BAMN: Chapter 180/182

Chapter 180: I Can’t Lose!

"Exactly."

"Below Ultimate Skills, even Unique Skills can only injure me, not kill me."

"Injury?"

The Sky Queen felt immense humiliation.

Not only did Artoria not use her full strength when fighting her just now.

What's more, the situation now was that the knight princess in front of her had forcibly abandoned her greatest advantage to protect others.

"You fellow..."

"There's a limit to looking down on people!"

Frey had never been so angry, she felt her dignity had been thrown to the ground and trampled by Artoria.

The magicules, which was already somewhat difficult to control, became even more volatile.

"Do you think you can still defeat me even without absolute defense?"

"Yes!"

Artoria's answer was that straightforward.

The young woman held her Holy Sword, her aura not weakened in the slightest. Instead, it seemed to grow even stronger.

"On the contrary, having discarded the scabbard, I can now display my full power."

Frey could not tolerate Artoria's provocation and immediately rushed forward to fight her.

As if to prove something, Frey's fighting style became increasingly savage.

With every exchange, Frey traded blows, posing a significant threat to Artoria.

"Next, you will see Artoria's strongest power."

Snow Empress wanted to go forward and help, but Rin stopped her with a thought message. "So, leave the battlefield to her with confidence."

"Strongest power?"

Snow Empress didn't know what Rin was talking about.

But, she looked forward to it, looking forward to Artoria displaying the supreme form that Rin praised.

"Bang!"

"Bang bang bang!!"

The space of Great Nature was already unstable due to Frey's secret art.

Even with avalon's reinforcement, this Bounded Field was still tottering in the battle between a Demon Lord Seed and a half-awakened Demon Lord Seed.

Perhaps it was because casting avalon consumed too much of Artoria's magicules.

Or perhaps it was because she no longer had absolute defense, so she had to consider more things when fighting.

For a time, their battle was evenly matched, neither could gain the upper hand.

"The situation is unfavorable for Artoria..."

However, with Snow Empress's eyesight, she could clearly see the scales of victory tipping towards Queen Frey.

There was no helping it, Frey's nearly 800,000 magicules was too great an advantage.

Artoria's magicules was originally just over 100,000.

Before the battle, after receiving transfer and replenishment from Rin, it reached 300,000, second only to Snow Empress.

However, 300,000 versus 800,000.

It seemed like only a 2.6 times difference, but in reality, it was far more than that.

Magicules represents the efficiency and speed of magic recovery.

Just the magicules Frey could recover per second was several times that of Artoria.

Indeed, Frey was fighting very awkwardly.

Not only was she slashed by Artoria until her clothes were tattered and her skin was covered in blood, but even her collarbones were broken several times.

But what did that matter?

"You are very strong, truly very strong!"

Frey looked at the six Sabers surrounding her, each in a different form, and praised from the bottom of her heart. "But the difference in our magicules means you can't fight a prolonged battle with me!"

Once Artoria couldn't defeat her in a short time.

Then Frey could, in turn, slowly wear down Artoria to death!

"Look!"

Frey watched the Holy Spirit Avatars gradually dissipate. "You can't even maintain these strange clones anymore!"

Artoria had used the Round Table Knights as sparingly as possible in terms of magicules.

She only materialized the Holy Spirits at the moment of attack, rather than continuously consuming magicules to maintain their existence.

However, the two had been in a stalemate for almost an hour.

To deal enough damage to instantly defeat Frey, Artoria even summoned six Holy Spirits simultaneously, having them attack together.

Unfortunately, it still couldn't fundamentally harm Frey, allowing her to recover once again.

"Is this your strongest move?"

Frey looked at the wounds on her body, which were continuously healing due to magicules recovery. "Do you see? In front of my Transcendent, without decisive power, you cannot defeat me!"

What if she was at a disadvantage, what if she was suppressed and chased and slashed?!

Her Transcendent, in terms of recovery, was not at all weaker than Rimuru's or Orc Lord's Self-Regeneration.

Of course, the same applied to Artoria.

The wounds she had exchanged for were long healed, leaving only her flawless skin.

It's hard to imagine that this was after Artoria had transformed most of her Unique Skill into a scabbard to stabilize the Bounded Field and Tengu Mountain.

If Artoria had charged in with such a turtle shell from the start, Frey shuddered at the thought!

"No…"

After such a long battle, Artoria was also a little tired.

