to the magic university…
―――I am……… the just great magician!
―――And you value teamwork.
―――Understood!
―――Tou-sama! The townspeople are…!
―――You can think that the miracle to be wrought requires an appropriate sacrifice.
We had more conversations than when we were at the mansion. Looking back, I felt that Yustin had approached me more. Yuu had tried his best to stay with me during our life in this labyrinth city.
To fill the gaps in our father-son relationship… But I have used this child’s feelings for my own ambitions… My body is already mostly fused with Emped’s corpse. I no longer have any sensation in my lower half. All I have left was my vision, my accustomed left arm, and the desire to save my son. At the very least, I would showcase the skills of the great mage I was said to be.
“Yuu………” (Anfan)
Thinking this may be my last chance to see his face, I regret not having spent more time with my son than I had in the past. His youthful face, resembling his late mother, and the typical silver hair and deep blue eyes of the Schwarzschild Household. Yustin… your mana, and your future ahead. You must forge your own path into your future.
“So……… Eröffnung (Open Up)…!!” (Anfan)
Summoning the remaining strength, I snapped my fingers.
With all the mana I had left, I created a teleportation portal before me. As soon as I thought my son’s body was sucked into it, he was expelled far above ground. The portal site quickly vanished afterwards.
I “opened” a bridge to the future. What remained was me, clinging to the past. Now, all that was left was to fall with this corpse. With that, I felt at ease…
Yuu… don’t ever become a magician like this…
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