“……”
The battlefield fell silent. The embodiment of "Strong Wind" transformed into the form of a "youth," and the black-haired youth god landed gracefully on the ground.
His demeanor was utterly detached, like a god smiling down upon mortals from a great height. He was even greater, even stronger, even more divine than before. No longer human, he was a being apart.
This was the god who refused to obey, the god who defied the myths woven by humanity.
The youth smiled, not with that archaic smile, but with a firm grin of triumphant joy.
"King Mecal, you've actually withdrawn! But it's alright. I've been waiting for this, a battle to the death with a god-slayer!"
His lips curled slightly upward as he stood before them in the form of a youth.
Although he possessed the power of ten incarnations, this form was his most natural.
Not only a human, but a fifteen-year-old boy. When he sought to rectify the chaotic order of the world, when he was tasked by his master to punish the rebellious gods, he favored the youthful visage.
The radiant fifteen-year-old youth, in his cherished doctrine, represented the symbol of "heroism"!
The power of protection and control, the divine authority possessed by this youthful embodiment, a "hero."
Facing the remnants of the locust army on the battlefield, a force equal to the god king himself.
Ordinary divine beasts and messengers wouldn't stand a chance against him. He instantly unleashed the power of his eighth incarnation, "The Goat."
This agile divine beast, worshipped by nomadic peoples as the embodiment of lightning, unleashed thunder from its hands, consuming the remnants of the locust army in flames.
Witnessing this act of the War God, Veleslana, the two women were understandably nervous.
After all, Luo Chen was in the midst of his successful god-slaying ritual. What if Veleslana made a surprise attack?
Though the odds were slim, a god's dignity wouldn't allow for such a disgraceful act.
But what if, just what if?
So, after exchanging a glance, Ellica and Lucretia decided to have the latter continue guarding Luo Chen's side. Ellica, wielding the magical sword Lion King's Heart, moved towards Veleslana with a fierce gleam in her eyes.
"So you've come, too. It's a great fortune to behold our presence, even if you die by accident in the clash between us. However, this is a battle for us, and if you interfere, you will be punished accordingly!"
"I understand your words, but I am a knight. I cannot allow you to run rampant in this world. It would be a shameful act to know of this and remain indifferent."
"A knight, eh? Courageous indeed."
"So, please let me take a gamble. If I win with my sword, I ask that you leave this island."
"Hahaha! You dare challenge me, the War God, with your sword? Hmm, very well! Your spirit is truly valiant. A witch with the courage of a warrior, a rarity even in ancient times!"
Instead of being angry at Ellica's challenge, the War God simply nodded in agreement, a hint of interest in his eyes.
He was waiting for something, and he had some free time.
Ellica couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. The words "I, who pursue defeat," his refusal to be defeated regardless of the enemy, his grand pronouncements all showed his overwhelming self-confidence. Her provocation had worked!
"Then, I must prepare my sword... oh, this will do."
The youth god looked down at the ground, picking up a twig. It was the same length as Ellica's Lion King's Heart, but much thinner, so flimsy that even a child could easily break it.
"Hmm, this length is perfect. This will suffice."
He swung the twig as he spoke, a casual swing that generated a whirlwind of sword energy.
He was wielding nothing more than a small, light twig.
But that was the essence of divine technique. With that single strike, Ellica understood the youth god's prowess.
When martial arts reach their peak, the size and weight of the weapon become irrelevant.
On Ellica's side, the Lion King's Heart swelled in her grip, transforming into a massive, anchor-like blade. It was twice the length of its previous form, ill-suited to her slender wrist. This was a broad, single-handed sword.
Her other hand summoned a circular infantry shield, a steel shield with a black cross painted on its crimson surface.
Without magic to enhance her strength and explosiveness, no ordinary person could wield such heavy weaponry.
"Very well, it seems you're ready. Then let the battle commence!"
The youth god announced with a cheerful smile, and Ellica charged forward without hesitation.
He usually wielded a light sword to hone the weight and feel of his technique.
So, what was the secret to using a heavy sword?
Speed and steady control.
With a slight movement of her right wrist, from her shoulder to her elbow, adding the power of her wrist, she swung the heavy, sturdy Lion King's Heart towards the youth god in a horizontal slash.
Like a whip. If she were facing a human, even a master swordsman would struggle to see through this move the first time.
It wasn't just the immense power, the Lion King's Heart, revealed in its true form, was sharp enough to cleave through concrete, amplified by the crushing force of its weight.
"Clang!"