Against the World II: Transgression
Special Story: Threat from the East, part 8

The east side of the Islan is a peaceful place. Although in front of him is a vast ocean far away from Medea and Veria, the east side of the Islan is still a peaceful place. There's nothing dangerous here. Magical Beasts that roamed around were also only weak beings that even ordinary people could defeat. There are no dangerous creatures here—other than criminals/thieves who hide from the hunt of kingdoms/cities.

Two kilometers from the shore, the tents of the combined soldiers of various races had stood in groups. It was the place they chose as the headquarters. From there, they would be able to move more freely whenever the enemy arrived. They also did not have to worry about the security of the Magical Beast— unlike other places like their southeastern side.

Minner and Zestya were successfully teleported to the place they wanted—one kilometer in front of those tents that numbered in the hundreds. The two warebeast brothers were not interested in joining themselves directly with the leader of the soldiers. They want to be the main obstacle for the enemy. The soldiers could face the survivors of both.

“Minner, who kills more people then he is entitled to be a losing employer for two full days. How, Minner dare to accept the challenge Zestya?”

“Heh, then do not be angry if later I command you who do not-no, yes?”

“Minner speaks as if he has won. Alright, whatever Minner requests, even if it's immoral, Zestya won't be angry.”

...***...

There is no city on the easternmost side of Islan, but far to the southwest is an independent city called Easthapola. However, its location too far to the southwest made the soldiers unable to make it as a headquarters. Therefore, the soldiers had to build tents as their base of operations in an uninhabited place, about three kilometers from the shore.

Hernandez, Retsu, and Vermyna stepped their feet out of the dimensional portal Vermyna created. With her [Space Magic], Vermyna was able to create a dimensional portal to all corners of Islan— except a ten-meter radius from where Fie Axellibra was located. Vermyna was able to do that because the Islan as a whole was already included in his special dimension. Although the real Islan still remains in place, but at the same time it is in the vast dimension of Vermyna.

Vermyna's ability in [Space Magic] and [Time Magic] was so extraordinary that Hernandez doubted that Jiang Yue Yin who could use all magic could match the vampire. Hernandez thought so, of course, not because he was on the side of the vampire alone, but because he admitted that Vermyna was indeed that great.

“Hernandez, Retsu, don't die before I return.”

Without waiting for the response of the two humans concerned, a pair of dark black wings burst out from the back of the petite vampire. Then he immediately flew up and shot east at hypersonic speed. So fast, Vermyna's darting created a shock of air that hit Hernandez and Retsu.

Shortly after Vermyna's departure, Hernandez immediately invited Retsu to join the soldiers who had camped not far from them. Since they were the main forces, and given the enemies they had to face, it was important for the two of them to coordinate with the leader of the soldiers. That way, it is expected that they can avoid miscommunication.

...* * *...

On her eastward flight, Vermyna witnessed quite a number of ships heading towards Islan. The ships were divided into groups with different destination lines. In addition to the main group that sailed straight to the east coast of Islan whose ships amounted to two hundred more, the other groups each had the same number of ships, which is about 100. In total, Vermyna estimated the total number of ships to be between 800 and 900.

“That's a very large amount,” Vermyna muttered in a monotone tone. However, as her flying speed was even much faster than the propagation of sound, Vermyna herself barely heard the sound of her own muttering that had been left behind.

If she wanted to, Vermyna could obliterate all of those ships with her [Space Magic]. However, if he tried to do that, Jiang Yue Yin would first confront him. If that happened, Vermyna would not have had time to stop Arshvateth and his men. His current strength was like a pond in the presence of a lake when compared to the strength of his intact self.

“That fucking denia!”

Vermyna couldn't hide her frustration. Given the events where he lost his memory and the large amount of his strength always made him very emotional. Because of his emotions, Vermyna wanted to skin the creature alive. If only he had not known that it was impossible for him to even scratch the skin of Edenia, Vermyna would have already tried to find the location of the creature.

If he wanted to at least have a chance against that despicable creature, Vermyna would have to at least have Supreme Magic. But that's not enough. She must also fuse with the other two parts of herself: Catherine Hermythys and Sataniciela. Without that union, it would be impossible for her to return to being Vermyna Hellvarossa. If he did not become Vermyna Hellvarossa, there was no chance for him to injure Edenia, even with a Supreme Magic.

However, thinking of negating Catherine's existence. Vermyna could not bring herself to do that. He spent a long time with Catherine. Although she now knew that the child's soul was her part, Catherine was still technically her sister. If he took back his soul, ..it would be like killing his own sister.

