Bofuri (The Strongest Shield Of Tensura)-Chapter 95 - Ninety Five

Bang!

Shogo gasped for breath, skidding backward with his arms crossed in defense. "Damn, your kicking game is no joke."

Shion scoffed, brushing imaginary dust off her shoulder. "Oh please, you're hardly worth the effort."

A grin tugged at the corners of Shogo's mouth. "Well then, I guess I'll stop holding back."

A glassy haze shimmered around him as he activated his [Berserker] skill, his muscles bulging with power.

Shion pulled back her fist, a grin spreading across her face as she wordlessly challenged him.

Shogo mirrored her stance, his expression twisting into something wild as he accepted.

Perking up, Kanade's eyes narrowed. He looked to the sky, sensing the shift before it came.

Boom!

With a yell, both Shion and Shogo launched themselves forward. Their fists collided with a shockwave that cracked the air, the force splitting the ground beneath them like glass. Civilians scattered in panic, finally realizing the fight was spiraling out of control.

And then, the sky turned a light, unnatural purple.

Shuna gasped, clutching her chest. "The barrier... It's activated? But Soei..."

Benimaru's eyes hardened, and he tightened his fist as Kanade stepped forward. "Kanade, it looks like Soei failed to stop the activation."

Kanade shook his head, his tone calm but firm. "This isn't the Holy Field. It's an anti-magic barrier, and I don't think the Church is behind it."

Shuna's eyes widened in alarm. "But that would mean..."

Benimaru clenched his fists. "Someone activated this from inside Tempest." He turned sharply to Gabiru. "Gabiru, take your men. Find whoever did this."

Gabiru snapped to attention. "Of course! Leave it to me, Sir Benimaru! We will find the enemy at once!" With a powerful flap, his wings unfurled and he shot into the sky, leading his squad.

Kanade nodded. "My clone is still with Soei. The Holy Church won't be activating their barrier, not anytime soon."

---

Elsewhere...

"How!?" Archbishop Rahim trembled at the sight before him. "How could this happen!?"

Hanging from the trees by the thinnest of threads were the bloodied corpses of the Crusaders, the Holy Church's elite knights. Each one had their throat slit cleanly, dangling like macabre ornaments of war.

The first attack had come without warning. The Crusaders reacted quickly, just not quickly enough.

Those who grouped into formation were engulfed in a pillar of green flames that shot skyward, disintegrating them completely. No ash remained. Nothing.

The scattered Crusaders fared no better. They were swiftly hunted down by Souka and her squad of dragon newts, who descended like wraiths from the sky.

"Aaargh!" Rahim stumbled backward, falling onto the damp earth. "How can mere monsters be defeating our elites!? It's impossible! Impossible!"

The dragon newts landed with a thud, their gazes fixed on him like predators sizing up prey.

Rahim's fear overwhelmed him. He scrambled backward, his once-pristine priestly robe now smeared with mud. "Stay back, oof!" His shoulder struck the large crystal brought for activating the {Holy Field}.

Thwoom!

Soei appeared, rising from Souka's shadow in an instant using [Shadow Movement].

"I-I serve the god Luminous!" Rahim screamed, panic overtaking him. He spun around, just as the crystal behind him shattered with a violent crack, sending shards flying, and pelting him aggressively.

Behind him stood Kanade, his hand still extended as though he'd merely touched the crystal.

Rahim's eyes widened as he caught sight of the boy standing amidst the battlefield. Desperation twisted his expression. "Hey, you! You're supposed to be killing these monsters! Why would you betray humanity?"

Kanade tilted his head slightly, his face unreadable, aloof even, but his eyes carried a sharper, colder depth. "Humanity?" he echoed, voice calm. "Sorry, but I don't count the people of Falmuth as part of that. So no, I haven't betrayed anyone."

Rahim staggered back, panic setting in. Then, as if a revelation struck him, his face lit up with a manic grin.

"Wait, the curse! Yes!" He rose to his feet, brushing off his muddied robes as he stepped forward. "The locking curse compels you to obey me. I command you, destroy these monsters and protect me!"

