Chapter 743: Chapter 743

Appearing in a robe with tattered fringe, Allen saw Magic God lunging at them, her sharp claws all drawn out in their direction.

(Huh, what? What's with that ridiculous bloodthirst?!)

Running on her four, she was like a hungry beast pouncing on her prey.

At his wits end, the realization finally dawned on Allen---she was after the heart of Nestirad, now in Space-Time God's hands.

"Toss the heart to her, Space-Time God! Hurry up and bring rationale to the Magic God!"

«Y-yes?! A-ah, alright, I got it!! Hey, hey! Isiris! Here's Nestirad's heart you'd asked for!»

Receiving the hint, Space-Time God tossed the heart up in the air, toward the ceiling as high as the Temple.

Magic God channeled her strength into her thighs, and leaped high into the air, catching the heart with her long, clawed hand. She spun once in the air and landed back to the floor, her eyes shining  as she strongly pressed her cheeks against the beating heart.

Everyone's gaze settled on her, and after listening to the heartbeat for a good while, her eyes snapped open.

«So it is! Yes, the heart is still beating, isn't it?!»

Space-Time God held his wife and lifted her up, rejoicing in the same joy as his other half.

"Heh, so this is what it means to be a significant half of each other, sharing joy and sorrow...?"

"Hey, I am sure this is not the normal standard, Allen."

Allen muttered his feeling, which elicited a familiar retort from Cecil.

To the team, the scenery of a husband and wife rejoicing was akin to the modern art that was trying to convey a message, but it was too difficult for them to decipher.

"Ahem, well it was quite the gruesome trial, if I must say so. And A just effort should meet with just reward, don't you think so...?"

Though he couldn't understand what there was to rejoice about, Allen gave up all thought and instead brought up the topic of reward he couldn't wait for.

However Magic God just tilted her head in puzzlement, turning only her face to glance at them.

«Isiris. Didn't you promise about Cecil's Extra Mode?»

Seeing the forgetful nature of her wife, Space-Time God supplemented.

The trial was to bring out the thing Magic God desires, and she shall grant Cecil the power she sought. The four things Isiris had listed were all critical to some ancient magic research.

The ancient magic was the magic wielded by Old Gods, and were beyond the principal, and fundamental theories of today's magic. As long as they had the following four items, they could use the ancient magic at the end of Magic God's research, and complete their wish.

The said four items were---

Extra Mode - Nestirad's Heart

Divine Technique - Dragon God Magla's Horn

Blessing - Shards of the Sun and Moon

Sacred Artifact - Beast God Garm's Tail

And the rewards if they could deliver the four items was---Ancient Magic.

Allen and team acquired the Horn of Dragon God Magla from the Earth Labyrinth in the Divine Realm, while they found the Shard of Sun and Moon from two dillipated Temples in the Forest of Primordial Beasts.

A most of it could be credited to the divination power of Temi, one of the Ten Heroic Beast, and the advisor of Beast King.

Then they acquired Tail of Beast God Garm after Shea's rigorous trial.

The last was Nestirad's Heart which they'd just acquired, and was now in Magic God's hand. Now, utilising them, they could unlock Cecil's Extra Mode, and finally acquire the Ancient Magic Commander Lalapa had told them about. Google seaʀᴄh 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⟡𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⟡𝓷𝓮𝓽

Magic God signalled Cecil to follow her, her voice tinged with impatience. It was apparent she just wanted to jump on her research.

The research room was now more organised, a big applause to commander Lalapa, who made it so that no more things were randomly thrown around.

To the place Magic God pointed was a chair, and at its foot was a magic circle. Cecil could unlock her Extra Mode by sitting on it, or so it seemed.

"Err, excuse me. Can you please make it so that Cecil's Extra Mode inherits half of his status to LV1?"

«So many demands...... and here I was done with the whole setup.»

Magic God grumbled at the sudden notice, her hands already in action to begin the ritual for the Extra Mode. Though from her gesture, it didn't appear she paid any heed to Allen's request.

"Hey, Allen. You can see that Magic God doesn't like it, so you don't have to bring it up."

Cecil was anxious, fretting that if they pushed the mood of Magic God too far, they might have to wash hands away from reward.

(Oh girl, do you know this is all for you? Your status has to be the lowest among the whole team, since you transferred your job till 5 star without changing to Extra Mode. This is also why I had brought Sophia et cetera along with to help you in faster leveling.)