For the time being, Vermyna was unable to see Catherine die.

After all, his current strength was more than enough to face almost everyone. Excluding the Fie Axellibra that could negate all magic, Vermyna did not feel that anyone could defeat her. The urgency may exist, but defeat it?

That can't be happening.

Shortly thereafter, Vermyna was already between Islan and Medea. Given that he had arrived here and still had not seen the dragons in question, it meant that Arshvateth and his subordinates were flying at an ordinary speed towards Islan. They must be arrogant to think that superior beings like them do not need to rush. Or, if that past still stuck in the minds of the dragons, they wanted to avoid meeting with Fie Axellibra. If so, could it be that they expected Jiang Yue Yin to handle the nephilim?

“As a dragon race, themselves are very disappointing, but that is not surprising. Each self has a natural instinct to avoid fighting an enemy that cannot be defeated. They only humiliated the dragon race in its entirety. Hmph, why don't I just obliterate them all?”

Gramiel, as a soft-hearted old man, forbade him from mass murdering the dragon race. It is better to let most of them go. Or, if their eviction attempt could be made by simply subduing Arshvateth, Gramiel would want Vermyna to choose that option.

Normally, Vermyna would obey the wishes of Gramiel – she had enough respect for the man as the propagator of the treatise of the god.

However, those times in which she had enough respect were gone when Vermyna recalled who she really was. Although he still had a little respect for the old man, but it was not enough to make Vermyna obey him as usual. He was clearly a creature of a much higher caste than the old man; it was inappropriate for him to listen to the words of Gramiel.

The regret on Vermyna's face disappeared instantly as her red eyes saw the dragon troupe flying on the horizon there.

“They will be not bad entertainment,” muttered while cutting the distance in an instant, and in the blink of an eye he was already in the presence of the dragons whose reflex was to stop their pace. “Halo, despicable dragon self, how are you?”

...* * *...

The timing of the show for their masterpiece finally arrived—it was what filled the minds of Khrometh and Stakhneth as they were in the special cave reserved only for them by the Dwarf Kingdom, it was what filled the minds of the Khrometh and Stakhneth as they were in the special cave reserved only for them, by King Zolloa. Both of them stood before the giant winged golem, Titanus. Khrometh has wrapped himself in special armor that covers all parts of his body, except the face. Meanwhile, Stakhneth was clad only in his usual clothes.

“What are you waiting for, Stakhneth? Quickly up. We'll go straight there and eradicate every sneak that comes close.”

Stakhneth nodded slowly, walking closer to the golem. Just like his impatient partner wanted to test his new armor immediately, he was also impatient to see the devastating golem. They had already spent a lot of time and resources to manifest the golem; it would be disappointing if they did not take advantage of it.

Jumping into the air, Stakhneth directly broke into the open chest of the golem.

Khrometh who watched his bloodless brother enter the golem control room gave a wide grin. And the grin grew wider as the two golems lit up, indicating Stakhneth was already sitting in the control seat and allowing his [where] to be absorbed. Although they have created a reactor [where] that relies on condensation of Ethereal Water as a source [where], but Stakhneth still needs to use [where] to activate the golem.

Khrometh raised his right hand as Stakhneth moved the golem's legs and hands, instantly revealing a brown magic circle on the towering ceiling of the cave. The ceiling above the golem separated each other to create a twenty-meter diameter hole in the air. Then, Stakhneth carried his golem flying through the hole.

Not wanting to be left behind, Khrometh immediately shot up following Titanus—of course he did not forget to restore the roof of the cave back to how it was.

...* * *...

The Vegasus ship slowly floated from where it floated on the surface of the underground lake. The cave's moderately high ceiling opened slowly, allowing the only ship on Islan that could fly to break free to the surface. Before long, the ship was already hundreds of meters above ground level.

In the control room of the ship, Diatra sat leisurely on the sofa a few dozen steps behind the control seat on which Elemetra sat. They agreed to take control of the ship every hour. Since none of them had [Fire Magic], they needed [whichever] was more to operate the ship. That's why they alternate with each other every hour.

The Vegasus ship then went straight to the northeast of the Islan. Their job is to destroy as many ships as possible. Therefore, Diatra and Elemetra decided to start from the very end. Then they intend to comb along the sea from the northeast side of Islan to the southeast side.

It was the simplest plan, but at the same time it was also the most effective and reasonable. Because, they do not have enough information about the enemy to formulate a more precise plan.

...—Main Ship Veria—...

