MTLNOVEL Chapter 157
157. Why
The day of the decisive battle has finally come.
“This time, we’re all on the same team.”
I glanced at Lilith, Alice, Luca, and Salome.
Our assigned area is around the royal capital of Rudylium.
The predicted time for the massive appearance of the Syllega is approximately two hours from now.
Since the royal capital is protected by a powerful barrier, the demonic beings are expected to descend just outside its range—slightly away from the city walls.
We’re currently waiting near the entrance of the guild headquarters, ready to head there as soon as they appear.
Around us are several members of the same team—all Rank S or A adventurers.
Some are maintaining their weapons, others meditating to ensure they can cast magic at any moment—each preparing in their own way.
“Let’s do our best, Haruto. Together.”
“Hehe, you look happy, Lilith.”
Alice smiled at Lilith, who had spoken cheerfully.
“…Your face is all smug.”
That muttered comment came from Luca.
“Luca, you’re looking a little smug too, you know?”
Alice’s smile now turned toward Luca.
“I’m not… It’s not like I’m happy we’re together or anything…”
“Ah, your eyes are darting around!”
Salome chimed in excitedly.
“You’ve totally turned into a maiden in love.”
“Love… I don’t get it…”
Watching their lively banter, I felt a sense of calm before the battle.
Fighting alongside familiar faces is reassuring, after all.
At the same time, I felt a tightening in my chest.
I’ll protect everyone with my skills—that’s what I thought.
The teams assigned to other areas had already left.
“In the end, Rudolf didn’t come back, huh.”
That was Lilith.
Yes, Rudolf left two days ago and hasn’t returned.
Rudolf, known as one of the three strongest adventurers, the “Heavenly Spear”—naturally, he’s a key figure in this battle, alongside Luca.
Where on earth did he go?
The guild searched for him, but they couldn’t trace his whereabouts.
I don’t think he ran away.
In fact, he’s the type who’d charge headfirst into a battle like this—.
Anyway, for now, I’ll focus on protecting this team.
And protecting the people of the royal capital.
Just then—
“Hey, this area is off-limits to non-adventurers.”
“An alert has already been issued about the appearance of demonic beings. Civilians should evacuate.”
A voice came from the entrance.
Pushing past the guards, a man walked in.
Heading straight toward us.
“…Haruto.”
It was Jack.
His expression was more intense than ever.
As if he had made some kind of decision.
As if—he had resolved something.
“Are you… going to fight with us?”
Last time we met, he didn’t seem interested, but maybe he’s changed his mind.
If so, there’s no ally more reliable than him.
“I have something to tell you… ugh, guh…!”
As he began to speak, bright sparks crackled and scattered across Jack’s body.
What the…!?
Something’s wrong.
“I… can’t fight after all… kuh, uwaah… that thing… is…!?”
An intense burst of sparks erupted from Jack’s body.
His gaze turned toward my side.
—Toward Lilith and Alice.
“That staff… the aura of a demon…!”
A chilling sensation ran down my spine.
“Stop!”
Almost instinctively, I activated my skill.
—[Armor Phase].
A flood of rainbow-colored light enveloped Lilith, Alice, Luca, and Salome.
It happened almost simultaneously.
Boom!
A shockwave, like an explosion, reverberated.
Jack’s fist slammed down at a speed so fast that no one present—not even Luca, an exceptional warrior—could react.
It was aimed at Lilith and Alice.
And my skill, activated at the last moment, blocked it.
If I had tried to react after seeing Jack’s move, it would’ve been impossible.
I couldn’t even see his movements.
Nothing—I saw nothing.
“Jack, why…!?”
“Demons… must be destroyed… those who threaten peace… must all be annihilated…”
“What are you… saying…!?”
“If you get in my way—”
A sinister red glow lit up Jack’s eyes.
“I’ll destroy you too.”
His body was now covered in a bluish-black armor, and a wolf-like mask appeared on his face.
The grotesque form that demons called [Code Beast].
“I’ll destroy everything… annihilate it all…”
The black beast warrior radiated a quiet killing intent——.