She slightly relaxed her grip on the Holy Sword and then uttered a sentence that left Frey utterly bewildered. "I won this battle."

"What?!"

Frey was stunned. "Are you crazy?"

She thought of Snow Empress, who still had the strength to fight, and Rin, who had not yet made a move.

Frey admitted that she was not their opponent.

But she was Frey, who ruled the sky.

If she wanted to escape, she was absolutely confident that Rin couldn't keep her!

At most, it would just cost her something.

"You said I had no means of deciding victory or defeat?"

Artoria was extremely excited now because the Holy Sword in her hand was responding to her will!

"Then let me show you."

"The true power of this Star Holy Sword, forged to counter Outer Gods!"

"Star Holy Sword…"

Frey murmured the words, her heart growing more uneasy.

In the Cardinal World, nothing prefixed with "Star" was simple.

"Buzz~"

"What?"

Looking at the Holy Sword, which was radiating golden light, Frey felt a chill shoot straight up her spine to her brain.

"This!"

"What in the world is this…?"

Frey used her hand to block the oncoming golden gale, and she found that her magicules was in disarray, and this situation was only getting worse!!

(To be continued.)

Chapter 181: Thirteen Restraints Released

"Seal Thirteen. Decision start!"

"Is this a battle to save the world?"

To protect Great Nature, to protect this world, against those who wish to destroy this realm, it must be for salvation!

"Is it a battle against someone stronger than oneself?"

Frey's magicules was far greater than Artoria's, with nearly a 3-fold difference.

"Is it a one-on-one, fair battle?"

Although there was help from Snow Empress at the very beginning,

in the hour-long duel, Artoria, who had given up her scabbard, achieved fairness with Frey.

"Does this battle go against humanity?"

Undoubtedly, a battle to protect one's people and the weak aligns with humanitarianism.

"Is this battle fought in pursuit of truth?"

Artoria did not hide her abilities from Frey, displaying all her skills except for the Star Holy Sword to her opponent.

"Am I fighting against my own kind?"

Originally, the restriction that one should not be an enemy of spirits changed due to the world's alteration.

In the Type-Moon setting, the Star Holy Sword is a world-saving Noble Phantasm forged by fairies.

However, the spirits of the Cardinal World are clearly unrelated to the Holy Sword.

Therefore, the Holy Sword's restriction became "do not be an enemy of one's own kind".

Here, "one's own kind" refers to Rin, his subordinates, and those who have been named.

Monsters personally named by Rin are companions who will never betray their master.

The Holy Sword should not be wielded against one's own people.

"Must fight evil!"

"Must fight alongside brave warriors!"

"Must be a battle for honor!"

Looking at Frey's vulgar figure, Artoria unilaterally declared that Frey was simply too evil!

As for warriors, it goes without saying, Snow Empress is the best companion.

As for honor...

As Rin's Guardian Knight, fighting for her liege, is there anything more honorable than that?

"Must not fight for selfish desires!"

"Must not be an enemy of good people!"

Artoria does not hate Frey, they have no grievances.

Good and evil are inherently relative concepts.

There is no absolute evil in the world, nor absolute good.

As long as the purpose of Artoria's sword swing allows her heart to be as clear as a mirror, then what she does is justice!

"Click, click, click, click!!!"

Each time Artoria recited a restraint, a portion of the power on the Holy Sword was released.

"Finally, here!"

Artoria devoutly closed her eyes. "I pray to You, may I cut?"

"Yes!"

Rin's voice came leisurely.

And this simple word became the final piece of the puzzle for Artoria to unleash the Star Holy Sword.

Golden light shot up into the sky, almost dyeing the entire world gold.

That was the manifestation of rules, the blessing of the entire Cardinal World, and also the vast world jointly supported by every monster connected to Rin.

"So beautiful…"

Under such terrifying rule power, Frey's magic power was confined, her body unable to move, and even her thoughts struggled to function.

Unable to move, unable to escape, unable to counterattack, unable to resist...

In the second before losing consciousness, only the light of the Holy Sword, which seemed to swallow the entire world, remained in the Sky Queen's eyes.

"Boom!!!!"

With the collapse of the Bounded Field, a golden pillar of light sprouted from the earth like a tender bud, then grew vigorously, and instantly transformed into a Golden Tree that covered the sky.

Thus, on this day, the entire Cardinal World witnessed an incredibly spectacular scene.

The towering Golden Tree pierced the firmament, its branches extending towards the starry sky, and wherever it passed, space shattered and planets trembled.