“I'll cut the distance between these ships and Islan. Distance adrift three hours boat ride, I will make it thirty minutes.”

Gadra was almost aghast when the voice suddenly attacked his sense of hearing. But because his brain immediately recognized the monotonous sound, he was able to quickly control himself and turn to face the owner. As he had already assumed, it really belonged to Jiang Yue Yin.

“Why so suddenly? And since when have you been on this ship?” Gadra's reflexes asked.

“I'm new here, and I've just seen someone darting towards Arshvateth and his entourage. Looks like they already know that we're going to include the dragons in attacking Islan.”

Gadra frowned at the information. “That's impossible! There are no spies in this army. I've put a lot of emphasis on my confidants to make sure of that. Hence, if anyone were to really leak that information, that person must have been narrowed down among your troops, Yue Yin. Putting that aside, who is the person you saw that with?”

“A vampire.”

“Vermyna..Hermythys?”

“He is the strongest individual in Islan after Fie Axellibra. I don't know for sure how strong he is, but he said he was invincible in [Time Magic] and [Space Magic]. I know you also mastered both magic, but I don't know if you can surpass Vermyna in both magic or not. And if I'm to be honest, I'm not sure I can beat that vampire—even if I have three. You shortened the distance because of that?”

“Hm, if Vermyna Hermythys is as strong as you're implying, getting her to face Arhsvateth and his subordinates is a good thing. It would be troublesome if he was present when I had to focus on Fie Axellibra.”

Hm, Gadra felt that he should have given Yue Yin some detailed information before they executed the plan. Although they were confident with numbers, it would be meaningless if faced with a great power. People say to beat quality with quantity, but they forget that quality can eliminate quantity.

“But it doesn't matter; I will overcome them both at once if the two fight together. Now, prepare yourself and the others, Gadra.” Yue Yin directly fused her two palms together right after saying that.

Gadra wanted to say that for Yue Yin it was impossible to defeat Fie Axellibra and Vermyna Hermythys at once. However, he did not want to pocket Yue Yin. Therefore Gadra just nodded slowly and went to meet his core troops.

...—Axellibra, Emiliel Holy Kingdom—...

Axellibra is a large city, the largest in the whole of the vast Islan. And so it is with its inhabitants. They were more numerous than the elves inhabiting Evrillia or the warebest inhabiting the Warebeast capital of the Great Kingdom. But that's not surprising; humans breed faster than elves or warebeast—even though they die much faster than both.

“Pope Gramiel, please follow me.”

The eyes of Gramiel who turned around here and there looked at the charm of the capital Emiliel Holy Kingdom immediately lead to the owner of the voice. Gramiel had never seen him before. Usually who always welcome him if going to this city is the prime minister. However, seeing the man's absence in front of him meant that the prime minister was having no free time to greet him.

“Of course,” response Gramiel slowly.

Nodding softly, the young man who was in front of the pope immediately turned his body and stepped away. During his time as pope, it was the first time that Gramiel had received such a flat view, but he did not comment. The old man just stepped his foot following the young man.

“What Miss Fie can be found?” gramiel asked after a long walk. He came here to meet Fie Axellibra; there was no use for him to be here if it turned out that the nephilim was nowhere to be found.

“We will inform Miss Fie after you arrive at the prepared meeting room, Pope Gramiel.”

Gramiel let her old lips curl a little. This young man before him had just blatantly implied that for him Fie Axellibra was much higher than the pope. Although basically Fie Axellibra is the daughter of a seraphim, it is still an insult to the church. However, Gramiel would not comment.

He had a clear purpose in coming here; there was no need to add to the unnecessary trouble.

...* * *...

“Four-legged animals, I hope not to disturb the flapping wings of your despicable self.” Vermyna showed off her arrogant smile, revealing her pair of beautiful, seductive fangs.

The words successfully stopped every flap of the dragon's wings. They all looked at him sharply, full of wrath. Dragons are the highest race, they really do not like it if someone calls them despicable. However, Vermyna was not intimidated at all. They are just insects when compared to him.

“Vermyna, your arrogance really knows no bounds.”

The heavy and menacing voice belonged to the old Dragon Lord—naga who was over a thousand years old, whose name was widely known as Arshvateth. Vermyna did not know whether it was his real name or not, but it was clear that when one heard the word Arshvateth the first one was the Dragon Lord.

“Of course. It is natural for me to be arrogant to a creature whose position is under my feet. Ah, but, if you're willing to raise a little head to lick my former soles, maybe I'll consider making yourself my pet.”

