The Return of The Mythical Archmage [EN]: Chapter 456

The Rebirth of a Mythical Archmage-457

Shin Ha-yul and the End God were locked in a tense battle of wills.

Outside, a fierce battle was also raging.

“…Shin In-hyuk. How long are you going to stand there and think?”

No, ‘fierce’ was hardly the right word.

Normally, a battle where one side was being completely overwhelmed wouldn’t be called ‘fierce’.

“…Don’t rush me. Now is the time for caution.”

The tide of the battle had completely turned.

The monsters the End God summoned were far too powerful.

Our forces were constantly dwindling, while the enemy wasn’t taking any damage at all.

If this continued, the front lines would collapse completely within five minutes, and we would be annihilated within seven.

If we couldn’t find a solution within five minutes, the world would be destroyed.

“Cautious or not, at this rate, we’ll be wiped out! Either you and I go out there, or we call for reinforcements. We need to do something, and fast!”

Commander Charles shouted, frustration evident in his voice.

Every second was precious, and Shin In-hyuk’s leisurely contemplation was infuriating.

“Because time is of the essence, we must be even more cautious. If we make a mistake now, it will be irreversible.”

Shin In-hyuk countered Commander Charles’s opinion and continued to accelerate his thoughts.

‘There are a total of seven monsters. Fortunately, or unfortunately, three of them haven’t even moved yet.’

The main forces on our side were 60 mages and 32 knights.

‘To think we’d be struggling to deal with four monsters with this much power.’

The mages and knights gathered here were the best of the best in the world.

They were powerful enough to laugh off dozens of S-rank monsters, yet here they were, struggling against just four of them.

‘To turn this situation around, we need to take down that dragon somehow.’

From what I’ve observed in the past 30 seconds, each of the monsters has different powers.

The strongest one was the dragon rampaging at the front lines.

It was at least twice as strong as the others.

If we didn’t deal with it, we had no chance of winning.

—This is Falcon 13. We can’t hold out any longer! We urgently need reinforcements… Aaaaargh!

At that moment, a piercing scream came through the radio.

One of the seven units facing the dragon, Falcon Unit, was in trouble.

“Shin In-hyuk!”

Charles called out to Shin In-hyuk, his face showing he was at the end of his patience.

‘If you hesitate any longer, I’m going to do what I want.’

That’s what his expression seemed to say.

Shin In-hyuk didn’t answer.

He still couldn’t come up with a solution.

Commander Charles clicked his tongue.

“…Fine. I’ll move on my own, so don’t worry about me.”

Commander Charles turned around.

And then, he used his telekinesis to fly into the sky.

“Wait! I’ll hunt…!”

Hound.

He couldn’t even finish saying his nickname.

He disappeared from sight before that.

KWA-AAAAAAANG-!

Immediately after, a huge booming sound, like a giant iron ball had fallen, echoed from the dragon’s direction.

It was the sound of Commander Charles’s telekinesis striking the dragon.

“That idiot…”

Shin In-hyuk frowned and went back to thinking.

He had to factor in Commander Charles’s solo action and come up with a plan.

‘It took a little time, but I’ve roughly figured out the dragon’s power.’

It’s about the same level as the dragon that appeared in France, or maybe a little stronger.

‘The dragon is similar to the one that appeared in France. Among the magic we have, the only magic that can harm it is Black Core [a powerful, destructive spell].’

Commander Charles and Kim Kang-in were not inferior to Shin In-hyuk in terms of magical skill, but the problem was their magic systems.

Charles’s telekinesis and Kim Kang-in’s water magic were versatile, but they lacked raw power.

The only way to damage the dragon right now was with Shin In-hyuk’s Black Core.

‘The problem is how to get the Black Core into it… I guess we have no choice but to accept some sacrifices.’

Use the other troops as bait, create an opening in the dragon’s defenses, and then use the Black Core.

Our side would suffer considerable damage, but it couldn’t be helped.

We couldn’t win without sacrifices.

“Kim Kang-in.”

Having finished his thoughts, Shin In-hyuk immediately picked up the radio and sent a message to Kim Kang-in.

—Yes. What is it… Ugh!

Kim Kang-in groaned mid-reply.

Over the radio, there was a faint sound of impact and wind.

It seemed a battle had broken out during the transmission.

“It seems you’re busy, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’m going to join the front lines to deal with the dragon. In the meantime, you’ll take over command.”

Kim Kang-in was currently fighting a mantis-like monster.

The battle was evenly matched.

The mantis monster’s combat power was lower than the other monsters, and Kim Kang-in, a powerful force, was in charge, so they were barely holding their own.

—Are you telling me to return?

“Yes. Return and take over as acting commander.”

Another impact sound came over the radio.

This time, there was also the sound of water flowing.

Kim Kang-in must have used ‘Water Flow’ to deploy water magic and block the attack.

—That’s a bit difficult. If I leave the front lines now, the eastern front will collapse within 10 seconds.

