C.S.O - Chapter 37 [WILL]

 "C-Chiaki? Is that you?"

"Tera-chan, is something wrong? You seem to have forgotten about your friend and your own guild member?"

"..."

Not only Tera, but Albor also couldn't believe what they were seeing when they met Chiaki. It had only been a few days since they last saw her in the CSO, but it felt like they were looking at two different people. The face and character were still the same, but there was something else about Chiaki that was different.

It wasn't just because of the holy sword in her hand; there was a strong aura emanating from Chiaki. Perhaps this was what they called growing up, but both of them were aware that there was more to it than just that to describe Chiaki's transformation.

"We haven't forgotten, but we're just puzzled about what actually happened to you. Also, isn't the equipment you're wearing extremely unusual?"

Chiaki's attire used to resemble that of a magician, but now there was no equipment that indicated that identity. The chest protector, headgear, gloves, and boots were made of a special silver and green metal. One could say that she currently looked like she was wearing the equipment of a legendary Valkyrie.

"Ah... This is just a bonus from the sword I obtained. As for the other things, I think I'll tell you about them sometime after this issue is resolved."

"So you already know what actually happened?"

Chiaki fell silent.

"Tell me, what really happened to this game? No, more accurately, what happened to this world?"

Tera still felt unsettled by what was happening. As a human and a gamer who had played many games, he was aware that what was happening in the CSO was far beyond the bounds of normalcy. Of course, he couldn't deny that dangerous missions challenging the Liber were common, but the missions they experienced were too abnormal. It didn't take much thought to realize that 'something' had happened.

"...Tera-chan, just because I came back doesn't mean I'm the person who knows everything that's happening in this world. However, right now, it's not the time to play anymore."

Chiaki paused for a moment and looked up at the sky.

"I just want my world to return to normal. That's all I wish for."

"Chiaki?"

"Sorry, I just remembered something. The bottom line is, I don't know the definite answer to your question. And as for what will happen now, you should stay away from the battle. Remember my advice."

Without saying much more, Chiaki jumped up and skillfully soared like a jet toward the location of the Demon God.

Meanwhile, Tera and Albor sighed deeply. They didn't know what to do with Chiaki's request.

They were aware that what Chiaki said was not just advice but also a warning to stay away. Whatever would happen ahead was beyond their imagination.

"Albor, what will you do?"

"I don't know... but I will find out what I can do."

As for Chiaki, after leaving Albor and Tera, she headed towards the Demon God's location using the <Wind Booster> skill. While in the air, she encountered Demon Beasts trying to prevent her from getting closer, but she easily defeated them.

She had to thank the incredibly powerful holy sword that was effective against darkness. Although her swordsmanship level could be considered not very high, it seemed to have no significant impact. Now her body seemed capable of doing anything she desired. She didn't know if it was because of the special effect of the Durandal sword or if the burden had become lighter, but whatever the reason, she wouldn't hesitate to fight against Kuro. No, to be more precise, to awaken Kuro from his selfish nature.

Suddenly, the detection skill informed her that two figures were approaching. It was at that moment that Chiaki smiled.

Then the two figures flew beside her.

"Did you two get it?"

"Of course."

"I don't know how I was able to get it," Flamia replied. "But can we still stop Kuro?"

"I don't know. Time is running out. However, I believe we have a chance as long as we have Longinus Light. The problem is, who will use it?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Silence fell among the three of them.

What Ruko said was very true. Although each of them obtained a fragment of Longinus Light, there was only one weapon that could fight against Kuro. They had to choose who could maximize the power of the weapon.

But most importantly, that person had to be able to fight against Kuro. To fight against the person they loved.

"I will do it."

"Flamia-chan, are you sure?" Ruko asked.

"Yes. In fact, I want to ask, is it alright if I do it? I can sense that you both want to fight to stop Kuro, but at the same time, you have doubts. Isn't that right?"

Both of them fell silent because Flamia's words hit the mark.

Although Chiaki was now more honest with herself, she didn't have the strength to truly fight against Kuro. She loved him too much. If it were Chiaki fighting against Kuro, she might end up throwing away the weapon that would hurt him.

"That's right, but it makes me relieved. Honestly, even with Miki's help, I wouldn't be able to use the full power of Longinus Light. Besides... No, forget it. I'm just really grateful to you, Flamia-chan."

"It's okay. I understand how you both feel. Although I said I would fight Kuro, I'm actually unsure if I can or not. But I will still do it."

(Not for anyone else, but for myself. I have to fight Kuro to get answers from him.)

At this moment, she had no doubt about fighting Kuro, but at the same time, she still hadn't fully accepted the reality before her.

The reason being...

(I know you, Kuro. What you truly are like. I'm sure you have a reason to become the Demon God. What I don't understand is why you didn't share your troubles with us.)

The battle with the True God had changed everything. If they recalled, that battle wasn't one that could be won without a miracle.

"Sorry, Flamia. Since I can't possibly fight against Kuro-chan, you will have to endure something difficult. In exchange, I will do whatever I can to make you awaken him."

"Thank you, Chiaki. I'm counting on you."

Not long after, they arrived in the area that used to be a magnificent city. Now, all that remained were ruins. There was nothing but monsters ready to welcome them.

The Demon Beasts stared at them. The red eyes of the Demon Beasts seemed to look straight into their souls.

The three of them landed. Chiaki prepared with Durandal. Ruko prepared with her double-edged sword, Frozen Rose. Meanwhile, Flamia prepared with Misteltein.