«Well, it's not that big of a deal. And he's not wrong. Strength is the cornerstone for the humans of the human realm. And it would only be beneficial to the Divine Realm if the invited people are mighty. I will lend you a hand.»

Space-Time God seemed to have understanding of the situation, so he adjusted the magic circle according to Allen's desire.

«I am done. Then Cecil-san, this way.»

Once the magic circle was amended, which was mostly done by Space-Time God, Magic God signalled Cecil to follow her pointed space.

"So, I just need to sit here?"

«Yes. Alright, I shall begin now. Mm-mu-mu~Babara-baba~!! ---Desperado!!»

«Right, I understand. I do the same, right? ---Babara-baba~!!»

With what sounds like a silly chant, Magic God started skipping around the magic circle. She would raise their hand, and intermittently jump around---the spectacle appeared so much like some bogus snake charmer performance that everyone else blinked in surprise, doubting if this were within some bizarre dream.

Space-Time God saw the situation unfolding with a satisfied expression, however it seemed he wasn't meant to be a bystander in the 'rite.' Magic God urged him to follow, having him copy her movement from the other end of the magic circle.

(Well, err... even Earth God had been when he gave the sword. I guess, gods just have different aesthetic sense compared to humans...?)

"Tell me anyone, what am I even watching?"

While Allen's thoughts were reserved, Cecil was blunt with her thought, like 'they're trying to pull her leg' or 'they're tricking her.' She couldn't stand it, grabbed the armrest of the chair, and was just about to stood up to shout about the absurdity of the situation, when---

"Ohh, the magic circle has started to shine!"

"Ah, true! Look, Cecile-san's shadow seem like it's swaying."

The surprised voice of Sophia and Luck, who noticed the changes, stopped her. Cecil's body had started to flicker under the effect of magic circle, including even the equipment.

"Amazing! It's like Extra Skill!"

«Please be quiet. Isiris is currently channeling her divine power to turn Cecil-san into Unbound. The glimpse you catch is the flicker of the soul due to changes taking place. But fret not, it would soon subside, since this is the core of Isiris territory.»

Space-Time God saw the bewilderment on Cecil's face, while he continued with that incomprehensible dance, and offered an explanation.

(Oh, yeah. After all, Extra Mode implies beckoning a Normal Mode soul to the divine realm. So this worn-out chair actually belonged to Isiris?)

The situation still remained unknown for the team at large, but Isiris's action and the changes in situation had calmed down that perplexment. And just as Spirit-Time God explained, the flickering of Cecil's body had subsided.

«The reward has been transferred. I am returning to my research.»

"Huh? Ah, thank you very much."

Magic God shortly announced the completion of her end of deal, and immediately trotted to the depths of the research room while holding Nestirad's heart. It appeared she was too excited about her research to stay here any second longer, and ignored Cecil's words.

[Name] Cecil Grandvelle

[Blessing - 1] Magic God (Enhanced Blessing)

[Blessing - 2] Space-Time God (Enhanced Blessing)

[Talent] Magus Emperor

[Spiritual Power] 2174

[Blessing - 1] All Stats +30,000, -50% Cooldown, Spell Damage x2

[Blessing - 2] All Stats +10,000, Quick Chant x1.5, Spell Area Expansion x1.5

[Divine Technique] Mana Store, Enhanced Intelligence, Ancient Magic (Incomplete)

[Skill] Magus Emperor (1), Fire (1), Tiny Meteorite (1), Divine Technique Activation, Karate (6)

---Equipment at a glance---

1\. Weapon : Sacred Artifact «Primordial Magic Staff», Strength +10000, MP +30000, Intelligence +30000, Spell Damage +30%

2\. Armor : Grimoire Robe, Resistance +20000, Magic Resistance (Extreme)

3\. Ring (1) : Intelligence +5000, Intelligence +5000

4\. Ring (2) : Intelligence +5000, Intelligence +5000

5\. Bracelet (1) : Offensive Magic Cast Time -50%, -50% Cooldown, MP +5000, Intelligence +5000

6\. Bracelet (2) : Spells Damage +10%, MP Recovery +1%, MP +5000, Intelligence +5000

7\. Necklace : Intelligence +5000

8\. Earring (1) : Spells Damage +10%, MP Recovery +1%, MP +2000, Intelligence +2000

9\. Earring (2) : Spells Damage +7%

10\. Belt : Dark Magic, Intelligence +10000, MP +10000

11\. Anklet (1) : Agility +5000, Teleportation, Recovery Rate +20%

12\. Anklet (2) : Agility +5000, Teleportation, Recovery Rate +20%

※Due to training with Space-Time God in Normal Mode, no Magic with Lv7 or above has been carried over.

