How to Survive at th Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Joint Combat Practice 2 (15)

In the secluded corridors of the Glokt building, the girl leaned against the wall, looking up at the ceiling as blood pooled around her from the wounds shed sustained.

Ku heuk kugh

Despite her coughing, the choking sensation in her throat refused to ease. Adel brushed the hair stuck to her forehead with bloodied fingers and gazed down at her right wrist. The holy rune, once carved into her skin as a symbol of divine protection, had vanished. No matter how powerful, repeatedly using grand-scale holy magic had its limits.

At last, Adel had beco able to diea goal she had finally achieved after dozens of returns through ti. A sense of release washed over her, though she could not really celebrate the circumstance.

Propping herself against the wall, Adel allowed herself a faint smile while the blood continued to flow. Her consciousness grew increasingly hazy.

* * *

Why, Ed Why you?

Headaches and chills attacked Eds body, and he fought back the urge to vomit. The mories flooding into his mind were from the past, all rewound by Adels sacred magic.

While Saint Magic could turn back the worlds clock fairly, mories were not immune to evaporation. Take Saintess Claris, who retained all mories of the rewound ti.

Claris could resist Adels sacred magic because the foundation of her power lay in holy magic. Since Adels divine power manifested the sacred magic, it couldnt fully exert its force if one possessed the protection of holy magic.

Furthermore, sacred magic often failed to fully affect those with innate resistancenot only those blessed with holy protection, as noted in the treatise Introduction to Sacred Theology by Glokt.

Knowledge was power.

Those with the potential to manifest sacred magic, surely then, had the ability to resist it. Even if not completely shielded due to the differences in power and scale, one could still weaken the impact or at least struggle against it.

In the current era, few could properly wield sacred magic, rendering the point rather moot.

Kr, euk

The mories piercing his mind were, almost in entirety, agonizingcrushed under a building, burned alive, stabbed by a spear, impaled on scales, slowly dying from blood loss

The vivid mories of death he had experienced dozens of tis felt excruciatingly real. Grating his teeth, he clenched his fist on the table.

Yenika, though startled to see

like this, tried to soothe . But for the ti being, I had to endure the pain with gritted teeth.

In the midst of this, Saintess Claris had already approached . Her hair was chillingly white, contrasting with her red pupils, and a red butterfly hairpin tilted in her hair. mories of the girl I had seen die ti and ti again etched into , driving

deeper into pain.

Ed, Senior

Thud.

I grabbed Clariss wrist in a sudden movent.

With sweat trickling down my face, I staggered to my feet, drawing the attention of those around us. Gazing firmly at Claris, I stated decisively, This may very well be our last chance.

Clariss eyes widened slowly as disbelief clearly crossed her features.

Ed Senior mories?

Ti.

I tried to compose my faltering breath and spoke with certainty, Were fighting against ti. We must quickly and swiftly steal the canine necklace.

My introduction to sacred magic ca through Glokts writings, but my resonance with sacred power had not yet peaked. Not quite understanding why I could now resist Adels sacred magic, I had no ti to ponder; I had to act imdiately.

Ed!

Yenika supported

as I wobbled.

Claris, too, was restless before , and the surrounding students eyes were wide upon us. It looked peculiar indeedYenika and Claris at each side as I staggered on.

Claris seed overwheld by the completeness of my mory, yet there was no ti to question it. After all, Claris had thoroughly learned what priorities to set in the face of crisis.

Senior Ed Then we should rush to the carriage!

Your Holiness, take the carriage and head to the cathedral imdiately. Ill go separately.

Sir?

We dont have ti. You must leave at once. Listen carefully, Your Holiness.

Despite her apparent desire to question why we must part ways, there was no ti for lengthy explanations. I briefed her on what she needed to do, and soon enough, Claris nodded and quickly jumped into the carriage.

She commanded the coachman and knights, and the carriage sped off towards the academys cathedral.

Ed What was all that just now?

Naturally, the stares of the students, sharp as arrows, persisted. The unexpected appearance of the Saintess, the incomprehensible exchange, and then her swift compliance with my directionsit was all quite abnormal.

Yenika, too, wore a perplexed look. I steadied myself and placed my hands on her shoulders.

Ah, ugh Suddenly, why!

We must head to the cathedral now.

Throughout the endless cycles of ti, the beginning had always been the sa.

Saintess Claris inford

about the looping ti and about my service number, urging

to board the carriage due to ti constraints.

