The terrible eruption emerges from above.

—The Flying Bug Construct!

The massive worm-like thing fires what resembles a concentrated beam of light from its tail region. This creates a noticeable gap in the swarm around us, allowing our small group to advance without much obstruction.

’Looks like Alistair is still looking out for us...’ A sigh of relief leaves my lips as I proceed through the horde of terrifying creatures.

I witness all kinds of Cadre 5 Magivores around me, and if it weren’t for my Floating Horse Construct, as well as Frontflow, I would have already been devoured by one of them. This isn’t an exaggeration in the slightest.

As the weakest present, there is very little I can do, which is why relying on my Conception and swinging my glowing blade as hard as I can is all I am good for.

Compared to the rest, I appear to be a total amateur.

I glance at my allies to observe their methods, and each of them leaves a deep impression on me.

Thanks to our detailed meeting before arriving in the Randalorion Kingdom—particularly the Capital—I have somewhat familiarized myself with the Special Traits that they currently display in this overwhelming battle.

Amnesis possesses two Mystical Characteristics, which allow him to exhibit two distinct Special Traits. One of them is Silver Sight. This allows him to see through obstacles such as walls and structures, including many kinds of ordinary or mystical barriers.

Depending on the quality of the Mystical Characteristics that exist in the barrier, however, it could take some time to see through it. I also suspect there are certain kinds of barriers that he may not be able to see through at all. The second Special Trait he possesses is called Projectile Disruptor, which protects the user against projectiles and ranged attacks.

Unfortunately, there is a problem with his Special Trait, which makes it imperfect.

Although the probability is low, there remains a small chance that an attack will eventually land after some time. To curb this problem, it’s better to defend against a few attacks at a time, which reduces this chance even further. But, thanks to the heavy bombardments we are under, it is an unavoidable mess.

This is why Jamie has to assist with his Temporal sphere of influence.

Speaking of Jamie, the Special Traits derived from his Mystical Characteristics are called Corrosion Imprint.

Just as the name implies, he is able to add corrosive effects to anything his Existence interferes with. This is normally limited to physical touch, but since he uses his Conception to summon objects, the corrosive effect applies to anything he uses his Conception on.

Naturally, it is because of this ability that defending against Jamie’s assaults is difficult. Evasion is also nearly impossible—especially if one exists within his sphere of influence.

For Magivores who possess limited intelligence, this is even more so the case.

Out of all of us, Rias is the one doing most of the heavy lifting in terms of the destruction of the Noble Magivores. Apart from Alistair’s help just now, she has contributed the most in ensuring our advance through the horde of enemies.

And it is all due to her exceptional combat-oriented Special Trait.

—Crimson Regalia!

This special ability shrouds her in a blazing, destructive crimson aura that is both offensive and defensive in nature. That is simply due to the immense heat and explosive power contained within the blazing red cloak.

The regalia becomes stronger the faster she moves, which makes her especially deadly when her Conception is active.

The most dangerous part about the Crimson Regalia is its effect on its surroundings. The heat exuded from the cloak is so immense that it could explode anything within a close enough proximity. Even if the target does not explode, it boils with such sheer intensity merely due to how hot it is.

I can’t calculate the level of heat it has reached at the moment, but Rias has told me that the regalia can reach up to 1,500 degrees Celsius.

That is absurd!

Naturally, she keeps her distance from most of us and only actively protects Richard. The latter is also keeping a close eye on Amnesis as he seeks out the true site of the Ritual hidden underground.

I suspect the barrier being used to protect the ritual is exceptionally strong, which is likely interfering with Amnesis’ Silver Eyes.

However, we cannot give up on this venture since Amnesis is our only Seeker present.

Richard understands this as well.

That’s why he is vigorously protecting Amnesis while we advance.

Thankfully, not only is Richard capable, but just like the old man and the captain, he also possesses two Mystical Characteristics. That gives him two distinct Special Traits, both of which are indispensable in the current conflict.

The first one is Invisible Shell, and all it does is cover his body in an invisible coating that protects against attacks. This noticeably improves his durability and also helps in terms of offensive maneuvers. After all, he can go all-out in his physical attacks without the fear of getting hurt himself.

Unfortunately, since the layer of defense is so thin and is restricted to his own body, he can’t use this defensive trait to protect the group.

Still, it is plenty useful.

After all, Richard can stand next to Rias without burning up due to the passive effect of her Special Trait. I imagine it would be a different story if she attacked him, but thankfully, we are allies, so such thoughts are unnecessary.

Then, there’s his second Special Trait—which is particularly effective in this race against time.

He calls it Blur.

This ability raises Richard’s speed to an incredible level, allowing three to four times his base travel speed and up to six times his base speed if he makes quick bursts.

Since Richard is already extraordinarily quick—with speeds exceeding human limits—a combination of this move improves his agility even further. There’s also the fact that it can affect his Floating Horse Construct, making it even more exceptional.

It’s thanks to this that—even as a Caster—he is able to keep up with the rest of the group.

Last but not least is Elma.

Although she is the most inexperienced Leviathan present, having only been one for a few months at most, she has an exceptional Special Trait thanks to her Mystical Characteristic.

In terms of utility, it might actually be the most versatile.

’Gale Force...’ My thoughts trail as I glance to my side and watch her move fluidly while activating this ability.