"Welp, here I start from zero. And the status is quite low compared to Kurena and others as well."

Cecil took a quick glance at Grimoire that Allen had been checking out, and let out a disappointed sigh.

"Come now, Kurena had repeated from Extra Mode after all."

Kurena was LV99 Sword Emperor when she switched to Dragon Knight, and then she further changed her job to Celeste Dawn.

The general thumb of the rule during the job transfer says the target could inherit half of their existing status. And Cecil had only reached the LV60, which was the level limit in Normal Mode, while Kurena had gone through the same cycle while at LV90 multiple times. The disparagement in the status was natural.

(This is the rule after all. At Least there's the blessing of Space-Time God, but Sacred Artifact and Divine Techniques have much to do. Quick chant, huh? Well, something to expect from god that governs time and space.)

In the one month training Cecil had done under Space-Time God, she had acquired Blessing (large).

"I see. Anyway, what next? Is the next stop still S-rank Dungeon just as planned?"

No matter the world or the era, there would always be one best spot for farming. And Cecil couldn't wait to get to LV99, so she urged Allen.

"Ah, well, that's in our plan, but we're going to check out the god seed that had sprouted first. Lupto said its name is Pecktan something."

"Oh! So we can meet Fabre too?!"

Luck raised his voice in rejoice. It'd been a while---ever since Rosen and Fabre became the Spirit God after the trial at Spirit Garden to be precise---since he met Spirit God and couldn't wait to meet him.

"For now, this is the plan. The good thing is that I still have that place registered as a nest. We can teleport to Spirit Garden."

(Cecil should be able to accept more trials from the Magic God too, so I guess I should leave this place's transfer point recorded.)

There was only that much coordinate Allen could record in his grimoire. Anything beyond that would be burdening the 'folder' of the information. Hmm, I guess I need to see if I can increase the recoded coordination count.

With that thought, Allen left the Research Institution of Magic God with his team members.Chapter 747 -

The conversation ended with Hero Helmios striding in Ordo's direction, his face laden with intense abhorrence. Unlike the refreshing smile, his expression was a reflection of his rigorous journey as the hero, having lost his friend not only to Ordo, but also Kyubel.

As the gentle mask finally fell off, Helmios uttered his challenge in a deep voice to Ordo.

"I will be quick, so I hope you take it. Opharia-sama, please turn the sacred artifact Ohabari into a sword... Divine Technique---Ultimate Master Hero!"

One thing that put Helmios on the scale of exception was his achievement of overcoming the longest trial, one that surpasses anything Allen and his teams had gone through.

«The artifact shall be what you desire, Helmios. You said his name was Ordo? Oh, the olden gods.  He;s strong. Settle this in one strike.»

Possessing the ability to transform into any weapon, Helmios turn the sacred artifact Ohabari into a sword. The duel-edged blade, exuding a platinum glimmer, was smaller than Kurena's long sword, but bigger than Allen's sword.

"Then let's do it, Opharia-sama."

And when Helmios had been pepped up, basking in buffs from his comrades, and taking a stance, Ordo spoke with a hint of amusement.

«Heh, so you've received a sacred artifact and divine technique from the God of Armament? Oh well, it seems I must teach you I am not someone you can trifle with."

Ordo was completely unfazed by the bloodthirst emanating from Helmios, and the sacred artifact he displayed. Kurena also raised her voice from the other end, seemingly looking for this opening.

"Helmios-san, he's too strong! We need to do it together!!"

After the earlier counter that hurled her away, Kurena was back to her feet, and had retreated to beside Keel's position.

"I believe you do not have to worry about it, Kurena. Look at him, he's already going all out. Anyway, brief me about the situation. Sword God-sama only informed us that this place is under attack by the Demon King's Army, and took off."

While healing her, Keel inquired about the detailed situation he had been looking for.

"What, you haven't been explained? So, Lupto-sama suddenly came while I was training and......"

After a moment of surprise, Kurena laid out the whole details she had been aware of. The only thing not explained was the demon's raid on three locations at once, something that even Lupto was unaware of apparently.

Amidst the intense stare-off, Helmios channeled his mana into the sword. He closed the ten meter distance into a flash, and invoked his skills, just when Ordo had continued with the same.

