Huh, so magic does seem to work like I think it does. I had my suspicions, but this really is YGGDRASIL. But how?
"Lord Neph, we are in close proximity to the beam. What should we do?" Diyandi asked through [Message], concealing their voice within [Veil Of The Wicked]. The Veil itself was a spell that concealed one's presence almost perfectly, with the downside that it does not conceal sound. But, in spite of this, most means of magical detection and beast senses do not apply to those within Veil, only world items and tier 10 or super tier spells can detect it.
Not being able to make a sound is kind of annoying but hey, this is the 4th best concealment spell within YGGDRASIL.
"I see them now. Seems like there's a warrior band and a magician troupe. We'll stay silent and watch for now. We don't know which sides to be on." Neph replied, again through [Message].
Neph and the twins landed a bit away from the middle of the battle. Not quite too far, but close enough to hear the dialogue exchange.
Huh, those guys seem to be chanting something to summon an Angel. This is a good opportunity to observe the power levels of these.. I guess people now. Verdandi and Diyandi came to life, so I'm assuming the same here.
"So long as I possess breath within my lungs and a passion in my heart, I WILL NEVER GIVE UP!"
Neph's train of thought was interrupted by a shout from the wounded warrior. He could see that wounds all over the man, whose name was Gazef as Neph learned in passing, were bleeding. Then he witnessed the man cleaving three enemy Angels in half.
That's... a basic warrior move. But I don't recognize the style. Martial Arts? I'm assuming it's a sort of physical enhancement technique that, from the looks of it, empowers a single attack. That's sort of like my techniques, in particular, my Grand Edge series, if only on a basic level.
He ended his train of thought with that. Returning to the battle at hand, the warrior Gazef shot a gaze of conviction to the man across him, the head magic caster with blonde hair. The magic caster seemed to be shaken by this, and turned his head to the six people channeling the beam of energy behind him. In that instant, Neph saw that Gazef had noticed this as well. He was being held down by a few Angels, but what happened next surprised even Neph, and even the twins with him, as he looked to them and they looked to him with wide eyes.
You see, Gazef broke free of the Angels holding him down with a violent purge of brute force, but he'd done it in quite the silent way as to not have the blonde magic caster notice by sacrificing his right forearm, tearing it off. As soon as he was free, he leaped with grand cleave aimed straight for the blonde magic caster's neck.
CLANG
And it was blocked. The magic caster had conjured up an Angel with impeccable speed, so much so that Gazef's blade, blocked by the Angel's mace was mere centimeters from the caster's neck.
"Nice try, but not quite. Seems that attack cost you dearly."
"And now, it'll cost you even more. Feast your eyes on the strongest Angel of the sun! [Grandis Lux]!" The blonde man announced.
Ah, so it finally released. [Grandis Lux] eh? I think I've heard of that name before when I was with Viqtoria in Vanaheimr for her ascension into Seraphim. If I recall right, they were fairly common low level Angels. I think 26 was the exact level, but I'm not quite sure.
"It seems that the power in play here is quite low compared to us." Verdandi stated what the three of them suspected through [Message].
"Yes, but we should still be on guard. I'll move in first. You two stay hidden until my command." Neph told the two.
Neph moved with an speed unparalleled. He had gotten to Gazef just in time to put on his mask before blocking the Angel's blade.
CLANG.
He had blocked the Angel's [Hardlight Blade] with his armor's bracers.
As I thought, these are quite weak. I may not be in danger now, but it is still good to be wary. I might not be the only YGGDRASIL player here.
"It appears you require assistance." Neph said as [Veil Of The Wicked] faded away in a dark magenta mist.
""Who are you?"" both Gazef and the Blonde Magic Caster spoke in unison.
Ignoring them for a second, Neph looked to the village Gazef was protecting.
"First things first. There appear to be wounded villagers. Verdandi, Diyandi, tend to them."
"Yes Lord Neph!" The twins said and dispelled [Veil Of The Wicked], flying to the villagers.
Everyone else was stunned into silence at the sight of this. The villagers were weary at first, but then realized that the two new Angels were a different kind than the ones that were assaulting their home.
"And now to answer your question. You could say that I am a traveler." Neph finally responded to the question.
"A traveler?! ARE YOU INSULTING US?!" The magic caster responded with a visibly anger.
