Episode 879
Chapter 220: Tireless (Part 1)
Preemptive strike.
Of course, any superhuman could handle solo combat, but the Alliance still didn’t fully understand the exact combat capabilities or special powers of the Jinma Realm demons.
Therefore, they needed warriors of exceptional skill—those who could escape even if some unexpected situation arose deep in enemy territory. Unless Jito himself descended, that is.
Jin, Murakan, Balas, Alpen, Tasha, Luna, Luntia, Tuben, Heijin, Vanessa, Zed, Veil, Hedo, Dante, Owl, Yona, and Thalaris.
These were the superhumans qualified for such a mission.
Among them, Jin and Murakan, as supreme commanders and the last trump cards, were best off staying at the command center. The squad leaders and Black Knights, along with Zed, had to protect Huepester.
Veil was the core of the golden ship’s barrier, and Dante naturally couldn’t leave the empire. Owl and Yona were always on infiltration and reconnaissance missions, while Thalaris kept a close watch on Jito.
That left Luna, Luntia, and Hedo as the most flexible operatives. Even so, the constant task of “clearing the cracks” was shared by all superhumans, so none of them had much breathing room.
“The cracks keep appearing all over the Alliance, and our troops and superhumans are constantly being sent to the front lines. The world is in chaos, so we can’t rule out the possibility that the enemy might suddenly break their ceasefire and attack us directly.”
“Yes. There’s no guarantee they’ll keep hitting only Lutero. Besides, Ayula mentioned that Luke, the ancient champion of the Sun God’s cult and a member of the Meiwang clan, will soon begin operating in the human world.”
“Luke’s arrival will be a turning point for the Sun God’s cult. Whether they grow closer to Ziphl or sever ties… either way, they remain enemies we must defeat.”
Jin and his comrades exchanged opinions for a while, deciding who would lead this counterattack against the Jinma Realm.
“I think Luna should go.”
“Yes, she’s probably the strongest among the three candidates.”
“Unanimous decision.”
It was universally acknowledged.
Luna was someone who always carried the potential to win, no matter the situation. Even the previous generation’s top fighters—Shiron, Kelliak, Ron, Thalaris—had all agreed on that.
Luna’s mission was to annihilate and exhaust Jito’s flesh. From Jin’s own experience, Luna was the only one capable of depleting Jito’s flesh alone while sustaining minimal damage.
The counterattack strategy was simple.
Luna would infiltrate enemy territory solo and engage in battle. If she needed support, other superhumans on standby would join her.
Usually, Luntia and Hedo would provide backup, but depending on the battlefield conditions, any superhuman in the Alliance—including Jin—could join.
Of course, the best case was for Luna to handle everything alone. And Jin trusted her completely.
Once the decision was made, Jin immediately contacted the Sword Garden to relay the situation.
{Yes, Master Soga. This is the steward. Understood. I will dispatch the first unit immediately. Should I coordinate with the Minor Palace Lord, or send the Red Owl?}
“It’s better to coordinate with the Minor Palace Lord.”
{Ah… Master Soga! Is this a solo mission? Perfect timing—I just finished clearing my assigned crack zone. Oh, steward, can I speak informally? It’s awkward always being so formal. I feel like I’m choking trying to watch my tone around you.}
{The first unit must follow protocol to maintain the family’s discipline. Hmm, but if it’s really uncomfortable, I suppose I can allow informal speech outside official settings. Of course, only with Master Soga’s permission. Formality must be strictly observed in public.}
{Oh, thank you! So you’re not completely rigid after all. Right, Master Soga?}
“Of course, steward. I’ll be in touch. Sister, be careful out there.”
[Don’t worry. Go and wipe out every last bit of Jito’s flesh or whatever. Prepare a dozen good bottles of liquor for when you return.]
{Wait, steward! You flat-out refused me when I made the same request as Luna! Where are you going, steward? Steward!}
{Looks like the Black Sword Chairman has time to argue with me. I’m off to check some documents. Care to join? Or shall we head to the crack zone I just reported?}
{Tch, let’s go to the crack zone! Damn Jinma Realm bastards—popping up like cockroaches with no end in sight. Anyway, from now on, I’m only going to speak informally to the youngest unless it’s an official occasion. Hey, kid, did you know? This great-grandfather is currently winning a bet with Lord Alpen on clearing cracks. Seems he really wants to beat me at least once. Ha ha!}
Jin chuckled softly at the lively banter coming through the comm device. The energy of family and comrades was always a great source of strength.