«Inferno Blade!!" (T/N - The names are in furigana, but in literal terms, both skills are called God Severing Blade.)

Was it a coincidence, as the two unleashed matching skills. The broadsword, enveloped in the jet-black flames, towers about the Helmios as Ordo swings it down. Helmios himself channeled the white brilliance of the holy element into the sacred artifact, and chased after him.

A sharp, but loud sound, enough to tear apart everyone's eardrums, emerged when the two blades collided. Their clash was further followed by an intense shockwave, assailing both opponents.

However soon, the disparity between the two became apparent. Gradually, Ordo's broadsword started to push back Helmios's sword.

«Is that all you've got, eh, Hero!? So much time has passed, and yet, you're still the same insect you're then! It seems I expected too much from you, since you'd managed to fight me back then. Pathetic!!»

Ordo already had dwarfed Helmios in their physique, for a 5 meter he was, and now, Helmios was being overpowered in stats and skill equally. The pressure from confrontation had caused the cracks like spider web to spread out from beneath Helmios's feet, his legs gradually burying beneath.

Failing to gain any upper hand, Ordo's broadsword gradually pushed Helmios's sword to his nape, causing the blood to seep out while he desperately tried to push the sword away. Despite that, Helmios's gaze never wavered, and never did his determination withered.

Unperturbed by the pressure, Helmios continued his glare at Ordo, and quietly murmured.

A divine technique. The entirety of Helmios's spiritual was consumed as he activated his technique, instead causing the pure white brilliance of holy element to exuded from his body, gradually channeling it into the sacred artifact.

«Huh, wha---aaaaarggghh?!»

"Take thiiiiiiiiis!!"

A newfound strength coursed through Helmios body, his now-empowered skill turning the tide of battle against Ordo. Now, it was Ordo's turn to keep his own broadsword from digging into his flesh, bewildering him greatly. Similarly, a gasp escaped from spectating demons and archdemons who were all but assured Ordo had the upper hand.

Helmios screamed, summoning every bit of his strength from his body as he continued to push back Ordo. Ordo, too, let out a spirited cry, trying to push him back.

Ultimately, the two got slammed with each other's powered up move, hurling themselves away like cannonballs.

"Ah, watch out, Helmios-san!!"

Kurena hurriedly caught Helmios before he could crash into the wall.

"Ha...ha... Thank you. He really is strong. Indeed, it makes sense he would be the top executive of the demon's army."

Perhaps because he had finally liberated his pent-up anger in the confrontation, Helmios replied, his expression spilling out a smile.

Greta, the Holy Emperor, helped him in recovering his spent stamina. Soon, the entirety of his party, now each helding a five star job, gathered beside him.

"Sheesh, you know that was a heck of a reckless move you pulled... But geh, can someone just tell me why we are suddenly greeted by the demons, just when we finally finished our trial?"

Rosetta remarked in an exasperated tone, her gaze glancing over the 700 demons and their two chief executives. Just when she'd thought they're finally done with trials, she found herself against the demon's army next.

At first, Helmios's team had gathered to support Kurena in her trial, and also why they'd arrived at the Divine Arena. Then, he himself gained allies in Allen's party, and Admiral Galara's party too, gradually overcoming the trial God of Armament Ophalia had conferred to him.

[The Trial's Timeline of Helmios in Divine Realm]

The 4th quarter of 5th Month - Allen and Helmios party took their step in the Divine Arena

The 1st quarter of 6th Month - Helmios's Trial by God of Armament began.

The 4th quarter of 9th Month - Helmios overcome his trial

[Blessing ①] God of Armament (Exceptional)

[Strength] 8,195 + 14,400

[Mana] 5,914 + 14,400

[Spiritual Power] 20,314

[Attack] 8,195 + 14,400

[Endurance] 8,195 + 14,400

[Agility] 8,195 + 14,400

[Intelligence] 5,914 + 14,400

[Luck] 6,319 + 14,400

[Blessing ②] All stats +30,000, Critical rate +60%, Skill Casting Duration -60%, Skill cooldown -60%