"Tch, no matter. I, Nigun Grid Luin of the Theocracy's Sunlight Scripture will destroy you." Nigun said as he pulled back [Grandis Lux], seemingly analyzing the best way to go about his objective of killing Neph.
Neph himself was on the lookout in the back ranks of the magic troup led by Nigun, watching for signs of player activity. He found none, letting him conclude that yes, Nigun was the highest authority here in this... Enemy force. He took one look behind him to assess the situation of the, in contrast, ally force of Gazef. The warriors led by him seemed to be half thinned out, with a fair portion having profuse bleeding visible. The ones who weren't rapidly falling into death were helping their teammates to the twin's sides, where they would be healed. Neph also noticed that Diyandi took after the villagers, while Verdandi stayed close to the front lines to receive more soldiers instead. Thus the current line up in order of positioning was this:
The village, with Diyandi tending to them in the far back.
Verdandi, on the outskirts of the village, receiving the soldiers.
Nephilentines, and Gazef who stood defensively behind Neph.
Then it was Nigun and his forces. [Grandis Lux] hung around the front.
"Hmp, enough contemplation, [Grandis Lux], ATTACK!, those with ranged attack magic, fire at the new enemy as well!" Nigun ordered a joint attack. Layers of spells flew at Neph and Gazef, and [Grandis Lux] advanced, dragging its [Hardlight Blade] on the ground.
Let's test something shall we?
In response to the coming attacks, Neph quickly drew out a mid level blade. It was a ferocious looking thing. A silver-blue tinted, segmented blade with two large serrated teeth on each segment, totalling in about 30 segment total, not counting the segment on the end. The segment on the attacking end of the blade was a twisted, but flat, hooked looking thing, and it seemed like it would take entire chunks of flesh out of you if you were just to touch it. The handle was a simple blade handle, albeit with a chain that wrapped onto the user's hand.
This was the [Dying Empress]. A bladed weapon under the category of whips, a whip-blade if you will. It was around Legacy class in YGGDRASIL's item ranking system, but Neph regarded it as a mid tier item as it was more flashy than packing a large punch.
Gazef, seeing the spells flying towards them as well as the large Angel [Grandis Lux] readying it's blade, tried to limp forward to counter somehow, but Neph extended his arm and stopped Gazef.
Neph channeled a low amount of energy into the blade, and flicked it at the coming spells. The energy infused with the blade made it a potent magic ward, and as the blade extended its segments, deflected every single spell that aimed for them to the sides, causing huge explosions.
"What!" Numerous voices cried out.
Next came [Grandis Lux], after dragging its [Hardlight Blade] from Nigun's side to Neph, leaving a large trail of split earth, raised that same blade to the skies, piercing the clouds itself, reading itself for a humongous, overhead swing, the likes of which was so impactful, that one could swear it can level a city block. The blade, from its close proximity to Neph, and due to its length and angle of swing, actually extended towards the village. It could actually hit a few of the villagers and most of the frontline soldiers, who were now mostly healed. That is, of course, if it could get through Neph. But it didn't.
Neph simply flicked the [Dying Empress] again, and before the [Hardlight Blade] even finished swinging, it was shattered into fragments of lights, which disappeared shortly after. A second whip, and [Grandis Lux] too, was shattered into fragments of blue light.
"HOW! ONE HIT!" Nigun screamed. He was astounded. Who was this mysterious warrior who showed up and annihilated a high level Angel in a single hit?!
Gazef too, was stunned. He, seeing this, was reassured, but at the same time worried. Reassured that the villagers were safe. Worried, that there was nothing he can do against someone stronger than himself should he become an enemy. Just then, the two Angels who accompanied this man returned to his side.
"Lord Neph, we have finished healing those injured." Verdandi stated their accomplishment.
"Goodwork. One of you, erect a barrier to protect these villagers from more spells." Neph stated in return.
"As you will, my Lord." Diyandi responded.
Gazef was amazed at the loyalty of these two. And at their power. The one called Diyandi, an Angel who, to Gazef possessed mismatched eyes, one green, one amber, turned to the villagers and kneeled. She then clasped her hands together, as if in prayer, and then slammed them on the ground in front of her, palm first.
"[Barrier Field]!" She shouted. A runic circle then encompassed the entirely of the village, as well as the soldiers under Gazef's command who were in there. After a second, a wall of light erupted towards the skies. It dwarfed treetops, and the light it emanated signified that it was strong and sturdy.
This is further evident by Nigun launching a spell at the barrier, and having it be blocked.
