Miserable Reincarnation

64 – The Uninhabited Field of Corpses (4)

Chi-eeek!

The sound of melting flesh echoed all around.

The vampire couldn’t even leave behind a single trace. It probably wouldn’t even leave behind a corpse. The parts that had come into contact with Lian’s sword were rapidly melting away.

Lian looked down at the dagger that emitted a greenish glow, his expression contorted.

He had thought that only the color had changed, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“…What power.”

Even if it was just a beam, it was believable that it was a laser sword.

I don’t understand it well, but it’s probably because the magical circuit was influenced by poison. The sensation of magic flowing through the body was slightly different from usual. You could say there was a bit of discomfort.

Not long after, a corpse that was already half-melted. The stench emanating from the bubbling corpse surpassed Lian’s imagination.

Lian narrowed his eyes.

A venom that could melt a well-trained lifeless body down to the bones.

The reason for the visible astonishment of the vampire was probably understandable. If anyone saw a figure standing unharmed after using such a potent poison, they would react in the same way.

The endless name of the Sichuan Tang Family might be the reason for that.

That was probably the only means to make sense of the situation.

Sichuan Tang Family. One of the overlords of the Eastern Continent, a giant in the martial world spreading immense influence throughout society.

The owner of the mega-corporation Sichuan, occupying more than 70% of the entire constraint industry.

In other words, those from the Tang Family could easily neutralize such potent poison. It couldn’t be verified, but at least the vampire believed it.

And that belief was probably true.

“You bastard! I’ll tell you everything, so spare me! Damn… damn…!”

The profound despair and fear that flashed in the vampire’s eyes in his final moments.

It wasn’t just a rumor. Perhaps this vampire had met someone from the Tang Family directly or indirectly.

Directly or indirectly.

Until the moment of death, the vampire, clutching his lifeline tighter than Lian standing behind him, feared the Tang Family that would endure beyond that.

‘….’

For a while, it was better not to look at the Eastern Continent. There was no chance even against the 5th rank. At least becoming a high-level practitioner seemed necessary to have a fighting chance.

Every time in such situations, one couldn’t help but feel that this world was filled with unimaginable monsters.

What’s even scarier is that even such monsters can’t make a sound before an ‘immortal.’

My head’s needlessly tangled.

Ssssnap!

The poison’s completely dissipated, and Lian’s blade gradually regained its blue hue. It seemed the venom that had infiltrated his body had been fully detoxified.

“A blade only usable when consuming poison.”

The wording wasn’t ideal, but keeping it in mind wouldn’t hurt. In this damn world, even these trivial things could become weapons.

Lian caressed the cheek wound and glanced down at the ground. A handful of crimson blood only hinted at the fact that a body once lay there.

Clearing his mind, Lian picked up the short spear lying on the ground. Despite its former wielder melting away, the spear maintained its form. It had dulled a bit, but with a little refinement, it seemed serviceable.

“Must’ve been quite pricey.”

Uncertain about its exact rank, but being a weapon used by a 5th-rank inhuman, it wouldn’t have been crafted from ordinary materials. Surely, expensive materials had been used.

Above all, being able to freely switch between spear and lance appealed to him. A weapon capable of freely altering its form was more valuable than a conventional one.

Of course, there was the possibility of a curse, but then, he could just stop using it.

In his heart, he wanted to test it out right away, but… considering the situation with Muler, hesitating any longer wasn’t an option.

The incessant gunfire that had been ringing out seemed to have stopped a while ago.

Grasping the spear with both hands, Lian dashed toward where the battle was unfolding.

*****

“Ugh, it hurts like hell…”

Contrary to the expectation of imminent urgency, the battle was winding down. Black sorcerers’ corpses sprawled haphazardly around. And Tina, sitting amidst the rocks, wrapping bandages, was evidence of that. Bandages were usually only used after a battle had ended.

“Is it over already?”

“…!”