However, this power did not harm those planets, instead, it gave them new life.

A large amount of vitality poured down like a blessing.

Countless lifeless planets began to develop in a better direction.

Those planets with the potential to give birth to life even boarded a high-speed civilization train, receiving the gift of destiny.

"What a terrifying magicules fluctuation."

The Demon Lord closest to Tengu Mountain, Carrion, stood on a high mountain, his arms crossed, his face more solemn than ever. "Over there, I think it's Khusha Mountains…"

"Carrion-sama, what in the world is this?"

Two of Carrion's Three Beastketeers, Albis the Golden Horned Snake and Sophia the White Tiger Claw, appeared behind the Lion King.

The three of them bathed in the Golden Tree's radiance, feeling the sacred aura that seemed to be connected to the entire Cardinal World.

The Star Holy Sword not only gathers Rin and his monsters to unleash an attack capable of destroying the world.

It is also Violet's dominion over the rules and authority of the Cardinal World.

In the eyes of those unaware, the Star Holy Sword is like a blade of judgment from the Cardinal World.

It is righteous, sacred, and supreme.

Anyone punished by the Star Holy Sword will not only have their physical body destroyed, but their spirit will also be erased.

This is Rin's blade, the strongest blow Artoria can unleash!

"I don't know."

The Golden Tree's radiance obscured all detection.

Not only could Carrion not see clearly, but among the true Demon Lords, only one knew what was happening here.

"Albis, send someone to investigate Khusha Mountains and find out what exactly happened there!"

"Understood!"

Without any hesitation, the Snake Woman also felt extremely worried.

Also receiving the order was Sophia the White Tiger Claw, she followed Albis's footsteps and went with her into Khusha Mountains to look for clues.

Not only the Beast Kingdom, but also the Demon Lord Clayman of the Puppet Nation, which borders it.

As the two Demon Lords closest to Rin's territory, Clayman came to the window the moment the Golden Tree was high in the sky.

However, Clayman's reaction was very strange.

Compared to Carrion, who maintained his kingly composure even in surprise, Clayman looked as if he had lost his soul, swaying precariously.

"Clink!"

The wine glass in his hand fell to the ground, shattering into pieces, and his usual elegance and aristocratic demeanor were completely gone.

At this moment, Clayman was enveloped by some great terror.

All his consciousness was left with only horror and trembling.

If the Carrion and his subordinates felt shock and warmth bathing under the Golden Tree, then Clayman...

He was like a mouse hiding in the shadows, suddenly seeing dazzling sunlight, suffering immensely.

The Star Holy Sword punishes all who are enemies of Rin.

This is not as simple as it sounds.

Instead, it is judged by the Cardinal World, all those who harbor ill will towards Rin will feel uneasy, as if the Sword of Damocles hangs over their heads, the moment they see the Star Holy Sword.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 182: You're Not Dead

"This, what kind of power is this?"

Clayman, who had no Ultimate Skill to protect himself, and the three clowns, instinctively avoided the direct light of the Golden Tree.

"What in the world happened?"

"Why is there such dazzling light?!"

The clowns certainly held malice towards Rin, though not as intensely as Clayman.

Therefore, their reactions were slightly better than Clayman's, and the difficulty was still within controllable limits.

"Clayman?"

Suddenly, Laplace noticed that something was wrong with Clayman.

He stepped forward to investigate and found that Clayman had fallen into some kind of mental exhaustion.

It was truly laughable.

Clayman, who was known as the Puppet King and could freely manipulate the minds of others, had actually fallen into his own illusions and couldn't extricate himself.

"What's wrong with you, Clayman?!"

"Hey!!"

"Wake up, Clayman!!"

Unfortunately, no matter how Laplace called out, Clayman only remained on his knees, staring blankly at the golden sun above his head.

"Woah~"

In the Dragon Kingdom, a young girl with pink twin tails squatted on a large rock, looking up, her eyes sparkling with starlight.

"So beautiful!"

"What is this, what is this?"

Milim, one of the three oldest True Demon Lords, was also the power ceiling of the Cardinal World.

"What is this!!!"

The girl excitedly looked at the Golden Tree, she spread her Dragon Wings, wanting to trace the source of this power.

But no matter how Milim used her Dragon Eye to investigate, the final result was always the Cardinal World itself.

This greatly annoyed Milim.

However, "Over there!"

"This big tree grew from over there!"