“All right, let’s get to work. Jet, review and summarize the battlefield reports from various fronts. Quikantel and Enya, please start moving toward the barrier.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, sir!”
Quaul and Valeria had requested Enya and Quikantel’s assistance in forming the barrier.
By combining Quaul’s inventions with Valeria’s knowledge, they believed they could greatly reinforce the entire barrier using the Dragon Flame Suppression Field and the Power of Time.
While Jet sifted through the reports, Jin briefly visited Murakan’s room. Murakan lay on the bed, looking pale and exhausted, resting his head on Gilly’s lap.
“Master, you’re here? Ah, this… please don’t misunderstand. Murakan said he thought this would help him recover faster.”
“Hey, Murakan. Do you realize how busy Gilly is?”
“Shut up, kid. You’re disturbing my rest. Get out. Ugh, strawberry pie… I’ve really been through a lot this time… ugh, Murakan hurts, please help…”
“Yes, since returning from the front, your face has looked half-dead. I’m really worried… It seems your tongue is having some trouble too. What should we do…?”
Jin couldn’t bear to watch any longer and quietly closed the door. Moments later, he heard the click of the lock, which sent a chill down his spine.
‘Murakan’s pain is real, but it’s not this bad. He’s probably faking it a bit to get Gilly’s care. Does Gilly not realize? Or maybe he knows and enjoys it? I don’t know… I really don’t.’
Returning to his office, Jin alternated his gaze between the reports Jet brought and the comm device.
In no more than thirty minutes, and at most an hour, Luna’s first report on the operation would arrive.
‘Since it’s Luna, I’m not too worried, but the frequency of the red energy is a bit concerning. When fighting demons, she wouldn’t need to use it much, but with the Great Cracks and Jito’s flesh, she’ll have to. I just don’t know how much she has left.’
What would happen if she used up all her red sword energy?
The thought crossed his mind. But Jin quickly concluded it wouldn’t be a serious problem.
‘If it were, Father would have warned me more strongly. But when he sent Luna to the Black Sea, he only told me to be careful with her. So it should be fine.’
At that moment, on a plain in the southernmost part of Huepester, the cries of Mot echoed.
[Boong!]
“Minor Palace Lord, thank you again this time.”
“I never imagined that after becoming the Minor Palace Lord of the Secret Palace, I’d be ferrying warriors to the battlefield like this.”
Siris sighed.
She knew that she and Mot played a crucial role in the war, but as the representative of the Secret Palace, she felt a bit of self-doubt for not leading the battlefield directly, only assisting the warriors’ movements.
“Self-doubt can be a good stepping stone for growth if you use it well. Right now, you might be a bit weaker than me, but I think you have potential close to mine. After all, you’re already a formidable fighter for your age.”
“A bit? Close potential?” Siris shrugged, about to respond, but Luna wasn’t exaggerating.
“Besides, it’s a bigger loss if you and Mot are absent from the battlefield than if I am. So don’t be too disappointed. Keep training patiently while waiting for the ice to thaw. Soon, all your accumulated experience will explode at once.”
“I’ll take that to heart. By the way, it’s already… chaotic here. I’ve been to this plain a few times for training when I was younger, but now it looks completely like Jinma Realm territory.”
Siris looked around.
All around were Jinma Realm fortresses and buildings, teeming with violet demonic energy. Especially the grotesquely towering fortress in the center of the plain, which was massive enough to remind one of the old imperial palace.
Luna laughed sharply at the sight, hoisting her Krantel on her back.
“After fighting them, they’re just a bunch of nobodies pretending to be grand. This time, I have no one to protect, so I can smash them all to pieces alone. You’re not weak enough for me to have to protect you, Minor Palace Lord.”
“I’ll wait nearby with Mot.”
“If I find any enemies that would be good for your growth, I’ll send them your way one by one. Sound good?”
“Ah, that’s music to my ears. I look forward to it.”
Luna descended from Mote, channeling her energy straight into Krantel. The fortress of the Demon Realm immediately sensed the surge of power, activating its defensive spells and protective mechanisms. With an expressionless face, Luna stared down the barrage of offensive magic and bombardments hurtling toward her.
“First, I’ll tear this fortress to the ground.”
Rune Kandel, First Battle Chronicle
Shattering Sky – Luna Rune Kandel
The moment Luna slammed Krantel into the ground, a fierce earthquake rippled across the entire plain, as if the very earth itself was being turned upside down.