Chapter 50: The White Army Part 1

[???: Just what the hell is he?]

Several of the highest-ranked analysts of the Crimson Empire were observing the small battle from their battleship located in space above the planet. Thanks to advanced technology, they could monitor a battle from millions of miles away in real time, but no technology could explain what was happening on their holo-screens.

The first anomaly was the strange violet spear of unknown energy that completely mutilated Colossi, something unthinkable for anyone who had not yet achieved Lower Circle Tier. The sneak attack failed so miserably that they immediately called off all future attempts. Silently, they all came to the same conclusion—there was only one way to fight this type of threat, and it was the simplest: swarm the enemy.

The Crimson Empire's Mech count vastly outnumbered the Kollos Alliance's at a ratio of 24 to 1. Their decision, however, was incredibly shortsighted, as they abandoned their defenses in all other sectors to converge on this single planet. In essence, they traded their entire empire for the lives of the non-rankers on this planet. That’s how it was supposed to be.

The enemy currently surrounding the special squad outnumbered them 400 to 1, while the others faced only a 5 to 1 disadvantage.

Then something unexpected happened to the White Commander. Sensing an opportunity, the Crimson Empire issued orders. But everything soon spiraled out of control. Three spheres—signature spheres of "the target"—appeared. Though one suddenly disappeared from their sight, the other two completely occupied their attention. Mersa was formidable, but she was only one person and could only protect one side of the bunker, leaving the other side vulnerable.

But not quite. The Empire did not foresee the interference of that black blade. Wherever it passed, it left a brief black line—a manifestation of Calla's special skill, the (True Split) derived from the (Omen of Destruction). It was not just a crack in space but a crack in reality itself, a miniature of a complete world, a perfect state where everything was one and one was everything. True Order. Darkness. Nothingness. Void.

Yet, once again, she was just a single blade. With a large enough number, they would pass through. That is, if it weren’t for the white-green sphere. The eight orbs from that sphere continuously saved damaged bots, boosting the defenders’ morale. But its true power lay elsewhere—in that green light. The extreme accuracy was one thing, but the most fearsome aspect was the identity of its targets. The Serpent’s eyes picked up on the slightest cues from the complex web of relationships in front of her and targeted those with the most connections. Spiritual leaders, soldiers who were the glue of their units—one by one, they were taken out by the green flash. Inducing despair, sowing helplessness, killing them from within long before they died from external causes. Kaya’s eyes shone with a fluorescent green light, resembling toxic liquid—a cruel side of her reserved only for enemies.

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On one side, the black blade, a perfect incarnation of brute physical strength. On the other, the white-green sphere, an oppressive display of mental terror. Nova’s barrage on the enemy command line had already slowed them, but now, with their morale shattered, they were simply sluggish. Yet, that was not all. When the analysts called for support from the rear lines, they were shocked once again—over half of their rear had already been decimated! Lily, utilizing her (Omen of Deceit), activated her unique skill, (Sphere of Silence). Inside it, every form of communication was cut off, and not a single sound could escape. With her mastery of (Stealth), she finished off more than half of the support before anyone noticed.

[???: Damn it! Is the charge ready?]

[???: In a moment.]

[???: Fire as soon as possible.]

[???: Roger that.]

Suddenly, forty-two M-Colossi from the Crimson Alliance's side flew up into the air.

Everyone on the defenders’ side paled. That was definitely the (Double Layer Hex Blast). A single (Hex Blast) is performed by a six-man unit that charges their power together to form a powerful blast. A Double Layer Hex Blast is even more incredible. Six groups of six (36) prepare and charge their power, then with a shot, each group transfers all of that power to a unit of six in front of them, which then merges all of it into a single shot! Furthermore, this was Circle Tier power! Such a blast could even damage an M-God!

Mersa, seeing this, immediately moved back to stand in front of the sphere dome where he was stationed. She would protect him, no matter the cost.

[Kaya<bot>: Silly girl. Though it’s commendable.]

[<Mersa>: Ana-nee...]

The White Wolf girl smiled bleakly at the communication channel that suddenly popped up.

[Kaya<bot>: Your feelings are all that’s needed, so just move back and let this Nee-san show you her prowess.]

[<Mersa>: But... that’s a (Double Layer Hex Blast).]

[Kaya<bot>: Hmph, so you don’t trust me? Let me show you why this little one is known as the Indestructible Serpent. Come here, Aegis.]

[Calla<bot>: Heh, just let Kaya do her part. Come.]

[<Mersa>: Oh. Roger that.]

The black blade flew past them and positioned itself further in the back. Though Mersa was still reluctant, she immediately followed. The hours spent under the instruction of the Dark Angel made the White Wolf girl immensely respect her.

[Calla<bot>: Kaya should be able to withstand that force, but a small part of it might leak through; it’s our duty to take care of that. Prepare yourself.]

