Chapter 247
Despite the agonizing pain from the Thunderbolt Sword impaling its nape, the Drake clung to its will to attack. With unwavering determination, it swung its tail towards Mu-Gun. Rather than attempting to block the incoming tail, Mu-Gun lifted the Thunderbolt Sword, still embedded in the Drake's nape, into the sky.
As Mu-Gun raised the Thunderbolt Sword, the Drake's head was cleanly cleaved in two, suspended in the air. The colossal body of the Drake, now devoid of strength, crumpled to the side as its head was instantly divided. The tail that had swung at Mu-Gun also dropped weakly to the ground. Despite the remarkable regenerative powers of a Drake, survival proved impossible once its head had been completely severed.
Alicia gazed at Mu-Gun with admiration, marveling at his effortless defeat of the same Drake that had earlier cornered her. The mysterious human's sudden appearance and decisive intervention left Alicia curious about his identity and the extraordinary abilities he displayed in her rescue.
Mu-Gun, focused on the immediate threat, displayed little interest in Alicia. His priority was clear to eliminate the remaining Drakes, still numbering over ten. Without acknowledging Alicia, he swiftly redirected his attention towards the other looming threats. Observing this, Alicia regarded Mu-Gun with a perplexed expression. Though seemingly overlooked, she harbored no offense, understanding that their primary objective was to deal with the Drakes.
Mu-Gun conjured a Thunderbolt Sword, continuously expanding in both size and length, and launched an assault against the Drakes. Even the attacks from the High Elves, infused with the might of the highest-ranked wind spirits, struggled to breach the formidable defense of the Drakes. However, Mu-Gun's Thunderbolt Sword proved unparalleled, effortlessly piercing through the Drakes' resilient scales and magical force field.
One by one, the Drakes succumbed to Mu-Gun's onslaught, their heads punctured by the relentless strikes of the Thunderbolt Sword. Sensing the impending threat posed by Mu-Gun, the remaining Drakes abandoned their engagements with the High Elves and converged on him. In unison, they launched a coordinated attack against Mu-Gun.
As the Drakes unleashed Flame Breaths from all directions, Mu-Gun responded by emanating a wave of golden thunder qi around his body. The thunder qi coalesced into layers, enveloping Mu-Gun in a shield. Known as the Golden Thunder God Star, this martial art comprised nine layers, forming the most robust protective vajra qi. The technique was a fusion of the Iron Blood Vajra Body Cultivation and the Nine-Layered Thunder Wall from the Flying Golden Shield.
The Flame Breaths collided with the Golden Thunder God Star with tremendous force. Yet, the Golden Thunder God Star proved to be more resilient. The Flame Breaths were repelled by the robust defense, scattering in all directions. The Drakes, taken aback, found themselves confounded by Mu-Gun's ability to withstand their potent Flame Breaths.
In an instant, Mu-Gun vanished from their view, prompting the Drakes to frantically scan their surroundings. To their surprise, Mu-Gun was now suspended ten meters above the ground, surrounded by dozens of rapidly materializing Thunderbolt Swords. As the count reached a hundred swords, Mu-Gun unleashed them simultaneously upon the Drakes below.
As the Drakes hastily unleashed Flame Breaths to counter the Thunderbolt Swords, Mu-Gun showcased his remarkable control. Swiftly evading the oncoming flames, he deftly manipulated the Thunderbolt Swords, directing them to pierce the seemingly impervious bodies of the Drakes with ease.
Not only that, but the Thunderbolt Swords, having penetrated their robust scales, remained embedded in their bodies, tearing through flesh. The organs within were shredded, and the muscles and nerves severed by the lightning discharged from the Thunderbolt Swords.
With their insides utterly ravaged, the Drakes slumped weakly onto their sides. Despite the extraordinary regenerative powers of Drakes, the extent of the damage inflicted left them incapable of recovery, as it was fundamentally impossible to regenerate when their insides were utterly obliterated.
Unconvinced by the defeated state of the Drakes, Mu-Gun summoned eight Thunderbolt Swords, each exceeding ten meters in length. With precise strikes, he drove the Thunderbolt Swords into the heads of the incapacitated Drakes, reducing their once formidable heads to a state resembling crushed tofu.