Kanade chuckled, low and amused. "Get a load of this guy."

He took a step forward, eyes gleaming. "Yeah... there's no strings on me, Rahim."

The color drained from Rahim's face. He stumbled back, lips trembling. "You... You can't do this to me! I'm a high-ranking member of the Western Holy Church! I'm rather influential when it comes to the church's ear. If you'll only let me live, I'll make sure they understand. I'll convince them your monster nation poses no threat to humanity!"

Soei, silent until now, turned slightly toward Kanade. "We'll let Lord Rimuru decide his fate."

For a moment, silence fell. Kanade stared at Soei, the tension between them crackling like a storm held in check. Then, with a dismissive shrug, Kanade turned away.

"Whatever," he muttered. "We've still got three more of those magical devices to destroy."

---

Boom!

Shogo's face slammed into the ground with tremendous force, the impact shattering the earth beneath him. Dust and debris billowed into the air as Shion stood over him, her fist still extended from the final blow.

"Damn," Kanade muttered with a smirk. "That took longer than I expected."

Benimaru crossed his arms, his tone mildly exasperated. "Shion always does this, trying to beat her opponents on their own terms. She could've ended it much faster with her sword. But just like with Sofia, she gets too excited."

"Sofia?" Kanade glanced at him.

Shuna stepped in to explain. "She's one of the Beastketeers. They serve under Demon Lord Carrion."

"Cool," Kanade said casually, watching as Shion approached with a satisfied grin stretched across her face.

She turned toward Kyoya, still energized from the fight. "Do you need a lesson too?"

Kyoya raised both hands with a smile. "I'm good. But thanks for the offer."

"You alright over there, Shogo?" He called out, amusement dancing in his voice.

"Yeah, dude," Kanade added mockingly. "You dead?"

"Shut up," Shogo groaned, dragging himself out of the crater. His clothes were torn, and dirt clung to his bruised face. "Damn... Can't believe I got drilled into the ground like that."

He turned to Shion, a grudging respect in his eyes. "Not bad, lady. You're a decent fighter after all. Your martial arts could use some polish, though, especially since you copied my technique to slam me into the ground."

"Oh?" Kanade raised a brow, grinning. "And here I thought she was just a stupid monster."

"Put a sock in it, Kanade," Shogo snapped, glaring at him.

"Hmm..." Benimaru turned, his sharp senses picking up a subtle tremor in the earth. In the distance, the rhythmic thunder of galloping hooves echoed ominously across the land.

Kyoya tilted his head, a gleam of recognition flashing in his eyes. "Oh? Looks like Folgen's finally arrived."

The group turned their attention toward the horizon, where a formation of one hundred knights rode in formation, their armor glinting under the fading light as they stormed into Tempest. At the front of the charge was a blonde-haired, middle-aged knight, his presence radiating confidence and authority.

"I come seeking the so-called friendly nation of monsters!" Folgen bellowed, his voice ringing with indignation. "And instead, I find chaos and savagery? We will not stand for this!"

Benimaru narrowed his eyes. "Are those... Knights of Falmuth? The ones you mentioned before?"

Kanade nodded calmly. "Yeah. That's Folgen at the front. Apparently he's an otherworlder too."

"Seriously?" Shogo raised a brow in surprise. "Then how come he doesn't have the locking curse like we did?"

"Because," Kanade began, his voice losing some of its usual levity, "unlike us, who were forced into Falmuth's service against our will..."

"...Folgen joined them willingly," Kyoya finished, unsheathing his sword with a metallic whisper. "He was always pestering me about refining my [Severer] skill. Looks like he wants to see the finished product up close."

Kanade stifled a chuckle behind his hand, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Shogo glanced at him. "What's so funny?"

Kanade grinned. "Nothing. Just ironic, that's all, considering Folgen's unique skill lets him absorb the skills of any of his subordinates who die in battle."

Kyoya froze for a second, the implications sinking in.

Shogo's voice dropped. "Wait. You mean..?"

Kanade nodded slowly, his tone now laced with bitter amusement. "Yeah. He probably planned to 'harvest' us. Let us grow strong, reach our potential... then claim our abilities for himself."