This Special Trait allows Elma to summon a fierce wind, which can be used both for offense and defense. The winds can cover her like a field, or they can be sent in separate directions, used in whatever manner she sees fit. It can also be used as a projectile, though I’ve noticed that its intensity is reduced the further the distance.

Regardless, it is a fine ability—one deserving of being in the upper echelon of Potion Grades.

The mere fact that these people possess these abilities permanently is insane!

Unlike me, who has to chug down Potions every once in a while to maintain my relevance to the group, they do not require such considerations.

In fact, all the Potions I currently possess were given to me by the Ouroboros Sect.

My own Potions are too insufficient in quality.

Because of my physiology as a Leviathan, I digest them too quickly, which means I can’t maintain the abilities for too long. The Ouroboros Sect’s Potions are different thanks to their special brewing method and the density of Mystical Characteristics that they possess.

How fortunate...

’The Impurities are also practically nonexistent. This means the Side Effects are minimized.’

I would have been leaping for joy at the experience if not for the fact that my Kingdom faces great peril, and the initiative lies in the hands of our adversary.

Just when I am about to venture into another bout with despair, however, I hear a voice.

"I’ve found it!"

—Amnesis!

He has finally found the Ritual Site!

"Give the exact coordinates to the Captain. Everyone, steer clear of the area!"

"Eh? Why? We’re close to it, though!" Elma yells in disbelief. "Just a little further."

"Listen to your orders!"

Richard and the others retreat, and I follow suit. Elma remains hesitant for a moment, but since she doesn’t want to become overwhelmed by the Magivores and their incessant projectiles, she quickly catches up to us as we ascend into the sky.

Then, not too long after—

BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Another powerful beam of light bursts from the Flying Bug Construct.

It easily decimates an entire area of the city, revealing what resembles a brilliant dome of blood-red light within it.

The dome seems to be made entirely of blood, yet it gleams like it possesses a multitude of crystals within it. Like shimmering rubies, they easily draw our attention. The energy pulsating within the vast dome begins to throb like veins, creating an absurd sight.

’The diameter alone is at least a few miles!’ I marvel at the sheer magnitude of the vast ritualistic circle and the protective dome that shrouds it. ’How long did it take him to prepare and activate all of these things?’

"He must have returned to the past and prepared them one after the other before returning to the present to activate everything at once. Since it is a change exclusive to him, and it was also hidden, we would not have known..." Richard murmurs the answer to my ears, and I find myself shaken to my bones.

I previously imagined that he would need to do everything meaningful in the present if he needed it to affect reality.

But now I see that my logic was a little flawed.

His preparation could exist in the past, while leaving very little time needed for the final results.

An incredible move!

"Hehe... Looks like you didn’t fall for the bait." Lucien’s shadowy figure suddenly appears in the air, his full form manifesting while clusters of Magivores circle around him.

Richard remains calm as he stares at the man, while everyone else gasps in realization.

That Amnesis discovered the ritual when he did was no coincidence.

Lucien Zevalis likely prompted this action by weakening the defense of his barrier. This was to reel us in and somehow catch us off guard.

There’s no other explanation!

I subtly glance at Elma, who had protested earlier, and she lowers her head in embarrassment.

It appears she now understands how foolish her dissent had been.

’But Richard is really amazing...’ I glance at our interim leader and smile a little. ’He noticed something was off and ordered us to retreat.’

"Don’t think so highly of me. I simply made a guess and figured that it would be safer for the Captain to shoot the area down with a long-range assault." As though reading my thoughts, Richard corrects my line of thinking once again.

His face appears as tired as always, and his frail frame gives him the appearance of a weakling.

I cannot tell if he is being modest or if he truly means his words.

Was it really just luck?

A simple guess?

Somehow, I doubt it.

"Regardless, I suppose this is what you would call the final showdown?" Lucien’s voice reaches a crescendo as he raises both hands in excitement. His dark purple eyes gleam with delight while his long dark cloak billows in the hair.

He tips his fedora lightly while his monocle remains fixed on one eye.

All of us remain silent.

"Six... no, seven against one. Not bad at all. Ah, but if I count Gabriel as one of your allies, that makes the number jump to eight. That’s quite a lot of Leviathans against me, especially since you even have an Adept in your midst." His tone is casual regardless of the odds stacked against him.

It’s like he cannot imagine that he will lose.

Such perfect composure—he is definitely hiding a trump card somewhere.

"He could also be bluffing..." Amnesis mutters under his breath. "It’s a common tactic used by those on their last legs."

I nod at this.

I’m sincerely hoping that’s the case.

’Looking at it logically, he has already used up several resources. Not only has he caused Magivores to appear all over the Randalorion Kingdom, but he has hundreds of Cadre 5 Magivores present somehow, and he must be exhausted controlling all of them at once. Then there’s the ritual and its activation requirements. It must have cost a lot of Special Resources, and he must have used up a great deal of Interference Power to ensure its success. All of these tell me that he is indeed at his limits...’

Of course, this analysis has been affected by my bias on the matter.

Plus, I consider this a form of hubris.

How can I, a mere Rank 1 Leviathan, possibly discern the limits of my senior, who is two ranks above me? It almost feels ridiculous to even try.

Yet, I must!

It is the only way I can possibly maintain the fragile flicker of hope that dwells in my heart.

Hope...

... That we will win!