[Divine Technique] Martial Peak ⟨6⟩

[Skills] Hero King ⟨8⟩, Healing ⟨8⟩, Appraisal, Flight ⟨8⟩, Purifying Slash ⟨8⟩, Heroic Spirit ⟨2⟩, Conqueror Bow Thunderous Lightning Sphere ⟨8⟩, Relentless Fists ⟨8⟩, Armor-Crushing Slash ⟨8⟩, Thief's Hand ⟨8⟩, God Severing Blade ⟨7⟩, Natural Prodigy ⟨7⟩, Martial Arts ⟨7⟩, Axe Technique ⟨8⟩, Swordsmanship ⟨9⟩, Dual Blade Technique ⟨7⟩, Dagger Technique ⟨7⟩, Spear Technique ⟨8⟩, Shield Technique ⟨7⟩, Staff Technique ⟨6⟩, Claw Technique ⟨6⟩, Archery ⟨6⟩, Throwing ⟨7⟩, Divine Technique Liberation

[Weapon] Sacred Artifact Ohabari: Attack +50,000, Agility +30,000, Critical Rate +100%, -50% Skill Cooldown, Double Skill EXP Gain

[Armor] Orichalcum Armor: Defense +10,000, Defense +10,000 (※ Refer point 1 below)

[Ring ①] Attack +5,000, Attack +5,000

[Ring ②] Attack +5,000, Attack +5,000

[Bracelet ①] HP +5,000, Attack +5,000,  -50% Skill Cooldown

[Bracelet ②] HP +5,000, Attack +5,000,  -50% Skill Cooldown

[Necklace] Attack +3,000, Attack +3,000

[Earring ①] HP +2,000, Attack +2,000, Attack Damage +10%

[Earring ②] HP +2,000, Attack +2,000, Attack Damage +10%

[Waistband] Resis Light Element, HP +10,000

[Anklet ①] Agility +5,000, Teleport, Evasion Rate +20%

[Anklet ②] Agility +5,000, Teleport, Evasion Rate +20%

[Skill "Natural Prodigy: Skill Master" -- Extra Mode Description]

1\. While Natural Prodigy is in effect, allow the user to learn the skill of the target by observing.

2\. Newly acquired skills start at the same level as Inborn Talent.

3\. Continued use allows the skill to be leveled up to level 9.

4\. Acquired skills function as if used with a 6-star "Talent."

5\. While Natural Prodigy is at level 6 or below, user may acquire 1 skill per level.

6\. While Natural Prodigy is at level 7 or above, user may acquire 2 skills per level.

7\. If the user exceeds the maximum skill limit, one previously acquired skill must be discarded.

8\. Discarded skills can be reacquired if condition "1" is met again, but the skill level will reset as per condition "2".

9\. Upon reaching level 3, automatically acquire "Heroic Spirit."

10\. At level 6, "Heroic Spirit" becomes level 2.

11\. At level 9, "Heroic Spirit" becomes level 3.

12\. Cooldown for Natural Prodigy is 1 hour.

[Divine Technique - Marital Peak Overview]

[Divine Technique: Ultimate Martial Perfection Description]

---When used while activating a divine technique, extra skill, skill, or martial art (such as swordsmanship), this enhances its power.

---At the moment of activation, the following are boosted per skill level:

1\. All stats +10,000

2\. Critical Rate +10%

3\. Skill Casting Duration +10%

---Repeated usage are allowed within the duration of Divine Technique Liberation

Kyubel floats away and flies down toward Ordo.

«Are you alright, Orod-sama...»

«Who do you think I am!! So stop trying to touch me!! I am fine!!»

One of the demons rushed up to Ordo's side, trying to lend a hand as support, but was swatted away by Ordo's punch. A fury smouldered in his eyes, more at himself for allowing a mere human to push him away.

«Mm-mm, it's incredible, isn't it? I hadn't expected he would become this powerful. Don't you think so, Ordo-sama?"

Kyubel murmured, his eyes narrowing behind his eyes, clearly taken aback by Helmios's strength.

«Hmph, maybe mighty among the weaklings. He's still a longshot away from chasing me!"

Ordo remarked with a gritted stone, a vein bulging over his forehead as he wedged his broadsword into the floor, and used it as a cane to raise himself up.

«Aww, it seems we have overstayed our welcome.»

«Hmm? The magic circle...?»

Between their conversation, Kyubel promptly took notice of the magic circle emergence at the corner of the martial hall, where Hero Helmios, Sword God, and everyone had formed their formation to fight. From the magic circle, First Angel Lupto showed herself, bringing along thousands of angels behind.

«I apologise for the delay, but the reinforcement is here!!»

To the angels and everyone present, the arrival of First Angel Lupto was another wave of refreshment.