Episode 479

Triple Spell.

The final stage of the Soul Fusion Technique, and the unique skill that elevated Nigel to a transcendent being.

Zeke, having learned the basics from Nigel, could manage a Double Spell as a Black Knight, but had yet to venture beyond that.

If he could master the Triple Spell, he might rival Nigel’s power.

Zeke followed Nigel out to the front yard of the treehouse.

Outside, Titus and Yulina were trying to stop Raven from devouring Anastasia, who had turned into a cat, while the triplets watched in fear.

As Zeke and Nigel emerged with a serious demeanor, the triplets quickly hid behind Nabu.

Nabu, ever cautious, prepared a defensive story to protect the children and the forest.

Zeke and Nigel faced each other.

“Draw your sword,” Nigel commanded.

Zeke summoned Levatein.

With swords in hand, an invisible battle of wills began between them.

The Astral Sword, capable of cutting through anything with sheer will, naturally emerged.

The aura of their Soul Fusion Techniques clashed.

Only after reaching the Grand Master level did Zeke truly grasp the extent of his mentor Nigel’s strength.

‘What I knew of my master’s power was just a fraction.’

He understood why Nabu and the others hadn’t been overly worried when Nigel was captured by Anastasia. Compared to Nigel’s true strength, Anastasia was no more than a playful cat.

Nigel spoke to Zeke.

“Come at me.”

With a hum, Zeke charged at Nigel with incredible speed.

Boom!

Levatein, infused with the Soul Fusion Technique, struck down towards Nigel.

Nigel deflected it with a diagonal swing of his sword.

Zeke could sense the Soul Fusion Technique in every move Nigel made.

As he parried, Nigel spoke.

“The Soul Fusion Technique isn’t some secret art. It should flow naturally into your sword, like breathing.”

Swoosh—

Nigel’s sword flew towards Zeke.

Crash!

Though it seemed like a light strike, Zeke was pushed back significantly.

In that brief moment, he realized how Nigel’s Soul Fusion Technique shifted rapidly—from swift intent, to chaotic movement, to a heavy force.

‘So this is the true Soul Fusion Technique.’

Zeke’s sword transformed.

He attempted to blend the Soul Fusion Technique into his strikes, just as Nigel did.

Whoosh—

The sword sped up, became intricate, then heavy, and sped up again, all aimed at Nigel.

Clang!

Their swords mirrored each other, seeking openings in the other’s defense.

Seeing Zeke’s swordplay, Nigel smiled faintly.

‘To think he could wield the Soul Fusion Technique to this extent.’

It was a swordsmanship Nigel believed only he could master.

Watching Zeke execute it perfectly stirred something within Nigel.

But then, Nigel’s expression changed.

‘But this isn’t enough.’

The aura around Nigel shifted.

A hum resonated as a different power emanated from him, moving beyond the Solo Spell.

Zeke sensed the change in Nigel’s aura.

‘It’s the Double Spell.’

The difference in power between the Solo and Double Spells was immense.

Nigel, who had been pressing Zeke, relaxed and began to retreat slightly.

Zeke recalled how Nigel, in his past life, would draw powerful beasts into his domain before striking.

And he finally understood the essence of the Double Spell.

‘The Double Spell truly shines in counterattacks.’

He had been using it as a brute force technique, but Nigel waited, like a hunter, for his prey to come to him.

Zeke raised his sword, watching Nigel’s predatory gaze.

A hum filled the air as the aura around Zeke intensified, shaking the atmosphere.

He intended to launch an attack that even the Double Spell couldn’t counter.

Zeke charged forward, assuming the stance of the Infinite Sword Technique.

Infinite Sword Technique Secret Form

First Form

Sun and Moon Strike

Rumble!

The secret of the Dragon Sword Technique was reinterpreted through the Infinite Sword Technique, unleashed from Zeke’s blade.

Nigel watched Zeke’s sword with a calm expression.

As the strike neared her, Nigel’s body shimmered and became translucent.

Soul Fusion Technique

Double Spell

Will of Transcendence

Astonishingly, Zeke’s Sun and Moon Strike passed through without touching Nigel’s sword.

Thrown off balance, Zeke staggered.

Nigel seized the opportunity and lunged at Zeke with her sword.

Soul Fusion Technique

Double Spell

Will of Severance

Nigel’s intent to cut through Zeke was clear.

Rumble—

Zeke quickly withdrew his Sun and Moon Strike and raised his sword to block Nigel’s attack.

Simultaneously, he summoned Shadow Armor to protect himself.

As Nigel’s strike collided with Zeke’s sword, it sounded as if the sky and earth were splitting.

Crack!

The impact was so intense that Zeke nearly lost his grip on his sword.

‘This is the true power of the Double Spell.’

The force was enough to nearly shatter his Shadow Armor, and Zeke gritted his teeth.

But the real challenge came next.

Rumble—

A power far stronger than before surged from Nigel.

Zeke instinctively knew she was preparing the Triple Spell.

He drew the holy sword Ascalon from his inventory, wielding a sword in each hand.

A hum resonated as the dark energy of Levatein and the holy energy of Ascalon enveloped Zeke.

Boom!

The energies clashed violently, surging towards Nigel.

Nigel, in turn, thrust her sword forward.

Soul Fusion Technique

Triple Spell

Will of Nullification

As Nigel’s Triple Spell unfolded, all of Zeke’s energy dissipated.

