Chapter 207
"What the hell is that thing?!"
Adventurers all over Orario cried out in despair.
Before the War Game began, countless spectators had placed bets on how long Kiriya would last or which first-class adventurer would defeat him.
Yet the battle had barely started, and the mighty Freya Familia had already been reduced to a handful of elite fighters.
Their entire army had been swept aside, their healer eliminated, and defeat suddenly seemed alarmingly close.
At this point, the gamblers could only pray that the remaining first-class adventurers would defeat Kiriya before their wagers became worthless!
Hedin’s strategy had given them hope.
By attacking someone Kiriya was forced to protect, he had successfully drawn the boy into the line of fire. Many adventurers had praised the move as brilliant.
Only a commander of Hedin’s caliber could identify and exploit such an opening in an instant.
Then Kiriya revealed yet another hidden ability!
What was that towering figure, resembling some legendary demon from the depths of hell?
Hedin was a Level 6 and one of Orario’s strongest mages, yet his lightning had failed to disturb even the creature’s translucent outer shell.
Admittedly, Hedin had cast in haste and had not used his full power.
But had Kiriya used his?
One trump card followed another, each accompanied by an even more ridiculous spectacle.
How many abilities did this man possess?
’Referee! He’s cheating! Is nobody going to stop him?!’
Countless people cursed the shameless cheater in their hearts, though they knew it was merely the bitter rage of those watching their money disappear.
"What’s wrong with all of you?"
Inside the Hostess of Fertility, a bald adventurer with narrow, triangular eyes slammed his hand on the table.
"The fight has barely begun, and you’re already giving up?"
His shout drew everyone’s attention.
"Those Level 6s were only testing him. They haven’t shown anything close to their full strength."
He sneered.
"Do you honestly think some Level 4 can walk all over them?"
Several spectators reconsidered and nodded in agreement.
A younger adventurer remained unconvinced.
"And has Sylvan gone all out?"
"What if he still has other hidden abilities?"
"Exactly. Look at him! He isn’t even breathing hard. Hedin and the others might genuinely be in trouble."
"Heh. This is why children shouldn’t talk about battles they don’t understand."
The bald man looked at them disdainfully.
Then, once he had their full attention, he casually added,
"You’ve all forgotten who’s still inside that fortress."
The tavern fell silent.
Realization spread across the crowd.
"That’s right!"
"How did we forget about him?"
Ottar, the King.
Orario’s only Level 7 and the adventurer who stood above everyone else in the city.
His overwhelming strength had no obvious weakness.
The bald man grinned when he saw their confidence returning.
"Remember, this is a Castle Siege."
"The attacking side cannot win until it defeats the enemy commander."
"That means Kiriya must eventually confront Ottar directly."
"He may be able to teleport. His attacks may be absurdly powerful. But Ottar’s strength is absolute in every area."
"The moment they fight, that boy will lose."
The gamblers’ eyes lit up.
Their spirits rose immediately.
"Brilliant analysis, my friend!"
"Hey, Mama Mia! Bring this man an ale. It’s on me!"
"Me too!"
"I’ll buy the next one!"
Surrounded by praise and free drinks, the bald adventurer’s mood improved tremendously.
He glared at Kiriya’s image in the Divine Mirror.
’Boy, I wagered everything I own on this match.’
’For the sake of my future fortune, you’d better lose quietly!’
...
"Hey, Hestia!"
Loki’s normally narrow eyes had opened completely.
"What the hell is that thing?"
"Hmph."
Hestia basked in the gods’ shock, envy, and jealousy.
"That is a power Kiriya awakened through his bloodline."
She lifted her chin proudly.
"Anything more is confidential Familia information."
The satisfaction she felt was indescribable.
It was like drinking something ice-cold on the hottest day of summer.
"Freya, you’re definitely going to—"
Hestia turned, intending to crush her opponent’s confidence.
Her words died in her throat.
Freya’s cheeks were flushed, her silver eyes glistening as she stared at the Divine Mirror in complete intoxication.
’Is this woman actually hoping she loses?’
The thought made Hestia deeply uneasy.
"A power from his bloodline?"
Loki rubbed her chin while examining Kiriya’s Sharingan.
"Is it connected to those eyes?"
She narrowed her gaze thoughtfully.
"That brat is hiding far too many secrets."
"Say, Hestia..."
Demeter suddenly leaned closer and lowered her voice.
"Could I borrow Kiriya for a few days?"
She smiled innocently.
"Don’t misunderstand. I only want to exchange knowledge and broaden my horizons."
"I’d also like to invite him."
"So would I."
One god after another crowded around Hestia.
Male and female deities alike began making increasingly generous offers, all hoping to host Kiriya for several days of private "cultural exchange."
Hestia looked at them with silent contempt.
’Cultural exchange, my ass!’
’You shameless creeps just want Kiriya for yourselves.’
"Sorry."
Her smile did not reach her eyes.
"Kiriya is very busy. I can’t make that decision for him."
Ignoring their continued pleading, Hestia returned her full attention to the Divine Mirror.
...
"My lightning had no effect?"
Hedin stared grimly at the red-gold skeleton surrounding Kiriya and Ryu.
During the brief pause in their assault, countless tendrils began spreading across the skeletal ribs.
They twisted together, forming muscle, skin, and armor-like layers over the bones.
The red-gold skeleton transformed into the upper body of a colossal warrior.
"Hehheheh."
Hogni gave a dark laugh and raised his sword.
"Exceptional resistance to magic is only fitting for a demon lord born from the depths of hell."
His expression became fierce.
"Now is the moment for brave heroes to rise against it!"
He charged forward.
"Its magical defenses are high," Allen warned. "Test its resistance to physical attacks."
The others nodded and attacked together.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
A storm of strikes hammered against the giant surrounding Kiriya.
Heavy impacts echoed across the battlefield, but the seemingly thin layer of red-gold energy remained as solid as a fortress.
It did not move at all.
Instead, Kiriya’s Susanoo swept its enormous arms through the attackers, forcing Allen and the others to dodge and retreat repeatedly.
’It’s incredibly strong.’
Ryu stared as several Level 6 adventurers attacked with everything they had, yet failed to inflict the slightest injury upon either of them.
Her estimation of this ability rose by several more levels.
"Are you ready, Miss Ryu?"
Kiriya’s voice sounded beside her.
"Your battle is about to begin."
Ryu paused.
A warm, powerful hand closed around her wrist.
Her body tensed instinctively, then relaxed.
Because it was Kiriya, she felt no fear.
"Go."
Kiriya smiled.
"Defeat those four little runts."
Susanoo swung both massive arms, driving Allen, Hedin, and Hogni away.
Kiriya then seized Ryu and hurled her across the battlefield.
"What?"
The four Gulliver brothers stared as the cloaked elf flew toward them.
Their surprise quickly turned to fury.
"He thinks an ordinary Level 5 can defeat us?"
"The arrogance is insulting."
"There is no need for further words. We shall crush both her body and spirit."
"Agreed. Warriors speak through strength."
"Come!"
Ryu tightened her grip on her weapons.
Her eyes burned with fighting spirit as she descended toward the four brothers.