△
As we were running through the corridor, Eve was the first to notice.
Even within this labyrinth, where sound was absorbed, she managed to hear sothing from quite a distance.
Before Pigimaru could react, Eve had already noticed the voice coming from ahead in our direction.
Apparently, it was Kashima's voice.
And then……
"I don't know who it is, but there's soone who seems to be a Divine Servant."
Hearing her words, Loqierra asked.
After hearing it, Loqierra said with certainty.
"It’s Wormungandr."
To which, Eve said.
"Judging from the content of their conversation, Kashima and Asagi are likely in danger."
We had Eve and Gio stand by for now, while we decided to launch a surprise attack.
Losing Asagi’s Unique Skill would be a major blow.
And if Kashima was also——— if she was truly in danger.
I explained the plan for what we’d do after bursting into the next room and added,
"This will an putting a bit of risk on your shoulders too."
Right before we entered the labyrinth, I made sure to say it.
The first to respond was Seras.
Without hesitation.
"Let’s go."
No one objected.
Just before we launched the raid, Seras voiced her resolve one last ti.
"I swear I will protect them———— no matter what."
Right before clashing.
Taking into account the risk of enemies lying in wait, I activated .
The mont we burst in, I laid eyes on the one we assud to be Wormungandr.
I imdiately canceled .
Before the Forbidden Curse could be activated———– I used .
This was in case the target had applied on him.
If the Forbidden Curse takes effect, any previously cast debuff would be wasted.
And if the rule prohibiting consecutive afflictions kicks in, I’d need to insert a different Skill between casts.
For example, if were nullified, I’d have to insert another Skill in between before trying again.
That’s why I chose , a skill that wouldn’t matter much even if nullified———–
And also wouldn’t suffer much from the "no consecutive debuff" rule.
also robs the enemy of their vision.
It didn’t work on Ars, but depending on the opponent, it might prove effective.
However———- it seems Wormungandr also did not have applied on him.
Perhaps being too cautious has its drawbacks.
We were yanked toward the wall by Pigimaru, who had transford into a rope-like form and stuck himself to the room's surface.
The impact was cushioned by Pigimaru, absorbing the shock for us.
As we imdiately shifted into combat mode, Wormungandr ca charging in.
I casted since he was within range, but the Divine Servant didn’t stop.
Spewing red blood, he ca at us.
Thereupon, stepping forward to intercept him was Seras.
Behind her were , Munin, and along with Pigimaru tucked into my coat——— Loqierra.
Seras's blade of light and Wormungandr’s fist clashed, deflecting each other.
▽
[!]
Wormungandr didn’t have on him either.
Then that ans his vision should already be impaired from .
But this guy probably senses opponents without relying on sight.
Just like Ars.
[……!]
Wormungandr looked like he was already in a state of frenzy.
Maybe was aningless on him.
Even so——— it didn't turn out to be a waste.
Even to soone like , with my level of skill.
Even if had stripped him of his sanity, the movents of this Divine Servant, Wormungandr, were utterly precise.
To the point that it sent a chill down my spine.
Could sothing this singularly optimized for combat actually exist?
"He might be the strongest of all the Divine Servants"
That’s what Loqierra had said.
Asagi’s reinforcent buff must’ve worn off by now……
And the opponent's Anti-Divine Enhancent didn’t help against us.
Erika’s weakening Anti-Divine device was stacked on top of that.
And even while under the effects of Abnormal State Skills———–
This is his combat strength?
……I was gauging the distance needed to cast .
Just barely out of range.
Was it so kind of instinctive danger sense on his part?
A super-speed hit-and-run.
Wormungandr maintained the distance with perfect precision.
Still, Seras kept trying to create that opening for .
That’s why I didn’t say anything.
If I had to describe the sensation chilling my spine———– It’d be the clash playing out before .
The slightest hesitation or lapse in concentration would turn into a fatal opening.
A clash between two warriors honed to the absolute limit.
Her Origin Armant———– She wasn't holding back anymore. It was in its full state.
No, without going full out, she wouldn’t survive this.
And Seras had decided that in an instant.
……There wasn’t much I could do anymore.
Astonishingly———– frustrating it may be……
Even Munin behind no longer had any "options" she could make.
As for Loqierra———– was she feeling sothing?
I couldn't quite read her expression, but I could sense a storm of conflicting emotions in her.
[Wormungandr……]
That voice……
Like it was directed toward a comrade, now changed beyond recognition.
It sounded almost…… sorrowful.
[……………………]
The decisive difference compared to the fight with Ars……
I had no charges left.
If Wormungandr shared a similar trait to him———-
[—————–]
Now.
[.]
The distance was right.
My last remaining card I had, ———– I casted it.
But……
[…………]
Wormungandr didn’t stop.
No, not only that———–
[Is he…… evolving?]
Loqierra murmured:
[He’s evolving…… as he fights…… as he takes damage……]
The bleeding had stopped before we realized it.
Like sothing had corked it from within.
The blood———– was rampaging inside his body.
Thump. Thump. Slam. Slam.
His giant pale-white fra rippled from within, flesh bulging and settling.
It was like there were tiny people trapped inside, kicking from the inside———–
And then——— they started protruding out.
Sothing like horns were sprouting from various parts of his body.
As if he were becoming an Oni.
Seras was being pushed back.
Even with her full-power Origin Armant.
Was Wormungandr surpassing her?
[Kuh……]
Evolution.
If this one was going to surpass us the sa way Ars did, then we’d need a new strategy.
……Did I misread this?
That idea———- was it just wishful thinking after all?
On our way here, I had discussed Wormungandr with Loqierra.
After hearing Asagi’s theory, she’d said:
"Indeed, the relationship between and Abnormal State abilities really is strange…… Honestly, I’ve been wondering the sa thing for a while. Not just in this world, but in every world we travel to, Abnormal State-type abilities are treated as practically worthless, so much so that people even question why they exist at all. And yet, for us Deities, we have
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