Satisfied that the Drakes were completely defeated, Mu-Gun released his Thunder God Qi and gracefully descended back to the ground. The Wind Elves, along with the High Elves, regarded him with admiration.
The eldest among the Wind Elves addressed Mu-Gun with a question, "Are you the representative of the Sky God Yupir?"
Thats right. Mu-Gun promptly replied.
As expected. I am Fraus Eleanor, chief of the Wind Elves. It is an honor to meet the Sky God Yupirs representative. On behalf of the Wind Elves, I would like to extend my gratitude to you. Thank you for protecting our tribe from the Drakes. Thanks to you, we were able to avoid the disaster of extinction. Fraus, the chief of the Wind Elves, expressed his gratitude with a bow towards Mu-Gun.
The other elves behind him also bowed in unison, expressing their gratitude towards Mu-Gun.
"Please, lift your heads. As the representative of the Sky God Yupir, it is my duty to assist the Elves, who serve the Spirit God Vahara. There's no need for such formality."
"Thank you. By the way, given that the Sky God Yupir has dispatched a representative, it suggests that the Demon God has descended."
"That is correct. Has there been no oracle from the Spirit God Vahara?"
"I don't have information about other tribes, but among our own, we have not received any guidance. To be honest, none among us is deemed worthy enough to directly hear the words of the almighty Spirit God Vahara," Fraus admitted with a bitter expression.
Avalon comprised four Elf tribes, each venerating one of the four Spirit Kings. These Spirit Kings were entities created by the Spirit God Vahara, who had bestowed upon them a portion of their essence. Each of the four Elf tribes fervently awaited the moment when they would be chosen by the Spirit King they worshiped.
Yet, being chosen by a Spirit King was no simple matter. Only elves deemed worthy and qualified had the chance to be selected. The Wind Elves, for instance, had not experienced the favor of the Wind Spirit King for centuries. Without being chosen by their respective Spirit Kings, it remained impossible for them to establish a direct connection with the greater being, the Spirit God Vahara.
I see.
But how did you know our tribe was in danger? Fraus asked.
I did not arrive here with prior knowledge of the danger your tribe faced. Rather, I was looking for the Drakes when I happened to see them attacking your tribe.
You must have come in here to wipe out the monsters. Fraus came to a conjecture.
Yes, and there is also a matter I require assistance with from the elves.
From us?
With all due respect, I would like to form a spirit contract.
You wish to form a spirit contract? Fraus asked in surprise.
To be honest, given my current strength, facing a fully-powered Demon God would prove challenging. So, if I am deemed worthy, I would like to seek the assistance of the Spirit Kings power.
"The power of the Spirit King?!" Fraus exclaimed in shock, expressing incredulity at the idea of forming a contract with a Spirit King, suggesting it appeared to be a far-fetched aspiration.
Even for the elves, contracting with a Spirit King was not an easily granted privilege. Fraus, reflecting on this reality, found the notion of a human contracting with a Spirit King to be absurd and improbable.
Of course, I know it is not an easy task. But still, shouldnt I try everything I can?
Very well, I will assist you in participating in the Spirit Contract Ritual. However, it would be best not to expect too much.
In gratitude for Mu-Gun's heroic intervention, Fraus resolved to conduct a Spirit Contract Ritual. Realistically, he harbored no expectation that the Wind Spirit King would choose Mu-Gun. At most, Fraus considered it a stroke of luck if Mu-Gun could successfully contract with a high-ranked spirit.
Thank you.
Mu-Gun, fully aware of the limited possibilities, was already grateful for the opportunity to partake in a Spirit Contract Ritual.
We need time to prepare the Spirit Contract Ritual.
I am fine even if it takes a few days, Mu-Gun said.
We dont need that long, just one day will be enough.
Then, there is enough time for me to go find my companions.
You came with a party, huh.
I will come back after letting them know that I am safe.
Alright, do what you have to do. Meanwhile, I will prepare for the Spirit Contract Ritual.
Understood.
Following the conversation with Fraus, Mu-Gun proceeded to the location where members of the Avalon Order and the Yupir Church awaited him. Concerns had grown among them due to Mu-Gun's prolonged absence, and their relief was palpable upon his safe return.