Rumble!

His Shadow Armor, Ascalon, and Levatein vanished.

Zeke was left completely defenseless.

In the past, he might have been helpless, but now, having endured 200 years in the Abyssal Prison, he was prepared.

Swoosh—

Before him, the form of a sword appeared.

A sword that didn’t exist, yet had always been there during those 200 years.

The Heart Sword emerged.

Feeling the Heart Sword Zeke had conjured, Nigel also wielded a sword imbued with her soul and will.

As Zeke’s Heart Sword clashed with Nigel’s Soul Fusion Technique, a brilliant light and shockwave erupted.

Rumble—

The blinding light spread across the entire Forgotten Forest.

Nabu maintained the protective barrier with his stories, shaking his head in disbelief.

‘They’re both absolute monsters.’

In his eyes, Zeke was now strong enough to stand against the true forms of the High Tables.

The clash between Zeke and Nigel was bound to create a tremendous upheaval. Moments later, as the dust settled, Nigel and Zeke reappeared.

Nigel held her sword, while Zeke stood empty-handed.

They faced each other.

Nigel sheathed her sword and spoke to Zeke.

“The training is complete. From here on, it’s up to you.”

Zeke nodded at Nigel.

“I’ve learned well from you, Master.”

Nigel shook her head at Zeke’s words.

Though she hadn’t used her full power, she had employed the true Triple Spell.

The Will of Nullification was something even a celestial being would struggle to escape.

Yet Zeke had countered with a sword of the heart.

She never imagined a human could withstand the Triple Spell.

‘This one will grow even stronger. Far beyond me.’

Looking at her disciple, who held the potential to surpass her, Nigel felt a mix of emotions.

Considering the destiny of salvation Zeke carried, she felt a bit reassured.

At that moment, Nabu approached Nigel.

“Geez, you two should take it easy. The whole forest almost got wiped out.”

“You should’ve handled it better. If you can’t manage that, you’re unfit for the High Table.”

“Ugh, you old hag, always with the last word.”

Zeke approached the bickering Nabu and Nigel.

“I’d love to help clean up, but I really should be heading back now.”

At those words, Nabu nodded reassuringly. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll take care of things here. You should get going.”

Zeke gave Nabu a grateful smile before turning to Nigel. “Master, now that I’ve absorbed the Black Star, there’s no reason for you to stay and guard the Forest of the Forgotten. Why not come with me to Mycenae?”

Nigel shook his head. “You don’t understand. The Black Star isn’t the only issue here. This place is a prison for countless ancient monsters and other creatures that haven’t even shown themselves yet. With the Black Star gone, the energy that kept them in check has vanished too. They’ll likely become more aggressive.”

Nabu nodded in agreement. “That’s why we strengthened the barrier around this place—to keep the monsters and beasts from escaping. If Nigel leaves, they’ll pour out into the world.”

“I see,” Zeke said, nodding reluctantly.

He then glanced over at the triplets with Yulina. “Are those kids going to be okay?”

Nigel nodded. “Under normal circumstances, their lifespan would be short, but I’ve stabilized their bodies by substituting magic for life force. They should be fine.”

Though Nigel made it sound simple, Zeke, who had reviewed the process through the Akashic Code, knew just how difficult it had been.

Zeke planned to take the recovered children to the Southern Isles Academy. ‘I hope I’m not burdening Arina too much…’

As the head of the academy, Arina wished to protect and nurture the children, dedicating her remaining years to their growth. Zeke respected her wishes and believed she would gladly accept the triplets.

Having sorted out his plans, Zeke turned to Nigel. “Master, I’ll be off now. I’ll come visit again.”

In his past life, he had only feared his master. It was only in this life that he realized how much Nigel had cared for him. Unfortunately, Nigel had no memories of their past life, leaving Zeke to cherish those memories alone.

With his usual gruff expression, Nigel waved him off, as if to say, “Hurry up and go.”

After one last bow, Zeke, along with Titus, Yulina, and the triplets, stepped through the portal back to the central camp.

Watching Zeke vanish in an instant, Nabu turned to Nigel. “That kid never ceases to amaze me.”

Nigel said nothing, and Nabu, glancing at him, spoke again. “Are you sure you’re okay, Nigel? Didn’t you want to go with him?”

Nigel kicked Nabu in the shin. “Ow!”

Rubbing his leg, Nabu yelled, “If it’s not true, just say so! You violent old hag!”

Nigel clicked her tongue at him.

As she watched the spot where Zeke had disappeared, old memories surfaced. ‘My name is Zeke Murray, a hitman from the Southern Cartel.’

‘What? You trying to act tough? Want to die?’

Their first meeting in a past life, when Zeke had entered her inner world to awaken her with Anastasia’s power, had unexpectedly triggered her past memories. She recalled why she had saved Zeke, opened his energy center, made him swear the Highlander’s Oath, and eventually released him from it.

‘I can’t blame my past self. In the end, I gave him everything too.’

As much as she wanted to follow Zeke, as Nabu suggested, Nigel had her own duties to fulfill.

Turning to Nabu, she said, “Enough nonsense. Come on. We need to inspect the forest and find any breaches in the barrier. You’re not going back to Mount Ouroboros until it’s done.”

“Ugh! Damn it, you old hag! I just want to go home!”

Nabu’s cries echoed through the Forest of the Forgotten.