Shin In-hyuk stepped onto the roof of the building and checked on Kim Kang-in, who was fighting in the east.

The situation certainly didn’t look good.

“If command is vacant, not only that area but other areas will collapse as well.”

—Yes. I know. So, I’ll continue fighting here while taking command.

“Fighting and commanding at the same time… Is that possible?”

—It’ll be difficult, but what else can I do? It’s the only way.

Kim Kang-in gave a wry smile.

—I’ll do my best.

At that moment, Kim Kang-in’s mana surged. He scattered a large amount of mana before using a large-scale spell.

—I’ll do my best, so…

Kim Kang-in’s mana soon seeped into the sea.

And that mana immediately created a whirlpool.

The sea became rough, and the atmosphere shook, as if a typhoon had struck.

—Please take care of the dragon. If you can’t deal with it, all the front lines will collapse anyway.

The whirlpool, which had only been swirling in the sea, stretched up into the sky.

And that whirlpool soon transformed into the shape of a dragon and began to roar fiercely.

The most powerful magic Kim Kang-in could currently use.

Water Flow.

Water Dragon.

A dragon made of seawater bound the mantis monster.

“Okay. Leave this to me. I’ll definitely take care of it.”

—Yes. Let’s meet again alive.

“…You always have to say something unlucky at the end.”

—Haha. It was a light joke to ease the tension.

Shin In-hyuk chuckled.

And with that chuckle, he put down the radio.

That was enough contact.

Anything more would be a waste of time.

“Hoo…”

Shin In-hyuk took a light breath and moved his mana.

What he was using was, of course, Black Core.

‘A normal Black Core won’t do.’

A Black Core of the 8th circle level wouldn’t be enough to finish him off.

He wouldn’t be able to reach him unless he went to a higher level.

‘Therefore, I’m betting my life on this.’

He would risk his life to reach a higher level.

With the resolve to discard all his mana circles. With the resolve to destroy his entire body.

He would maximize his output and power to deploy the Black Core.

‘I’m counting on you.’

This was a message to Kim Kang-in and Commander Charles, as well as to Shin Ha-yul.

Shin In-hyuk raised his head and looked at Shin Ha-yul, who was fighting in the distance.

‘I wanted to see that form up close.’

Even from afar, he could tell.

Shin Ha-yul had reached the 9th circle.

He didn’t know what level she was at yet, but it was clear that she had stepped into the 9th circle.

‘It’s a shame. It’s truly a shame.’

It was a shame that he had to leave like this without seeing Shin Ha-yul in person.

That was his only regret.

“Hoo.”

Shin In-hyuk’s mana began to twist within his body.

An abnormal movement, far from normal.

If anyone saw this scene, they would have screamed at him, asking if he was trying to commit suicide, and tried to stop him.

“…!”

In the distance, Charles looked at Shin In-hyuk with a shocked expression.

He had realized what Shin In-hyuk was trying to do.

‘Just like a hound. His senses are truly the best in the world.’

Shin In-hyuk chuckled and twisted his mana even further.

The sound of his mana circles breaking could be heard within his body.

Like glass shattering, like paper tearing.

That was the sound.

‘Since you noticed. Dodge well.’

Shin In-hyuk desperately controlled the twisted mana and extended his right hand.

And then.

“Black Core.”

He used all of that mana to form a single spell.

Black Core.

A complex magic of the four elements, reminiscent of a miniature black hole.

Shin In-hyuk’s ultimate move.

It formed at the dragon’s heart and began to devour it.

KUOOOOOOOOOO-!

The dragon desperately resisted, but it was useless.

This was a Black Core that Shin In-hyuk had strengthened to the point of giving up everything.

No matter how great a monster it was, it couldn’t escape.

Whirrrrrr…

And so, the dragon was devoured by the Black Core and disappeared.

It completely vanished from this world, along with the four people who were close to the dragon.

‘Forgive me. This was the only way.’

As soon as he confirmed that the dragon had been annihilated, Shin In-hyuk’s body collapsed.

He apologized to the four people who had been caught in his magic and slowly closed his eyes.

‘…I’m tired. I need to… sleep for a while.’

Shin In-hyuk fell to the ground and fell asleep.

He fell into a sleep from which he would never wake.

* * *

“That idiot, Shin In-hyuk…!”

As soon as she confirmed that Shin In-hyuk had collapsed, Commander Charles bit her lip.

‘What are you going to do if the commander dies first!’

She never imagined that Shin In-hyuk would make such a drastic move from the start.

He had just been hesitating and didn’t seem to have any intention of going out, so she thought he was just going to focus on commanding from afar.

To think he would risk his own life to take down the dragon.

‘I didn’t even know you were so determined…!’

Her lips bled from how hard she was biting them.

‘If you die, I won’t be able to apologize.’

For thinking he was a coward.

And for acting on her own.