The group fell silent. The weight of Kanade's words settled like a stone in their stomachs.

Shion clenched her fists, her expression fierce. "Truly disgusting."

"Sir Benimaru!" one of Gabiru's loyal trio called out as he swooped down from above. "Sir Gabiru sent me to retrieve you."

"Has he found the one responsible for the barrier?" Benimaru asked, his voice sharp with urgency.

"Well, yes, but the situation is more complicated than we expected," the dragon newt replied, his tone cautious.

Benimaru narrowed his eyes. "How?"

"The anti-magic barrier was created by Myulan, a member of Youm's party. And... Youm is refusing to hand her over."

Benimaru's face twisted in frustration. "Are you serious?"

He turned to Shion and Kanade, eyes blazing. "I trust you can handle this here?"

Shion grinned, cracking her knuckles. "No problem, Sir Benimaru."

Shogo stepped up beside her, smirking. "This won't take long."

Kyoya was already striding toward the approaching army, his expression unreadable. "I've got two years' worth of pent-up emotions just waiting to explode."

Benimaru gave a sharp nod. "Good. Shuna, with me, we need to find out what the hell Youm is thinking." Without waiting, he and Shuna vanished into the sky.

---

CLANG!

Sparks flew as Rimuru deflected a strike cloaked in shimmering rainbow light. The force of the blow pushed him back, his boots skidding across the earth as he caught his balance.

He took a breath, eyes locked on his opponent. 'This isn't working. She's too damn strong.'

Hinata Sakaguchi.

Chief Knight of the Imperial Guard.

Captain of the Holy Knights under the Holy Empire of Ruberios.

And, Shizu's student.

They had been fighting for hours. The sun now hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow across the battlefield.

'I need to get back, everyone's in danger. But she's not letting up for even a second. I can't kill her, not after what I promised Shizu. Not that I'm even sure I could.'

Hinata stood calm and composed, not a trace of exhaustion on her face. She lifted her sword again, the rainbow light dancing along the blade.

"That was close," she said with cool detachment. "You're impressively agile for someone inside this barrier. I'll admit, I underestimated you."

She began walking toward him, slow and measured. "But this is the end. You won't be leaving alive."

"Because you can kill me with one more strike?" Rimuru asked, flashing a smirk despite the sweat beading his brow.

Hinata allowed a flicker of surprise to reach her eyes. "So you know."

Raising her sword once more, she explained, "This blade is imbued with a unique ability {Dead End Rainbow}. It guarantees my opponent's death on the seventh strike."

Hinata narrowed her eyes. "Understand this {Dead End Rainbow} can kill even spiritual beings. You've fought well, but it's clear you've reached your limit."

Suddenly, the sky darkened, and the sunlight warped into a surreal hue of reddish-purple.

"What the heck!?" Rimuru exclaimed as the world around him bled into shades of red and violet. 'Great Sage, what's going on?'

<>Notice: You have been enclosed within a dimensional barrier.<>

"Another barrier!?" Rimuru groaned. "I just wanna go home..."

Hinata's eyes widened as the sky itself erupted, unleashing a barrage of chains that rained down with terrifying precision, each one aimed directly at her.

Her body reacted instantly. With speed far beyond what she had displayed earlier, she twisted and leapt, dodging the incoming assault. She slid under a massive chain that cracked the earth where it struck, then sprang sideways, flipping through a gap between two smaller ones.

More chains burst from the ground, aiming for her legs. She jumped, narrowly avoiding them, only to be met by a cluster of descending chains from above. With a cry, she swung her sword, creating a shockwave that hurled her downward.

But there were too many.

She parried three incoming chains with quick, precise strikes, then leaned forward, dodging six more that sliced through the air where she had just been.

A particularly thick chain came hurtling toward her chest. She raised her blade and caught it with a metallic 'clang'.

"You... blocked it," a sultry voice whispered in her ear.

Hinata's instincts screamed. She spun around at full speed, her sword already in motion.