The faces of the dragons instantly filled with anger. Without asking the Dragon Lord's permission, a dozen of them had already dashed out trying to attack the vampire. Dragon’s Breath of various elements harmoniously crashing into the vampire. However, a space distortion of the same amount as the number of attacks instantly appeared.

All those bursts of dragons went into the space distortion smoothly.

The dragons are not silent. They were curling around trying to change the direction of the bursts, but the space distortions followed them as if they had been directly connected. And, as soon as the burst stopped, the distortion disappeared without a trace.

“Hm, whether it be eleven or a hundred, or even a thousand, insects will still be nothing in front of me. Don't you understand something so simple? Ops! I forgot that insect brains are too small to understand such a basic thing.”

This time, other than Arshvateth, all the dragons in the group attacked Vermyna. They seem to have lost their minds. Roaring indistinctly like crazy beasts, that was how Vermyna's eyes looked at them. And, even though they were like fidelity, Vermyna did not feel disturbed. In fact, it was quite comforting to see the proud dragons clustered in abject swarms like helpless insects.

Vermyna swerved left dodging the lunge of a dragon, before then darting upwards avoiding the other dragons. Vermyna had absolutely no intention of replying to the attack; he intended to let the dragons attack blindly as they pleased. Thus, they would realize that compared to him they were just helpless insects.

“Yaaa, Arshvateth. Until when will you be silent there? You don't want to join the horde with them?” vermyna asked as she stopped the time dozens of dragons were maneuvering behind her, her lips curling as if she was looking at a talking trash.

“Grrr! Vermyna, you and your arrogance!”

“Hoho? You feel inferior?”

“Diriku..feel inferior? At you? Ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha, khahahahahaha Arshvateth screeched loudly. “One-time fool. To the gods alone I don't feel inferior, let alone to a little pecker like you!” Arshvateth's expression instantly became serious. “Everyone, how long do you want to act stupid like that? Enough of the fooling around. Give all your abilities and finish off Vermya to the point of not being left out of him even a single hair!”

“Hoooh~?” Vermyna raised his eyebrows in an interest in seeing the bodies of the dragons enveloped in certain elements: lightning, wind, fire, and so on. In fact, the dragons that were in her [Time Magic] effect seemed to show resistance—although that resistance instantly disappeared as Vermyna slightly strengthened her magic effect. “Not bad.”

...* * *...

Hernandez and Retsu sat next to each other in front of a simple square table in the main tent of the command of the combined forces of Islan. In front of the two sat a few men who were in positions as leaders of the whole army which was separated into four divisions— each division consisted of 35,000 to 50,000. They talked about strategies to welcome enemies who intend to colonize them.

As the strongest, it was agreed that Hernandez and Retsu would fight both at the forefront. One kilometer behind them, two of the four divisions would be ready to welcome the enemy soldiers. Then, behind the two divisions, a kilometer away, the remaining two divisions would overcome the soldiers who were able to escape. In short, it was a three-layer defensive strategy.

There was not much to discuss at the meeting. Before Hernandez and Retsu joined them, they had already determined that strategy. The presence of Hernandez and Retsu is only to ensure there is no miscommunication between them. And Hernandez expects that. Because, if the moment they arrive but the strategy has not been determined, it will only show the incompetence of the leaders of the troops.

“Wire, Leader!” A soldier suddenly entered without permission into the tent. “Wire!”

“Say, Warrior.”

“The inspectors have found the enemy ship approaching the coastal area. Currently, they are only a dozen kilometers away.”

Hernandez immediately rose from his chair to hear the soldier's report. This was followed by Retsu. “We leave the rest to you,” said Hernandez. “I and Retsu will go directly to the beach.”

“Good, Mr. Hernandez. We leave the front line defense to you two. We pray the best for you and all of us.”

Nodding slowly, Hernandez and Retsu immediately moved out of the tent.

A dozen kilometers from the beach is not a long distance. Hernandez can cut that distance in just a few seconds. Of course comparing the speed of a ship with itself is not a fair comparison. But, at the very least, it only took less than ten minutes for those ships to arrive to the edge. And it wasn't a long time. Therefore, Hernandez and Retsu did not delay to go to the beach at all.

“...That's a large number of ships,” comments Retsu when his eyes find the shadow of a ship sailing on the horizon there.

Hernandez agreed. “It will be dangerous to let them do free in this Islan,” he said while removing his Kurtalaagon. Retsu also drew his sword.

“Let's do our best, Retsu.”

“Of course, Mr. Hernandez. I won't lose to you.”

...»»» End of “Threat from the East” «««...