Sitting in the carriage, I had ti to sort out my thoughts and co to terms with the situation.

But the carriage was too slow. We desperately needed the aid of Yenikas spirits who could defy geography and soar through the air.

Suddenly? Ed You need to take part in the joint combat training!

I cant explain in detail, but its an extrely important matter.

If Ed says so I concede Even so

I had to start moving even as I tried to explain.

The surest solution was to race to the northern forest and summon Lucy. In the previous cycle, I did just that.

Lucy yril was a formidable force, unmatched within the academy. A bulldozer or a cheat of sorts, capable of breaking through any dead-end.

With Lucy present, we could subdue Teloss Apostle or Archbishop Verdio in an instant.

But that was not the objective. It wasnt about subduing them; it was a ti attack.

We had to snatch the canine necklace of Belverok and cast it as far away from Aken Island as possible.

It was uncertain how far we needed to go to prevent it from reacting with the sealit might not be enough to cover kiloters, perhaps requiring travel to another province.

There was no telling how much ti it would need. If we could retry the cycle, we might discern the exact distance, but with Adels life on the line, that wasnt an option.

I had to proceed as though this was truly the final attempt.

Hence, there was no ti to summon Lucy from the northern forest. It would be better to race to the cathedral and seize Belveroks canine necklace as quickly as possible.

After securing the necklace, I would flee Aken Island as quickly as I could. Dealing with Teloss Apostle would co later. First, we had to hinder the revival of the Holy Dragon.

And at the start of every cycle, Yenika was always closest to .

As the handler of the cycle, having no connection to Saintess Claris, she had to fully invest her efforts to persuade and take

with her.

There had been no choice for

but to be confusedly dragged along. But now the situation had profoundly changed.

It is urgent, so I understand But Ed, you dont look well. Arent you overexerting yourself?

Yenika spoke as she amassed the power of the spirits. It was a considerable amount of magic energy, enough to summon mid-level spirits, yet she didnt seem burdened.

Yenika had an extraordinary sensitivity to spirit magic.

Before long, a giant water-ford hawk spread its wings, and a moist breeze coiled around the bench.

Yenika swiftly climbed onto the hawk. Though not exactly colossal, it was large enough for two people to ride.

Extending her hand, I grasped it and climbed up beside her. As the hawk flapped its wings and began to hover, I struggled to maintain balance and wrapped my arms around Yenikas waist.

Ack!

Yenika shivered and hiccupped. Perhaps the abruptness of my action had startled her. But at that mont, I was too preoccupied to attend to my ntal state.

As we soared across the sky, we could see the Saintesss carriage bustling below.

Yenika and I perched atop the hawk, ignoring buildings and roads and flew directly toward the Cathedral of the Scholars visible in the distance.

Listen carefully, Yenika.

Uh, yeah?! Im listening! Ed!

From this mont, Im going to strike at the Holy Emperor and the Archbishop.

Her ears, previously flushed with bashfulness, returned to their pale color at my words.

What?!

Move swiftly following my descent, and if anyone sees you, fly away as quickly as possible.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Yenika turned her body while I was still embracing her back.

We dont have much tistart moving now, Yenika. And if it goes south, you risk expulsion.

Even if it ans becoming a fugitive, I cant let you go alone.

There was firm resolve in her eyes, the usual hesitance nowhere to be found.

If were to be expelled, lets face it together. Perhaps well feel less unjust if we share the burden.

Isnt that too reckless? If things go wrong, I might not escape the pursuit of the church.

We can figure out a plan when the ti cos. If we beco fugitives Ill run away with you. My hotown of Flan is in a remote area, so hiding there will make it difficult for

I know its going to be tough.

Still, Yenicars gaze is unwavering, certainly pretense is absent in her solemn affirmation.

Ready to descend into the abyss alongside

if thats our fate.

She speaks of a retreat through the less traveled deserts or lawless zones as if its as simple as having a stroll, draped in robes, eking out a living on ager quests and scraps.

No way

Im resolved to that, Ed. So dont even think of leaving by yourself.

Its as if Yenicar can read my thoughts.

Youve been suffering alone again, havent you?

What?

I can tell just by looking at your face, Ed.

Scores of painful deaths are etched in my mory, each one so agonizing that the re recollection threatens my sanity.

With a sorrowful look through narrowed eyes, Yenicar speaks.