"Tch. I DEMAND TO KNOW YOUR NAME!" Nigun yelled, his other option of potentially holding the villagers hostage now no longer a viable choice.
"HOW DARE YOU-" The twins were cut off by their Lord's raised hand.
"My name is Nephilentines. These are my subordinates, Verdandi and Diyandi." Neph responded coldly.
Nephilentines? I've never heard of this name in folklore or myths. Who is he?
These thoughts happened simultaneously within the minds of both Nigun and Gazef.
"Say, those spells you all casted. They seem awfully familiar to me. Where did you learn them?" Neph said. He took a step forward, raising [Dying Empress], though not in a manner to which he can attack, he simply wanted to point at the opposition. Nevertheless, the entirety of Nigun's magician troupe took a few steps back.
What is this man saying?! Does he not know where magic comes from?! I have no choice, I must use what they gave me!
Nigun thought of the order from the Cardinals. He pulled a Magic Crystal from his pouch. This was one of the sacred artefacts owned by the Slane Theocracy, created out of large scale rituals with powers borrowed from those stronger than themselves. In it, contained a sealed, powerful Angel.
"We'll defeat you with this! COME FORTH, THE HIGHEST LEVEL ANGEL! DOMINION AUTHORITY!" Nigun shouted. His men, cheering to the heavens that they are saved from this strange and powerful new foe.
The Crystal emanated a radiant light, one which would rival ten suns, basking all in its whiteness. The clouds part ways to allow a gentle beam of serene light to seep through, shining on the battlefield of blood, bones, and corpses like a daybreak on a sprouted seed after a terrible storm. Then came a flurry of feathers, a rush of many little white pieces that enshrouded the entire magic garrison, seemingly washing their worries and their sins away.
Then, in its place stood a gigantic Angel. This one dwarfed [Grandis Lux] by a large margin. Easily towering over entire forests. In its hand it held a three pronged scepter which joined again at the furthest point. Its wings, spanning possibly entire mountains, rains gentle feathers to those below, as if shedding spring itself. On its helmet face, resided a halo so large it might as well be considered a grand sigil, with points jutting out in many directions. This was, [Dominion Authority], the strongest Angel in possession of the Scripture.
Diyandi then casted a information spell on it, [Level Evaluate]. One of the Six Divinitaries next to Nigun witnessing this sacrilegious act, decided to attack.
"HOW DARE YOU ATTEMPT TO DEFILE THE HIGHEST LEVEL ANGEL, YOU FALSE IDOL! [Lightning Bolt]!" The man yelled, launching a high speed arc towards Diyandi.
"[Solid Lightning]"
VZZSTSTSZZZSSSSTT
There was a brief blue flash. It was very faint, nowhere near the level of the light the summoning of [Dominion Authority] had caused. However, it was very noticeable.
The Divinitary who cast [Lightning Bolt] shattered into chunks of ice. The magic casters all saw that, and they looked to Nigun with fear in their eyes.
Nigun too, felt something. There was a pain on his cheek. He touched it. He looked at his hand. There was blood. He was cut.
HOW?! WHAT HAPPENED!? THAT SWORDSMAN IS STILL STANDING OVER THERE WITH HIS BLADE TO THE GROUND!
The spell that was used by Verdandi was [Solid Lightning]. A spell which combined the aspects of ice and lightning. It gave ice the power to grow and freeze at the speed of lightning, a fast property. This fast growing would pierce targets like a hardened blade, thus, giving this spell Physical Damage property instead of an Energy property like normal lightning. In addition, the ice retained its cold temperature, which opposed normal lightning's hotness. Anything struck by this [Solid Lightning] would instantly flash freeze. And those who could survive the freezing, or were immune to freezing would suffer gerviously minced flesh, with shards of broken ice lodged within them. Of course, the Divinitary shattered. It was to be expected, after all, from someone so weak.
"Don't you dare attack my sister, you fools." Verdandi spoke, her mismatched eyes blue and purple glaring with murderous intent so vicious Gazef, who was standing behind the three, sprout goosebumps on this skin.
"Lord Neph, the Angel appears to be level 47." Diyandi reported to Neph.
As suspected. Theses are from YGGDRASIL, there's no way around it. No coincidence, no nothing, but it is not quite the same.
"Hm." Neph sighed. The twins stood down.