Behind her stood a tall, red-haired woman, wearing a sleek black dress tucked into trousers, a luxurious red fur cape draped over her shoulders. Her expression was calm, yet playful, a knowing smile dancing on her lips.

Hinata's blade cut the air, heading straight for the woman's neck.

The woman didn't move.

Instead, her smile deepened.

Hinata's danger senses exploded.

But it was too late.

Pain erupted from her body as a thick chain burst from her sword arm, shooting upward into the sky. Three more exploded from her chest and back, anchoring her to the ground.

Her breath hitched, blood dripping down her front.

She had been caught.

Rimuru stood frozen, completely and utterly confused. "Wha... What's going on here? Who the heck is she?"

Hinata grit her teeth, then released her sword from her bound arm, catching it with her free hand. With a swift motion, she slashed at the chain suspending her arm.

CLANG!

The blade bounced harmlessly off the metallic restraint.

"Argh!" she cried as pain shot through her body, another chain burst from her free hand and extended high into the sky.

"Tsk, tsk." The woman wagged a finger, her tone almost playful. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

Hinata's gaze hardened as she glared at the red-haired stranger. "You're an Arch Demon."

"Close," the woman replied, tilting her head with amusement. "But not quite there." She leaned in and casually flicked Hinata's forehead with a single finger.

Hinata jerked back slightly from the unexpected touch, and in that moment, another chain exploded from her neck, rising toward the heavens like the others.

"You..." Hinata seethed through clenched teeth, "You're a Daemon Lord."

The woman clapped her hands lightly, her smile widening. "Bravo. Second time's the charm, I guess."

She gently cupped Hinata's chin with a gloved hand. "Such a fascinating human. Although..." Her voice grew wistful. "It seems someone else has already left their mark on you. What a pity. I would have loved to claim you for myself."

Foll𝑜w current novels on fɾēewebnσveℓ.com.

With that, she turned to face Rimuru, who tensed under her gaze.

"Now, Lord Rimuru," she said sweetly, "I am here to assist you... to return home."

Rimuru blinked. "Huh? Assist me?" His confusion deepened. "Who exactly are you?"

The woman gave a graceful bow, her crimson hair swaying with the motion. "I am but a loyal retainer of Lady Kaede. You may call me Tomokashi."

"Kaede sent you?" Rimuru took a step back. 'Kaede sent her...? Why now? And why does she feel more dangerous than Hinata?'

As their conversation unfolded, Hinata pushed a fraction of her focus toward it, the rest fully absorbed in analyzing her predicament.

'What did she mean by 'you blocked it'?' She thought. 'There were four chains I blocked or parried... and four chains burst from my body. Then I tried to strike the one suspending my arm, and another chain emerged. That flick to the forehead triggered the sixth one. So...'

Her eyes narrowed as the truth began to unravel in her mind.

'That means two things, first, any contact with the chains, attack or defense, triggers their binding effect. Second, direct physical contact from her, even something as simple as a flick, adds another layer. And...'

She clenched her jaw. 'These chains... they're draining my strength, rapidly.'

Drawing on her inner reserves, Hinata's body pulsed with power. In an instant, her armor erupted in a radiant glow. The damaged and restrictive outfit dissolved, replaced by an elegant, sleek white battle suit. A luminous lotus-blue gem gleamed at the center of her chestplate, and from her back burst six ethereal golden wings, crackling with pure holy energy.

The chains around her shattered and disintegrated under the force of her release.

This was [Holy Armament], legendary-class armor, empowered by sacred energy. And in her hand now shimmered Moonlight, a sword of legend.

The skies overhead brightened, casting away the unnatural hues of red and purple. The warped world was restored, washed clean of demonic corruption.

However...

Hinata's eyes swept the space before her. Empty.

"They escaped..." she muttered, narrowing her eyes.

From high above, the voice of the demon echoed faintly, like a whisper in the wind.

"Till we meet again... human."

Hinata's grip on Moonlight tightened. She clenched her jaw and stared into the sky.

"Rimuru Tempest..." she growled, holy energy flickering violently around her. "I 'will' kill you. No matter who stands in my way."