I hate seeing Ed suffer.

Ignoring geographical constraints, we flew through the sky. It wasnt long before the cathedral of the academy lood beneath us.

Are you ready?

Dont talk. Its pointless.

Then Lets break through the stained glass.

The unexpected proposition to shatter the cathedrals grand windows and invade within seems like madness, especially from Yenicars perspective, unversed in the intricacies of the matter

Understood.

Crash! The cacophony of breaking glass!

The falcon pierced the stained glass of the academy precisely.

* * *

What followed happened in an instant.

The attack was most critical at the mont of entry.

As the massive glass shattered, raining fragnts onto the floor below.

Leaping from the falcon, I rolled on the ground before setting my sights on the pulpit.

The congregates sat stunned in the pews, Archbishop Verdieu on the pulpit, and High Priest Eldain behind, reviewing his plans.

All were dumbstruck, but their confusion presented a singular opportunity.

I charged the pulpit and, with no hesitation, kicked Verdieu in the gut, sending him tumbling down.

Taken by surprise with no thought to defend himself, Verdieu emitted a choking sound as he toppled from the stage.

Witnessing this, Telos apostles drew their weapons and stood. My eyes confird the presence of the Velbrok tooth necklace dangling ostentatiously on the pedestal.

Quickly, I snatched the chain of the necklace and adorned the summoned falcons neck with it. The legendary artifact, the Velbrok tooth necklace, could adjust its length according to the wearers neck size.

Although it was a tight fit, it sat neatly around the falcons neck.

What in the world?

Swiftly, I remounted the falcon. Initially, I planned to utilize arcane magic gear but with Yenicars assistance, the narrative shifted entirely.

My priority was to halt the revival of the Holy Dragon Velbrok, flying high over Aiken Island.

What cos after is a concern for another ti. Now is not the mont to search for an optimal route by casting various gambits. Adels life can no longer be wagered.

I flung a dagger into the ground. With the manifestation of the Spirit Formula

Explosion, smoke enveloped the pulpit.

The apostles quickly dispersed the smoke with their magic, but by then, Yenicars falcon was already soaring through the sky.

Slicing through the heavens, Yenicar clutched tightly to

as we flew side by side.

The apostles of Telos took wing after us. Each possessed the capability to fly via their imnse wings, moving at a surprising pace, but the distance between us and our pursuers narrowed more quickly than expected.

Yenicar!

Conversing was challenging with the sound of our clothes flapping violently in the wind.

Well be caught if we keep this up! Descend now!

Why would altitude matter in a chase? Yenicar likely wanted to question that, but a glance below offered a faster answer.

Flying spirits capable of carrying a person are exceptionally useful, yet summoning and sustaining them consus an exorbitant amount of mana compared to ordinary spirits. An average spirit master would be exhausted re minutes into a flight.

Naturally, Yenicar possessed an absurd mana efficiency when it ca to spirit magic, able to fly effortlessly over several kiloters. As the wind struck our faces, we continued to glide through the sky.

Just ten minutes ago, I was sitting dazed in front of the Glokta manor!

It must have felt like a bolt from the blue, but Yenicar persisted, focusing on her spirit magic despite clenched teeth.

Six apostles shredded the sky with their wings, hurling various elental spells our way.

We zigzagged to dodge the barrage, but there were limits to how long we could resist.

When a basic wind spell, Blade of Wind, hit the falcon squarely, the spirit disintegrated into its elental form, vanishing in an instant.

A fleeting sensation of weightlessness dominated as I hung in midair, but the pull of gravity soon reclaid its hold.

Thump!

The rustling of the garnt

While suspended, I imdiately snatched the Velbrok tooth necklace still afloat.

As I was about to fall toward the ground, Yenicar, still clutching my garnt, delved her hand into her bosom.

Whispering into my ear as we fell together, she said,

Youll take care of the aftermath, wont you, Ed?

What?

I trust you, Ed, so Ill do it.

From within my cloak, she extracted Glasts Phoenix Ring of the Golden Sun.

With her fist clenched tightly around the ring, Yenicar extended it towards the sky And then the heavens vanished.

Rumble!

Though wings is a broad term, their varieties are countless.

From the smallest insects, sparrows, and bats to the largest eagles, pterosaurs, and skeletal birds Each type of wing spread over the world takes a different form.

Yet, among them all, the most imposing was the whale.

It was a clear day.

But the suns light could not reach the academy.