She wanted to apologize for everything, but the person she wanted to apologize to was no longer in this world.

Charles’s lips trembled.

“C-Commander Charles.”

At that moment, someone called out to Charles.

“Why did the dragon suddenly… What’s going on?”

Charles slowly raised her head and looked at her subordinates.

They all looked anxious and desperate.

Seeing their expressions, she came to her senses.

‘What are you doing, you idiot! This is not the time for me to be wavering!’

Charles bit her lip and swallowed her thoughts, then put on her usual relaxed smile.

“Can’t you see? It’s Black Core. Commander Shin In-hyuk did his best.”

Charles turned around and looked at the remaining monsters.

“It’s unfortunate that some of our members were caught in the blast because we focused too much on power… but I think it was an unavoidable decision.”

Our own troops were killed by our own magic.

It was a situation that could have caused a backlash, but no one protested.

As someone who had witnessed the dragon’s power up close, they couldn’t deny that it was unavoidable.

“It’s a shame for the four who were sacrificed, but we’ve eliminated the biggest threat. Now, all that’s left are the small fries.”

Commander Charles pointed to the pterosaur-like monster fighting in the west.

“Let’s go.”

There was no need for unnecessary chatter.

There was no need to talk about the sacrifices or Shin In-hyuk’s death.

Every second was important now.

Now was the time to focus solely on defeating the monsters.

“Yes!”

Charles took the lead, and her subordinates followed her.

“The pterosaur’s power is nothing compared to the dragon. If we join the fight, we can easily take it down. After that, we can deal with the other monsters…”

They were flying quickly towards the pterosaur when it happened.

KIEEEEEEEEEEEEEK-!

The three monsters that had not moved since their appearance all roared at once.

‘Why now…?’

Three snakes, each with a different color: red, blue, and green.

They began to move at the same time as they roared.

“Shit! You son of a bitch!”

Just when they thought they had managed to bring the battle to a stalemate.

Those guys had to start moving right now.

“That bastard who deserves to be torn to pieces…”

Charles cursed, looking at the End God, who was facing Shin Ha-yul in the distance.

Whether it was a cruel joke or not.

Just when hope was about to appear, it was crushed again.

There was no one more malicious than him.

“…Change of plans! We’re going straight for those snakes!”

Charles stopped in her tracks and turned to face the snakes.

They were the only ones who could move freely right now.

They had to stop those three at all costs.

“Commander, you don’t mean we’re going to face those three with just twenty of us…”

“You’re right, so shut up and follow me!”

The victory report from the mantis monster side was about to come in.

Until then, they had to buy time somehow.

If those three snakes started interfering on other front lines, the front lines would collapse in an instant.

“We’re going to die here today.”

Therefore, their role was to be sacrifices.

To buy time until the battle on the other side was decided.

To use their bodies as bait and lure them in.

That was the best option.

“For the families waiting at home. For our friends. For the children. Be prepared. If we don’t die here, everyone will die.”

“…Yes.”

“Understood.”

Some with determined expressions, some with tearful faces, and some biting their lips.

They each made their resolutions in their own way.

“Let’s go.”

Just as Charles was about to lead the way towards the three snakes.

SHAAAAAAAK-!

Suddenly, the red snake appeared right below Charles and her subordinates.

‘When did it get here…!’

Just 0.1 seconds ago, it was far away.

When she noticed, it was right below them, with its jaws wide open.

“Ugh!”

Charles immediately used her telekinesis to try and stop the snake from closing its jaws, but it was useless.

‘No. I can’t stop it!’

The biting force was so strong that the telekinesis was deflected.

‘I’m going to be eaten.’

The surroundings suddenly turned dark.

As she entered the snake’s mouth, all the light around her was blocked.

‘…Am I going to die? So pointlessly?’

Just before the snake’s mouth completely closed, she bit her lip, looking at the scenery outside that was barely visible.

‘Like this, without being able to do anything. Without leaving anything behind. Without protecting anyone. So pointlessly?’

Blood dripped from her bitten lip.

‘…Don’t be ridiculous.’

She wasn’t going to die here.

She couldn’t die in a place like this.

She refused such a pointless death.

She would die in a more valuable way.

“Shut up and open your mouth! You snake bastard!!”

Charles’s mana exploded like a bomb.

As if something that had been blocked had been opened, the amount of mana flowing out of Commander Charles’s body rapidly increased.

The rapidly increased mana naturally led to the strengthening of her telekinesis.

“If you don’t open it…!”

The telekinesis began to transform into a new form.

The telekinesis transformed into a form like a sword.

‘Hitting isn’t the only form of physical force. Cutting is also a phenomenon derived from physical force.’

The sword made of telekinesis was pulled back.

“I’ll cut my way out!!”

The telekinetic sword was swung at an incredible speed.

And then.

SWISH-!

Along with the sound of something being cut.

KIEEEEEEEEEEEEEK-!

A piercing scream echoed from inside the snake’s mouth.