"COMMANDER! PLEASE DO SOMETHING!" The rest of the Divinitaries left alive screamed at Nigun. Then, soon enough, the entire magical garrison joined in too. Nigun looked at them, then built up a conviction to yell.
"DOMINION AUTHORITY! USE HOLY SMITE UPON THEM! DESTROY THESE FOOLS WHICH WOULD OPPOSE US!" He yelled. One could feel the very hope tangible within that breath.
The Scepter within [Dominion Authority]'s hand shattered, encircling it before disappearing into a large rune circle floating above Neph and the twins.
"Retreat" Neph told them.
"But-!" They objected.
"Now."
The twins flew backwards, taking Gazef with them via [Telekinesis].
A moment later, searing light poured down onto Neph. It was blinding. His world erupted into blinding white. It lasted for quite a while. He could feel the very faintest of pain on his entire body. His magical resistance was extremely high after all.
"So this is pain." Neph said, unmoved.
NO WAY. HOW COULD THIS... HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? WHAT MANNER OF POWER DO THEY POSSESS?!
Nigun screamed, not in his head, but within his soul. His men were now frantically casting spells at Neph, who shrugged them off with [Dying Empress].
"HOW DARE YOU!"
"[Density Fire]!"
"[Solid Lightning]!"
The twins casted their signature spells at the magical garrison. Verdandi's [Solid Lightning] shattered nine to ten men on the left side. Diyandi's [Density Fire], a spell which combined the aspects of Earth and Fire into one, killed another ten men on the right. The [Density Fire] spread, threatening the rest of the garrison. [Density Fire], combining Earth and Fire, gave fire mass as it grew larger. Indeed, as the men were burned down, the fire gained enough weight to crack the ground it was on.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?! WHAT IS THIS PANDEMONIUM?!
Nigun screamed internally again, losing all faith and reasoning.
Then, as if a final strike was due, a voice as cold as the grim reaper's breath cut through the commotion. All eyes were on this man with a white horned mask resembling a mouthless lion.
"Impulse Blade: [Hundred Flicker Blade]"
The man, Nephilentines, held his sword as it were a sheathed Katana. Then, with a single flick that no one saved the twins, and perhaps Gazef could catch, re-sheathe it.
[Dominion Authority] Shattered into glass fragments. Those glass fragments then became white dust. Then the dust disappeared into light.
Gazef was awed. This man, with a stroke of the blade, shattered an Angel he could never have hoped to even nick. His astonishment was broken by a single loud thud.
Nigun fell to his knees.
He spoke. In a broken tone. A tone which signified that a man's will to live, his soul, was shattered.
"...How..."
"Stand down, you two." Neph ordered. The twins were readying their weapons to end Nigun in an instant. They heeded their master. Hearing this, Nigun snapped out of his trance.
"Nephilentines! No! LORD NEPHILENTINES!"
"PLEASE! IF YOU WOULD SPARE MY LIFE, I WOULD GRANT YOU ANYTHING YOU WISH! I HOLD A HIGH POSITION WITHIN MY COUNTRY! THEY WOULD PAY YOU WELL TO GIVE ME BACK!" Nigun yelled. The final hopes of his contained within those words. His subordinates now doing the same: Begging for their lives.
Neph looked Gazef in the eye.
"So?"
"Your choice." He said, a faint smile on his face.
"I do not care for money. But what I do care about, are the lives of the innocent. Those without power. The only ones who should use power, should be ready to die. I am ready to die, but you sure seem don't." As Neph said this, the twins grasped his hands tightly as he said "die".
"You reap what you sow. For attacking defenseless civilians, your lives are forfeit." Neph couldn't believe he was saying these things. He was cold, and only cared for his close ones.
I guess Viqtoria did have a huge effect on me.
Neph took one step forward. The magical garrison started running.
Neph pointed [Dying Empress] at Verdandi, and she understood.
"Imbue: [Solid Lightning]" She spoke, a small mist forming on the blade, if one listened close enough, one could hear billions of cracking sounds, both a mix of thunder crackles and ice cracks.
Nephilentines took one step forward, and in a grand arc attacked.
"Grand Edge: [Minotaur Span]" He spoke, utilizing an attack that was overkill for these enemies.
The whip blade [Dying Empress] drew an arc, long and wide. It was graceful in its movement. It paid no mind to the flesh it encountered. The imbuement made it so it did not need to.
And thus, every man on running towards the horizon, was shattered by a [Solid Lightning] imbued [Dying Empress].