Only a vast shadow cast darkness over it.

Elental spirits co in myriad forms and species, yet for each elent, there exists a unique being.

Spirit masters refer to these beings as Supre Spirits.

The supre spirits are the earliest forms of life among their kind.

The supre water spirit, Pride.

The imnse whale floated over the academy, emitting a sound like a grand horn.

Surrounded by a host of flying spirits, its majestic movent recalled a mothership with an escort fleet.

Even Telos pursuing apostles paused at the sight, montarily bewildered.

Swoop!

A pterosaur-shaped wind spirit swiftly seized Yenicar and , offering respite upon its plush back, and the sensation of plumting dissipated.

Hey How much mana did you draw from?

Im not sure I guess Ill be bedridden for a while

Staggering with effort, Yenicar used her staff to prop herself up and slowly stood on the spirits back.

Without any explanation, she had overexerted herself for my sake, leaving

with a profound sense of debt, lodging itself deeply in my heart.

The six apostles ceased their pursuit for a mont, surprised by an unforeseen circumstance.

Surely, chaos had already erupted at the academy.

The supre water spirit, Pride, was regarded as a calamity that claid the lives of two mythical heroes.

The forced manifestation of Pride marked one of the greatest achievents of the archmage Glokta, as the entity itself embodied a terror in human history.

Though Pride was now under Yenicars control, it was uncertain whether the academys others would perceive it similarly.

The apostles altered their expressions and prepared collective sacred magic for a more serious confrontation.

* * *

Saintess, there is sothing only you can do.

You alone rember all of history, Saintess, with a full grasp on the situation. While I use whatever ans to thwart the Holy Dragons revival, Saintess please persuade the High Priest Eldain.

Stepping from the carriage, the chaotic scenes at the academy cathedral unfolded before .

Clarisse, unfettered by the knights escort, strode decisively through the open cathedral doors before her.

Inside, those expecting the apostles return and news of the situation awaited.

The audacious assault that resulted in the theft of Velbroks tooth necklace had left a profound impression, as if the culprits knew the orders every move.

As if responding to this anomaly, the sky filled with elental spirits of all sorts Sothing was clearly amiss.

On the pulpit stood Archbishop Verdieu, issuing commands to the cathedral knights, and High Priest Eldain seated behind, gazing skyward with reflections of a distant and lofty academy overhead.

Most of the orders movents were spearheaded by Archbishop Verdieu.

High Priest Eldain an observer who had left most decisions to Verdieu.

Observation itself is a form of participation. There is no moral hierarchy in such apathy.

Yet, Clarisse knew.

High Priest Eldain was not powerless. He was simply weary from weathering the passage of ti.

Caught between faith and reality, his scales had slowly tipped toward the latter.

Saintess?

How did you That is, the situation here is rather complicated

The stained glass lay broken, chairs scattered across the floor. The sanctuary was in utter disarray.

Pushing aside knights who attempted to bar her path, Clarisse ascended to the pulpit.

Saintess Clarisse.

The circumstances were already hectic. Nonetheless, reverence for the Saintess remained of utmost importance.

Bowing his head, Verdieu greeted her and wanted to ask for patience with the ongoing crisis.

We are

Please sit down, Archbishop Verdieu.

Finally, she had arrived.

On a small table atop the pulpit designed for candles and a holy water dish Clarisse slid them aside and perched herself there with grace.

At this mont, Verdieu sensed the dissonance.

Clarisse was beholden to no ones scrutiny.

Her mind was consud only by the endeavors that led to this point.

A man had died dozens of tis. Each ti, he persisted in self-sacrifice, propelling her toward the culminating point of these events.

The weight of this debt was indescribable, and while there was no need for a sense of obligation, it was evident that she had received far too much.

The pinnacle of the Telos order was shaped like no other.

Saintess, Archbishop, High Pries.

Seated at the core, Saintess Clarisse addressed Eldain in a soft voice.

High Priest Eldain.

Eldain, observing from behind on a wooden chair, showed no reaction.

Still, Clarisse gazed upward at the broken ceiling and spoke.

You surely understand, High Priest. I know youve been caught in an endless turmoil. However You cannot remain a re observer forever.

Archbishop Verdieu is a cancer that consus our order.

A murmur echoed through the cathedral as Verdieus brows furrowed sharply.

Before he could demand what she ant, Clarisse responded,

You must excommunicate him.