Startled by the voice behind her, Tina swiftly grabbed her shotgun. But her guard was brief, soon recognizing the voice and releasing a light sigh.

“…Make less noise.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect it to end so quickly.”

Although Lian was at fault, it was a situation where caution was necessary. Muler’s group was capable, but they didn’t have the advantage against the numerous dark wizards in the corpse field. Muler knew that, so Lian’s goal was to hold out until the leader was dealt with.

“Did I think wrong?”

From Noble mtl dot com

I didn’t think that adding Tina would make such a difference in combat.

Carefully looking around, Lian spotted a giant pit in the middle of the wasteland.

“…Did they shoot missiles?”

“No.”

Tina finished wrapping the bandages and spoke.

“Someone else, a wizard, came to support us. It seems like they know Commander Kevin.”

“We got lucky.”

“…Yeah, lucky.”

It wasn’t a situation where Commander Kevin could support us from his side. So that wizard must not be affiliated with the military. If they had that kind of power, they would have told us from the beginning.

“To be honest, it was a bit dangerous. The corpses were swarming, and all the drones exploded. If that wizard had been a little late, the operation vehicle would have been blown up too. Chen and Muler spent a lot of money on that car. If it really happened, they might have been driven to suicide.”

“Muler?”

“Chen. Honestly, Muler-“

Tina, who was smiling, stopped talking and stood up.

At the same time, Lian’s head turned back along with her gaze.

A calm voice, unfitting for the corpse field, could be heard.

“So, the little one who uses his fists is over there? It’s fortunate that I don’t have to go look for you separately.”

The tousled hair. An air filled with boredom. Yet, Lianne could easily surmise the man’s identity.

A cigarette pressed to the man’s lips. It was the same type Kevin Major enjoyed.

“…Is this the magician Tina spoke of?”

The appearance was somewhat different from her expectations, but the power he held was extraordinary.

“Seems a bit higher level than me…”

Perhaps due to his shabby appearance, it was hard to gauge. Sensing Lianne’s scrutiny, the man scratched his head and spoke.

“Why. Wanna fight?”

“…”

The unexpected response left Lianne and even Tina, who was standing nearby, speechless.

“Oh, by any chance, are you the guardian?”

“No?!”

It was the first time Tina appeared so flustered. However, the man paid no mind and squatted on the ground.

“If you’re not a guardian, then, kid, come here. I’ll light it up for you. Lucky you. A genuine, mature-“

“Are you affiliated with the Player Matap?”

“…Well, yeah.”

The man answered indifferently.

Flames flickered at the man’s fingertips. It was odd not to notice such an overt display.

Introducing himself as Alves, the man released a wisp of smoke and said, “Enough of that. Are you really not interested? This is a mast, you know?”

“…It’s fine.”

“Well, if that’s the case.”

Alves, as if asking when it had become like that, tucked the cigarette into the gap between his lips.

“What brings you here?”

“The old folks in Matap suggested checking out the front line. While I was at it, thought I might as well have a drink with that bastard Kevin.”

Listening to the story, it seemed they were mistaken for Muler and his group while on the road and got attacked by black mages.

Dealing with them one by one, they naturally ended up joining forces.

“By the way, did you really capture the ringleader?”

Alves, tilting his head slightly, stared at the short spear hanging from Rian’s back with sharp eyes.

“Wonder who dared to mess with the military. Probably those Eastern Continent guys. Well, it wouldn’t make sense if it weren’t them.”

“…”

Drawing conclusions from just a few pieces of evidence.

Although Rian had a rough idea that he could navigate this harsh terrain alone, it seemed Alves wasn’t an ordinary mage either.

“How did you know?”

“The weapons from the Eastern Continent have a somewhat consistent appearance. You get used to it after seeing them a few times.”

Alves, fiddling with the short spear, soon lost interest and yawned, mouth wide open.

“Let’s get moving. Kevin seems to have arrived too.”