𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖
(8)
[Guo, Gaaaah!]
ㅤ
The blue-haired beast, encased in a thick indeterminate membrane, emitted a deeply unpleasant thought. An invisible force exploded, trying to blast away the membrane. However, each time, the membrane reshaped and absorbed the shock.
ㅤ
[You, youuuu!]
ㅤ
With a scream, the only exposed horn was launched. Uncertain of its target, the horn bounced off a large pillar and rolled away.
The beast’s thoughts faded, and its movements ceased.
It contracted, and its color and form were reconstructed.
It took on the form of a human. The face was unmistakably Ozma’s, but from the neck down, it was a murky semi-translucent, with countless small light particles circulating within, much like blood. By clenching and unclenching his hands, and stamping his feet, Ozma seemed to be checking his physical condition.
The knights of the “Star Guardian” looked on in shock.
They were already reeling from Luo’s actions and the Tweney incident, and now even the Horned Lion had disappeared.
They couldn’t keep up with the current situation.
ㅤ
“Is this how it works?”
ㅤ
Suddenly, Ozma looked up at the ceiling. Light particles inside his torso converged. He opened his mouth wide like a frog, and a breath of light was emitted. The light beam was far more intense and thick than what the “Blue Demon Beast” had once released in the royal square.
A roaring sound followed by a blast, and then a gust of hot wind.
Eventually, silence returned.
It was bright. The ceiling had completely disappeared, leaving the sky exposed. The sheer destructive power left everyone speechless.
ㅤ
“Phew, magnificent.”
ㅤ
Ozma screamed with arms spread wide.
ㅤ
“In these times when dark gods awaken and demon beasts run wild, the survivors are hiding in cities surrounded by walls, living as if holding their breath. Just like rats hiding in a cage. With this power, I’ll give them further despair, the same beautiful despair the “Blue Demon Beast” once brought. The piercing screams, faces twisted in fear, and chaotic fleeing. All of these cleanse my soul and make me feel alive!”
ㅤ
Ozma’s purpose wasn’t to save this country or elevate the status of wizards. He had orchestrated this situation to satisfy an incomprehensible personal desire.
ㅤ
“Now, Luo-kun.”
ㅤ
Ozma made his final request to Luo.
ㅤ
“One by one, slowly. Please strangle all the people you have restrained.”
“Okay, I understand.”
ㅤ
◇
ㅤ
Ozma intended to fully savor the intense negative emotions of everyone present.
He would kill each member of the “Star Guardian” and the Hero Squad, one by one. The anguish of losing comrades one after another and the fear of dying helplessly. Being strong made the scene all the more vivid. After making Luo end his own life, the princess’s despair should peak. And finally, he would kill the princess with his own hands.
This sequence seemed inevitable in some ways.
While brainwashing Luo, Ozma made him perceive the “Star Guardian” as villains. However, time was short. Luo still held the princess dear. He couldn’t be made to attack her.
Tweney understood this too.
When Ozma had thrown her into the air, she was completely unharmed. The floor glowed with a rainbow hue, softly absorbing the impact. Luo, as always, had saved her. He still held no animosity towards her.
ㅤ
“First, from the person on the left of the “Star Guardian” over there.”
“Luo! Stop it.”
ㅤ
Tweney stood up and started running.
Luo looked back, seemingly surprised.
The unpleasant sensation she felt when Ozma used the “Illusionary Flame” magic on her in Akkare Castle. Tweney wanted to remove the unnatural power brewing within Luo. With this determination, she lunged at Luo. Placing her hands on either side of his face, she pressed their foreheads together. For some reason, she felt it was the right thing to do. A radiant light emanated from their contact, followed by a gust of pure wind.
ㅤ
“Huh?”
ㅤ
Luo blinked, asking with a curious tone.
ㅤ
“What happened, Peppoko?”
ㅤ
Tweney gazed intently into Luo’s eyes. She didn’t sense any malice anymore. After a tight embrace, Tweney pleaded with Luo.
ㅤ
“Everyone is immobilized. Help them.”
“O, Okay.”
ㅤ
The moment the rocky restraints were released, Tenku’s limbs transformed into those of a bird of prey, and he leaped into the air. Both Paulun and Fuuri readied themselves for battle.
ㅤ
“Excuse me, Star Guardians? I understand you might have reservations, but shouldn’t our priority be to survive right now?”
ㅤ
The one who responded to Paulun’s call was Gangi.
ㅤ
“Draw your swords!”
