Chapter 1039
Episode 249: The Pluto Clan’s First Sortie (6)
Grrrrrrrr…!
The spiritual energy and solar aura spewing from the shattered fragments surged wildly. The massive semicircular formation of the War Kings’ aura, which had encircled the battlefield, was gradually pushed back by the overwhelming force.
Ban slowly caught her breath.
Her battle with Nirgand had been nothing short of overwhelming, but she hadn’t emerged unscathed. Especially the deep wound from the golden horn piercing her—it was a serious injury that even Ban needed time to recover from.
If she hadn’t sensed Siron’s energy drawing near, Ban would have taken just a moment to steady herself before rushing to support her brothers.
“Brothers, hold on just a little longer. Reinforcements are coming soon.”
Ban’s low voice carried across the blackened earth to her scattered comrades.
‘Reinforcements?’
‘Did we have reinforcements? The brothers should be waiting at the edge of the Black Sea.’
‘Could she be talking about those expedition friends!?’
Ban then settled into a meditative posture. As her radiant heart and aura purified, glowing spheres of energy appeared like lanterns scattered across the battlefield.
The spiritual energy and solar aura pouring from the fragments seemed to avoid Ban’s domain entirely. Like frightened beasts fleeing in terror, the fragments’ energy was directed solely at the War Kings’ aura.
‘Just blocking the energy left behind by that monster’s death is this exhausting. How did the War God brother manage this alone, and in such a short time…?’
The War Kings marveled anew at Ban’s effortless mastery, diligently drawing their aura tighter.
About twenty minutes passed before the War Kings suddenly noticed the spiritual energy and solar aura beginning to diminish. It was thanks to the reinforcements Ban had mentioned.
A vast, untouchable energy was shaking the depths of the Black Sea.
Though the War Kings had been steadily pushed apart while containing Nirgand’s aftershocks, they could clearly feel this new presence.
‘Siron Runkandel, the father of Brother Jin…!’
A chill ran down their spines.
The fact that someone like him existed—another towering presence besides Ban—left the War Kings speechless with shock.
‘I suspected this when the War God brother said he wanted to spar once, but to this extent…’
It was as if the sea and sky themselves were advancing with overwhelming force. The spiritual energy and solar aura that had been spreading outward were now lost, crushed beneath the combined power of Siron and Ban.
The brothers stifled their awe and tightened their encirclement. They longed to return to the battlefield and see Jin’s father in person.
Of course, they sealed off every last trace of spiritual energy and solar aura, ensuring not a single particle escaped.
Another ten minutes passed. When they arrived at the battlefield where Nirgand had been defeated, the brothers saw the two giants facing each other.
Blue spheres floated throughout the battlefield, with Ban seated in meditation at the center, and Siron standing quietly, watching her.
Siron paid no attention to the newly arrived War Kings—not out of disdain, but to avoid disturbing Ban’s meditation.
The War Kings understood this a moment later and quietly took their places, holding their breath.
Could this battlefield truly be called the Black Sea? As they observed the two and their surroundings, the War Kings found themselves wondering.
Ban’s aura shone so brilliantly it seemed almost sacred, and Siron’s pure white energy blended naturally within it.
The battlefield, infused with the combined power of these two giants, glowed quietly like a temple.
Nirgand’s corpse had completely vanished, and the fragment of the Sun God he had carried floated gently, vibrating softly between them.
“…You kept me waiting, Siron Runkandel.”
Ban opened her eyes and rose.
“It’s nothing. I just dealt with a rather troublesome nuisance. You must be… the youngest brother, the War God of the Pluto Clan.”
“That’s right. I’m Ban. I’ve heard much about you from Brother Jin. It’s good to finally meet.”
“I haven’t heard much about you. As you can see, I wasn’t much of a father.”
“That was unavoidable. Brother Jin doesn’t hold it against you, so there’s no need to be ashamed.”
They both smiled simultaneously.
“These are my brothers: Baba, Baltrock, and Kaio.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lord Siron.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
A little behind Siron, Ozdok crouched silently. He was both surprised and annoyed by a group of beastmen who had been speaking informally to Siron, but he was too intimidated to intervene.
Suddenly, Siron drew his sword with a sharp shing!, causing Ozdok to stumble backward in shock.
He couldn’t help it—instinctively, he sensed that even Siron wouldn’t survive a fight against the author.
Meanwhile, the War Kings’ faces lit up with excitement.
“May I make the first move?”
Ban nodded eagerly, as if she had been waiting for this.