The direction Milim was looking was precisely Khusha Mountains.

But the problem was, Khusha Mountains was too vast, even Milim couldn't search it like a headless fly.

"Frey!"

"Frey must know!"

Fortunately, Milim had another companion.

If it was the clever Frey, she would definitely tell her where such an interesting thing came from!

"Let's go!"

"Time to go play with Frey!"

Without further ado, Milim accelerated in the air and flew directly towards the Harpy Queendom of Fulbrosia.

"Is it not just pure light?"

In the Holy Empire of Lubelius, the Night Queen Luminous Valentine stood on the balcony, gazing at the distant magnificent spectacle that was like a pillar of the world.

Vampires in the Cardinal World were not afraid of sunlight, at least, high-ranking vampires were not affected by it.

However, this was the first time Luminas had experienced a light that brought her a sense of peace.

"Harboring hostility means an archenemy."

"Harboring reverence means bathing in glory."

"Following one's heart means receiving grace."

From the Golden Tree's radiance, a True Demon Lord like Luminous interpreted different information.

This was the will of the Cardinal World, an existence proclaiming its arrival to all beings through the Voice of the World.

"A new Demon Lord?"

Luminous turned around, leaning against the balcony railing, a charming smile gracing her lips. "Another interesting fellow has appeared."

All ten Demon Lords, except for the Fairy Queen Ramiris, who was still in the underground labyrinth, and the Slumbering Ruler Dino, witnessed this spectacular scene.

"What do you think?"

Above the ice plains, within a magnificent castle, the White Ice Dragon Velzard asked the Dark Emperor Guy.

"This is a power capable of shaking the very foundation of this world."

"Oh?"

Velzard, seeing Guy's unhurried demeanor, teased. "Then you can still sit still?"

"Not an enemy."

Guy looked up, gazing at the Golden Tree with an appreciative look. "From her, I felt a love for this world."

"Love?"

Velzard: "What do you mean?"

"The will of the Star King Dragon..."

"!!!"

This time, Velzard couldn't sit still. "My eldest brother, could it be..."

Resurrection!

The Star King Dragon has been resurrected!

Such a major event, whether for the Demon Lords or for this world, was a great cause for celebration.

"I don't know."

Guy couldn't be sure, but the aura within the Golden Tree gave him the illusion of the Star King Dragon's return.

However, the two were not entirely the same.

If he had to describe it, the Golden Tree's aura and the Star King Dragon were more like an elder brother and a younger brother.

"Indeed!"

"Though very faint, it's almost identical to my elder brother's aura!"

With Guy's reminder, Velzard immediately detected the familiar aura hidden by the light.

To the Dragon Kind, the Star King Dragon was both a father and an elder brother.

Unfortunately, Velzard couldn't pinpoint the source of this aura, only knowing it came from the continent.

"No."

Guy shook his head and said, "It's not Father God."

As the current guardian of the world, Guy knew very well that the other party was not the Star King Dragon.

"Rather than Father God, it's more like an individual similar to him."

"You mean..."

"A second generation Star King Dragon?"

A new homunculus that inherited the Star King Dragon's bloodline and power, bringing this power back to life.

"How is that possible..."

"Nothing is impossible."

Guy didn't question Rin's thoughts, as long as the other party didn't harm this world, he wouldn't be an enemy.

Especially when the will of the Cardinal World itself stood with Rin.

Kill him?

Destroy the Cardinal World first, then we'll talk.

Can't destroy the Cardinal World?

Then what's the point!

Guy understood this point, which is why he was indifferent.

Violet was highly bound to the Cardinal World, maintaining the Cardinal World was equivalent to maintaining Rin's assets.

As for who became the King of the World, Guy didn't care.

"Do you want to go see?"

...

Velzard hesitated, she had the responsibility of monitoring Guy, but the resurgence of her elder brother's bloodline truly made her unable to sit still.

"A new sibling has been born, and as an elder sister, I have a responsibility to take care of them."

"Just right, I can also go see my good-for-nothing younger brother along the way."

Velzard knew that the Storm Dragon had been sealed.

She naturally wouldn't just stand by and watch her younger brother die.

When it truly came to a life-threatening situation, Velzard would still act.

Although the Storm Dragon could revive even if he died.

But if his consciousness changed, he would ultimately become another person.

"Then, goodbye, Guy..."

Leaving this sentence, Velzard walked out of the castle.

(To be continued.)