Overwhelming Firepower

Rugar did not understand what had happened. After using some sort of spell to summon that unknown silver object, Lucen’s movements changed drastically. It became harder to predict what he was going to do next. Lucen was no longer just reacting; he was the one dictating the pace.

The hole in Rugar’s abdomen wasn’t large, but something had punched deep past his aura mantle. Heat radiated outward like fire trapped beneath his skin, pulsing with each heartbeat, which made Rugar even more uncomfortable.

”Are you finally going to give up?” Lucen asked while reloading the revolver with his bullet creation.

Rugar looked around and saw that his men were dying or surrendering to Thornefang’s might.

The weird staff-like thing penetrated through their shields and armor, and since they had no aura or mana, their bodies could not handle the lead balls like Rugar. Seeing the scene before him made Rugar gnash his teeth.

’Is this it?! Is this how I would end, facing a brat that’s barely weaned?!’

For a brief second, Rugar remembered the face of Mina, and he then quickly shook it off. Rugar gritted his teeth and once again got into a fighting stance.

’No, I refuse to accept this to be the end! I still have treasures to take, pleasures to be had!’

”I will not accept such an end!” Rugar roared, his second mantle aura soaring like it was about to break through into a higher level of power.

Lucen once again got close and started shooting at Rugar, but unlike before, Rugar blocked most of the shots with his giant axe, and those that were able to get through were unable to fully penetrate his enhanced aura mantle.

It wasn’t that the revolver became useless, but because Lucen could not perform the move where he shoots the same spot multiple times.

’Tsk if it’s like this, then the revolver won’t do anymore. I need something that could deal damage to that thick flesh armored by a second mantle aura, nearing becoming a third mantle. The only weapon I have that would be able to do that is the Crimson Lord Mk. IV. I could also use the mana explosion I did with the young fire dragon, but that could be evaded, which leaves me open for a counterattack.’

Rugar moved like a beast unchained—faster, heavier, rage thickening around him like a second skin. His aura crackled violently, warping the air with pressure.

This state made it difficult for Lucen to find a good opening. Still, with gun kata and marksmanship, he was able to evade and get in some shots in even though it was not that effective, it was better than nothing.

Lucen spun low, one knee scraping dirt as he pivoted under the axe, his revolver barking fire with every motion. But now, each bullet looked like a bug bite against the wall of Rugar’s rising fury.

Lucen, who had once again distanced himself from the raging Rugar, decided to take a risk. Lucen stood ready, Crimson Lord Mk. IV burning in one hand, revolver firm in the other, bracing as Rugar thundered toward him.

He primed the Crimson Lord Mk. IV, pressing the triggers to overheat the blade, smoke pouring from its exhaust. Lucen then shot at Rugar, who blocked the majority of the bullets, but some still hit, slowing his momentum down a little.

Rugar loomed over Lucen, a mountain of rage and steel. The giant axe was about to fall on Lucen.

Lucen used the gun kata skill to properly position himself, and then once he was in the position he wanted, he released the revolver and held the Crimson Lord Mk. IV with both hands and slashed upward.

The two weapons collided, Lucen’s blade screamed as it met the axe, sparks vomiting into the air. His bones groaned. His muscles tore. But he didn’t falter, and continued to push upward until finally the heat from his weapon was able to cut through the giant axe with aura and all.

Lucen did not let go of this moment, and once again summoned the revolver and shot several times, precisely at Rugar’s knee. Rugar staggered, his right leg folding as his massive frame crashed to one knee, snarling through gritted teeth.

Lucen’s entire body screamed in pain, but thanks to Acting Adept, even that pain was never shown to anyone. Lucen did not let his guard down. His heated blade was pointed at the kneeling Rugar.

”Do you have any last words?” Lucen’s voice was sharp and heated as his blade. Rugar, who was on the ground on one knee, still needed to look down to see Lucen.

The battlefield fell silent for a heartbeat. Blood still dripped. Fire still crackled. But all eyes turned to the kneeling giant.

”... I just have a question. With so much power, why do you protect those weaker than you? Was it because you were ordered to do it? Don’t tell me it’s because you’re a noble, and you think this is your duty or some bullsh*t like that. I have seen nobles who don’t care about such things.”

”I don’t know why you’re asking me such a question, but do you really need a reason to help someone in need?”

When Rugar heard Lucen’s reply, it was like Mina’s face overlapped with Lucen’s. Rugar felt something deep within him was breaking out.

’Do I regret what I’ve done?’

There was a moment of silence before Rugar suddenly laughed heartily as a wide grin appeared on his face.

”I regret nothing! I lived the way I wanted, and enjoyed every bit of it! Come on then, young warrior, strike down the evil man before you!”

Lucen, who heard what Rugar said, was curious and used his eye on judgment, and surprisingly, Rugar was glowing a bright gold. That glow meant only one thing: he was wishing Lucen well.

”... May Velmira guide your soul to the next,” Lucen spoke as he was about to strike with his sword.

”Heh, how utterly disgusting praying for someone like me.” Those were the last words Rugar spoke as Lucen’s blade cut through his neck.

As his head fell from his body, he remembered the times when he and the members of Blackbane chatted happily under the campfire. Even though he had been to better places after he separated from them, for Rugar, that time was the warmest of them all. Mina’s smiling face once again filled his view.

’I was not wrong, Mina.’ Those were his last thoughts before everything turned dark.