“Of course. But as you can see, I’m not in my best condition. I worry you might be disappointed.”
“Heh, you seem to have picked up a bit of the youngest one’s bravado. Saying things you don’t mean.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Well, the youngest and I are different breeds.”
Ban drew her sword, naturally yielding the first move. Siron accepted her gesture without hesitation.
For Siron, this was an incredibly fresh experience. Since reaching his peak in his teens, he had never taken the initiative in a duel. Those who had arrogantly tried to take the lead against him in his youth had all lost their heads with a single stroke.
“Are you sure one move will be enough, Siron?”
“Regrettably, we each have our duties. Then, let’s begin.”
Siron glided forward, closing the small distance between them. Their steps numbered barely ten, insignificant given their level.
Barisada moved vertically downward, while Sigmund moved horizontally upward.
There were no flashy techniques, no superhuman speed, no colossal strength—just a single, straightforward exchange.
Yet both felt more exhilarated than in any duel they had ever experienced.
Clang!
The two blades collided, producing a sharp metallic ring—the pure sound of steel striking steel, without any added aura or energy.
For a moment, the swords remained locked, completely still.
It was a test of strength. Neither combatant’s expression changed, but within five seconds, both began radiating heat from their bodies.
Ozdok was utterly baffled, and the War Kings swallowed dryly, not daring to blink.
Though it was only one exchange, to the War Kings it was a legendary duel worthy of the ages. Anyone who had reached their level would see it as such.
‘This is insane!’
‘The War God brother seems to be slowly losing…!’
‘Unbelievable.’
The War Kings swallowed again and again. Though the change was subtle, Barisada was gradually pushing Sigmund back.
Both were breathing heavily, but Ban looked more strained. Naturally, the War Kings had never imagined Ban being pushed back in any way, so seeing it firsthand was almost surreal.
‘As expected of the elder…!’
Ozdok wanted to cheer Siron on with applause, but feared the War Kings might kill him for it.
This was the first time Ozdok had felt this way—the terrifying sense that he could die at someone else’s hands, even with Siron present.
Two finger-widths.
Just after Barisada pushed Sigmund back that much, Ban and Siron simultaneously sheathed their swords. The War Kings groaned in despair, and Ozdok screamed silently inside.
Sweating profusely like rain, both Siron and Ban wore expressions of dissatisfaction.
“Siron, you won.”
“Hah, you say the strangest things.”
“What’s the problem?”
“I fought with two hands, you with one. And all I managed was to push you back two finger-widths.”
“That’s true. And as I said, I’m not in my normal state.”
“Ah… right. But at our level, whether one or two hands doesn’t really matter.”
“Hmm? Well, congratulations, Siron. You’re the only one who’s ever beaten me.”
A heavy silence fell. The shocked War Kings felt relief, while Ozdok’s irritation flared—though he dared not speak.
“Brothers, bring the jewel cups if you have them.”
The War Kings quickly produced jewel cups and handed them to Ban. Siron, suppressing a rising irritation, removed his shoulder guard and roughly wiped the inside with his hand.
He then offered the dirtier guard to Ban, who flinched briefly but accepted it.
“Most humans don’t like it much, but somehow I think you’ll appreciate the taste even without the radiant heart.”
“Let me try it.”
Glug, glug, glug…
The transparent jewel cup was filled and clinked against the guard. The two drank in unison.
“A fine drink, indeed.”
“If I’d known we’d meet like this, I would’ve brought proper food and drink. Luna said provisions are scarce for the expedition, so at least take this with you.”
“Much appreciated. But now, are you heading back?”
“Yes, but do you need my help? There should only be one left—the Morganiell fellow.”
“Only I can catch him. But on the way here, I found something strange. It looked like a dimensional gate used by those who enhanced Nirgan.”
Ban’s eyes widened.
“Oh… a dimensional gate of the Solar Faith. That might mean my brothers and I can avoid some unnecessary trouble on our way back.”
“It seems Nirgan left it behind intentionally. From what I gather, he was being used by them.”
“Could you guide me there?”
“Of course.”
“Then let’s go at once…”
Ban suddenly staggered mid-sentence. Siron instinctively caught her. The two kings gasped again, checking on Ban.
“Why didn’t you use your hands? You were just being stubborn with me, and now look at you—what a disgrace.”
Ban’s temper flared at the remark, but she sighed and nodded.
“Yeah, I’m regretting it now. But what could I do? You’d have done the same in my place.”
“Hmm, fair enough. When you’re ready, just say the word. I’ll guide you straight to that dimensional gate.”