As usual, she spoke straight to the point. Hearing her calm tone, Mersa also calmed down.

[<Mersa>: Yes, understood.]

All eight orbs returned and floated in a circular motion in front of the Main Drone <Orochi>.

With that, Mersa switched to her squad channel.

[<Mersa>: All units. Their target is definitely Private Vorst Marcdrak. Do not stand in the line of fire. I repeat, do not stand in the line of fire and hold your positions.]

Then a golden streak appeared right next to her. The azure crystals in the golden M-Collos glanced briefly at the White Wolf, then back to where Vorst was, and stood there nonchalantly. Mersa couldn’t help but admonish her on a private channel.

[<Mersa>: Aria-senpai! This is a target line.]

[<Nova>: Yeah, I know. You’re staying here. Celina and... he too. If you three are gone, then what’s the point of me staying alive alone?]

[<Mersa>: Aria-senpai...]

BAM.

An explosion cut off their conversation.

Six large lasers shot out from the six squads and overcharged six M-Colloses that stood in front of them. Those six then combined all that power and directed it straight at the white dome where their target was.

A large blast reached the small white sphere...

A grin appeared on Kaya's delicate face.

[Kaya: (Draconic Barrier AEGIS)]

That’s right, every single Immortal Serpent was actually a serpent-type dragon.

BAM.

A massive earthquake resounded in the surrounding area, and a shock wave pushed back all of the surrounding units.

Inside Marc's Soul Realm, Kaya fell to her knees. A searing pain ran throughout her body as if struck by lightning, and red stains appeared on her previously impeccable white dress. As the initial shock passed, she immediately reached out to pet her white serpent, which was also silently enduring the pain. The large white body was covered in fresh wounds... It was Aegis' blood that dirtied her outfit, but Kaya didn’t mind that at all.

Aegis' shield skill lived up to its name as the Indestructible Serpent. The problem was the material that the white sphere was made of. It simply couldn’t contain all the power, especially not the violent flow of Draconic energy. Thus, Aegis and Kaya forced the full power of the shield at the cost of damage to their own existence.

The black blade immediately moved to deflect the small amount of power that managed to pass through that first obstacle. Mersa and Nova also reacted quickly, blocking some strands. But the fact remained that over 95% of the power was neutralized thanks to Kaya and her serpent.

A tiny bit that somehow managed to slip through was suddenly blocked by “air.” After that, a white-red shield appeared out of nowhere. Although the white dome should have been able to withstand the blow, it would have interrupted her Lord Marcdrak, so Lily intercepted it. She also extended her (Sphere of Silence) to cover those two during the shock wave.

[--Lily--: Anastasia.]

A hint of worry appeared on the demoness’s face. Even though they treated each other as rivals, through countless years they had grown close. Calla also directed her gaze toward the Serpent lady.

[--Kaya--: I’m in top shape, what’s there to worry about? And... Lily, thank you.]

The two of them were relieved to hear her usual haughty tone. Aegis was an Immortal Serpent, so small wounds like these would heal in time. Lily could only shake her head in resignation. That overzealous snake was more worried about her "Shujin-sama's" conquest than herself. Besides, she wouldn’t dare risk her life for small reasons like

that... Marc would be seriously furious; what’s more, he might be forced to use "that"—and there was no way they would let him do that more than was necessary.

[--Lily--: No worries, Kaya. Hmm, seems like all of your orbs are gone.]

[--Kaya--: Indeed, my drone was also destroyed...]

The force of the Dragon skill was too much and simply destroyed the materials. In the face of such violent power, alchemical metal crumbled into small pieces, and even protective runes could do nothing against it.

[--Calla--: They’re coming again.]

Their opponents simply couldn’t believe that something other than an M-God blocked that kind of power! However, the astonishment didn’t affect the Mechs at all, and they continued to advance. And now, without the white-green bot, it would be even harder... The flow of the battle did not look too promising...

They might have to call for Marc... However, he left the battle to them, so they were very reluctant to do so! Especially Kaya!

Then a large array of lasers appeared...

[--Kaya--: Hehe, so unfaithful, Shujin-sama is such a cheater...]

[--Lily--: The inevitable happened.]

[--Calla--: *Nods* I have never had any doubt in m'lord's conquering prowess.]

[--Marc--: ...]

Right after he returned to the Throne Room, they bested him... Well, that was his fate, so there was nothing to be done about it. His gaze swept across the three of them and suddenly stopped at Kaya. A serious expression appeared on his face. Although she had already changed her clothes (in his Soul Realm, it could be done in a heartbeat), he still noticed that something wasn’t right... Too bad the Serpent lady did not have Lily's blessing; otherwise, Marc's Insight would have picked up on it immediately.

With a step, he appeared in front of her and touched her chin. His emerald eyes met her jade ones...