Mu-Gun conveyed the news of successfully vanquishing the Drakes that threatened the Elf tribe. In return for his heroic act, the elves had graciously agreed to conduct a Spirit Contract Ritual for him. He requested the party's patience, asking them to await the completion of the ritual.
Following the update to the party, Mu-Gun returned to the Valley of the Wind. Upon his arrival, he found the High Elf Alicia patiently waiting for him.
Youre back already. Ah! I am Alicia Bernhardt. Thank you for saving me from the Drakes.
I think you have already thanked me, no? Mu-Gun recalled.
That was on behalf of the entire tribe, now I am personally thanking you.
Alright. Youre welcome then. Mu-Gun replied with a big smile.
But are you not going to tell me your name?
Ah! I am Argon Laonia Venatia. Mu-Gun introduced himself.
I was surprised. I never expected that there would be anyone as amazing as you among the humans, Argon. But that doesnt mean I am looking down on humans, so please dont get me wrong.
You may not know, but there are many humans as strong as you, Alicia. Without having to look far, among the party that came with me to the Patagon Mountain Range, there are five people as strong as you.
Humans are that strong?
The Sky God Yupir did not make a human their representative for no reason. Humans may be weaker than the elves, but in exchange, they are beings who have infinite possibilities.
Infinite possibilities, huh. Thats an envious thing to hear.
The elves could only enhance their strength through spirit contracts. However, to form such contracts, they had to be chosen by the spirits. The potency of the elves' abilities relied on both their innate bloodline and the rank of the spirits with which they formed contracts.
In contrast to elves, who could only grow strong through the selection of spirits, humans could strengthen themselves through dedicated efforts. Alicia harbored a sense of envy towards humans, recognizing their ability to grow stronger based on their individual endeavors.
Furthermore, the Wind Elves' situation was disheartening, having gone without the favor of the Wind Spirit King for several centuries.
But if I manage to contract the Wind Spirit King, what will happen to its relationship with the Wind Elves?
Do you think you can contract with the Wind Spirit King? Alicia asked seriously.
Still, shouldnt I have some expectations?
That wont happen, but if you really contract the Wind Spirit King, the Wind Elves must obey your words, Argon.
By that, you mean absolute obedience?
Yes. If you are chosen by the Wind Spirit King, your words are the Wind Spirit Kings words. Therefore, our tribe, who worship the Wind Spirit King, cannot refute your words. Alicia explained.
But dont worry too much. Even if I am contracted with the Wind Spirit King, I will not make any inappropriate request to the Wind Elves. Mu-Gun reassured Alicia.
I am not worried at all. No matter how great of a human being you are, you can't be contracted to the Wind Spirit King.
Is it because I am a human?
Yes, just as the Sky God Yupir chose a human as their representative over elves, the Spirit Kings will undoubtedly select elves as their partners instead of humans, Alicia said confidently.
We will wait and see in due time.
Despite Alicia's affirmation, Mu-Gun clung to the hope of forming a contract with the Wind Spirit King. The looming presence of the Demon God fueled his determination. Considering that the Thunder God was already aware of the Demon God's arrival, it followed that the Spirit God and the Spirit Kings in their service were also cognizant of the impending threat.
Nevertheless, the absence of any contracted elves among the Spirit Kings hinted at a lack of qualified candidates. In Mu-Gun's estimation, the Spirit Kings would undoubtedly take action to thwart the Demon God. To achieve this, they would need to establish a contract with a being in Avalon. Should no eligible elves be found, they might seek alternatives to contract with other beings in their efforts to counter the impending threat posed by the Demon God.
With this reasoning, Mu-Gun held onto the belief that, despite not being an elf, he might still be able to contract with a Spirit King. While there was no certainty that Mu-Gun himself would be the contractor, the prospect was not entirely out of reach.
Lets wait and see. Theres still time before the ritual is ready, so let me guide you to a place where you can rest for now, Alicia suggested.
Its an honor to be guided by a High Elf herself, Mu-Gun said.
I am only doing this special favor because it is for none other than you since you saved my life, Argon. Alicia shrugged and guided Mu-Gun inside the Valley of the Wind.