ㅤ
Commanding the seemingly unsettled senior knights, they drew their blades.
ㅤ
“Ahh. . . . . .”
ㅤ
The one who sighed in disappointment was Ozma.
ㅤ
“So, you can neutralize magic cast on others too? I wasn’t informed about this. Ah, nothing went as planned.”
ㅤ
With an emotionless tone and expression, perhaps even lacking emotion altogether, Ozma casually remarked.
ㅤ
“So, shall we begin?”
“Don’t mock us!”
ㅤ
Battsu spat out, his face downward and shoulders shaking.
ㅤ
“What’s everyone’s problem?”
ㅤ
While it seemed even he was unaware of the exact source of his anger, for now, it was directed at Ozma.
Bending forward, he placed both his hands on the ground.
ㅤ
“Earth Stone Dragon!”
ㅤ
A massive rock jaw lunged at Ozma.
ㅤ
“Too bad.”
ㅤ
Ozma’s right arm enlarged, covered in scales, with sharp claws emerging. It resembled the arm of an earth dragon, a demon beast.
There was a peculiar sound.
ㅤ
“Your power, I already have it.”
ㅤ
The demon beast’s right arm easily shattered the rock jaw sent by Battsu.
Seizing this opportunity, Tenku attacked from the air.
ㅤ
“Wind Fang.”
ㅤ
Sharp blades of wind formed from his crossed wings and charged at Ozma.
ㅤ
“I wanted that, but I don’t need it anymore.”
ㅤ
There was another peculiar sound.
Massive blue wings sprouted from Ozma’s back. The wings of a recently absorbed Horned Lion produced two cyclones, swallowing the blades of wind.
Fuuri planted his staff on the ground. After a brief moment, the ground beneath Ozma crumbled. Although Ozma nearly lost his balance, his legs transformed into those of the Oni Thorn Spider, supporting his weight.
ㅤ
“I kind of want that.”
ㅤ
Kopori.
Paulun, who had maneuvered behind, to attack, realized that he couldn’t launch a surprise attack. Tentacles with eyeballs attached to Ozma’s body were capturing everything around.
Ozma’s left arm transformed into that of a Rooster-Crowned Bear, knocking away Paulun’s massive body.
ㅤ
“Wave Formation!”
ㅤ
The knights of the “Star Guardian” who had lined up attacked in a flash, swiftly cutting off the arms of Ozma, who had transformed into a demon beast.
ㅤ
“Aaargh!”
ㅤ
Recoiling, Ozma screamed in pain. Under normal circumstances, the battle would have ended there. It should have, but Ozma returned to his original stance as if nothing had happened.
ㅤ
“――Well, no matter how much you cut, it’s meaningless. It doesn’t hurt, and there’s no blood.”
ㅤ
The arms of the demon beast that lay on the floor began to melt and were absorbed by Ozma, instantly regenerating both arms.
Though momentarily allied, the members of the “Star Guardian” knights and the Hero Squad felt the ineffectiveness of their efforts.
They were utterly toyed with.
Even with the presence of the powerful Luo on their side, if physical attacks have no effect, it’s pointless.
Moreover, if Ozma releases that intense, unmatched flash breath, they would be wiped out instantly.
Their ominous premonition was confirmed.
ㅤ
“Well. Let’s finish this.”
ㅤ
Ozma, who had returned to his human form, opened his mouth wide. As a light concentrated inside him, ready to be released, an unexpected change occurred.
Drip.
ㅤ
“Huh?”
ㅤ
As if a massive bubble had formed inside, Ozma’s back suddenly bulged.
ㅤ
“W, What’s. . . . . .?”
ㅤ
Though Ozma tried to stabilize himself with determination, his arms and legs continued to swell irregularly.
Despite desperately trying to suppress it, the swelling didn’t stop. As internal explosions repeated, Ozma’s body expanded.
ㅤ
“Gah, bloaargh!”
ㅤ
Letting out an immensely distressed scream, Ozma began to transform.
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- Study Guide: Lofi or Punk Emo? The Soundtrack to Smashing Your Next Exam (Like a Boss)
- The Unmentionable Truth About Anime Waifus: Why They’re All So Smooth
- Yo, Millennials: This TikTok Dictionary Translates Gen Z So You Don’t Sound Like a Boomer
- That Cringey Anime Obsessed Kid In Your Class: A Guide to Not Being That Guy (Or Gal)
- Intrusive Thoughts: Pikachu vs Levi
Leave a Reply