"I don't know the exact number, but I'm sure there are around 2,000 or more. This will be a long battle."

"No if we have something that can kill them in seconds."

"Yeah, both of you are right."

Then they each took a fragment of Longinus Light. As they appeared, the three fragments emitted a light that illuminated their surroundings.

They nodded in unison. At the same time, they brought their respective fragments of Longinus Light closer. Then, as if attracted by a magnetic force, the three fragments began moving closer to each other.

Once again, with a radiant light like the sun, the three fragments of Longinus Light transformed into a beautiful sword, emitting a holy light brighter than Durandal.

"This sword... Longinus Light?"

"Yes... Flamia-chan, please use it to awaken Onii-chan. I will clear the way for you."

With a smile, Ruko then went toward the horde of Demon Beasts waiting for them. With her current level and sword, defeating the Demon Beasts might be challenging for Ruko, but she possessed other powers more than enough to do it.

"Miki..."

[Leave them to me.]

One of Ruko's eyes turned red, but it didn't transform into the eyes of a wild beast. Her red eye emitted a calm aura like a slowly flowing river. Although calm, the aura of her presence grew stronger and caught everyone's attention. Including the Demon Beasts.

The Demon Beasts, resembling lizards, scorpions, and lizards, advanced to attack Ruko. There was no doubt in Ruko's gaze. She then attacked by performing a horizontal slash. In an instant, the Demon Beast attacking her vanished.

After that, she moved forward and killed more Demon Beasts.

"The power of an angel is truly extraordinary..." Chiaki said.

Ruko's current form resembled an angel in battle. Not because she had an angel inside her, but because her grace and beauty in combat made her appear angelic.

"Well, this isn't the time to just watch. Flamia, I'll go first. Don't forget to catch up soon."

Like a passing wind, Chiaki swiftly advanced to attack the Demon Beasts. Like Ruko, Chiaki was able to kill and eliminate the Demon Beasts as if they were insects. Slowly but surely, the number of enemies started to decrease.

"Yes, I must fight as well."

She looked at the holy sword in front of her.

(This is the weapon that can fight against Kuro...)

She tried to hold the sword's hilt but paused for a moment before tightly gripping it.

(I already knew. In the deepest part of my heart, I still hesitate to fight against Kuro.)

But she finally dispelled that doubt. If she didn't, she wouldn't be able to move forward and understand the meaning behind all of this.

Misteltein was in her right hand, while Longinus Light was in her left.

"Kuro, I will face you. So wait for us."

With newfound determination, she finally joined the battle.

-- About 5 minutes since the battle began, the three of them managed to eliminate hundreds of Demon Beasts with unexpected speed. What they displayed was like an illusion in an action movie. After all, the Demon Beasts were the ones responsible for the deaths of over a billion Liberians. This time, with just the three of them, the immensely powerful Demon Beasts seemed meaningless.

This sight not only shocked Liber who managed to survive, but also the viewers worldwide.

Yuya and Fumiko were among the billions of viewers. Using the computer at Yuya's house, they watched with a sense of unease. After all, their friends were the ones fighting.

"I want to say that we're lucky not to be part of that special mission, but I can't."

"Yeah... I hope they can end this successfully."

"Well, if not, I don't know what will happen to this world."

At the moment, the world was not only stirred by the battle of Chiaki, Ruko, and Flamia but also by the unconscious CSO players who participated in the special mission.

Until now, the news assured them that their condition wasn't dangerous, but they all slept as if waiting for something to wake them up from a dream.

"Yu-kun, don't say things that scare me."

"Sorry, Umi-chan. It's just that since we got involved with them, we've always experienced strange and unexpected things. Ahaha... I thought this would be the next strange event, but honestly, if it were them, I couldn't fight against someone I love."

"Yu...-kun..."

"Umi-chan, all we can do now is pray for them."

Fumiko nodded softly.

---

"It won't work. They are stronger than I expected."

Another slash. Chiaki leaped and then stabbed the large Demon Beast. She cleaved it as if cutting through the beef. One more Demon Beast died.

After that, she jumped up and prepared her magic skill.

"<Tempest Arrow>"

Hundreds of wind arrows were shot at dozens of Demon Beasts. However, the results were far from satisfying.

"Tch!"

She had no choice but to click her tongue. Regardless, the results she obtained were too disappointing.

"So far, only attacks using Durandal can kill them. Oh my, what are they made of?"

Demon Beasts were monsters that could only be defeated with holy swords. Chiaki tried to attack using her usual skills, but it was all in vain. Besides, if they didn't defeat the Demon Beasts quickly, they would regenerate.

Suddenly, a lizard-type Demon Beast spewed black smoke. Instinctively, Chiaki leaped up to avoid it. The area hit by the black smoke melted as if it were drenched in strong acid.

(They are very dangerous. It's no wonder Liber couldn't withstand them.)

Chiaki then targeted the Demon Beast that had previously spewed the breath, but at that moment, a claw prepared to strike her body. The claw came from a Tiger-type Demon Beast.

Chiaki defended herself with the side of Durandal, but she couldn't withstand the immense strength. As a result, she was thrown back.

Her HP decreased to 70 percent. It was a quite deadly attack. With a recovery skill, she quickly restored her HP, but she couldn't relax when she knew where she had been thrown.

An Ape-type Demon Beast. A Demon Beast is similar to the Fuape monster in Nilfheim. The Demon Beast intended to cleave Chiaki with the sword in its hand.

(I can't dodge it.)

She thought about using a skill, but in her current position, the situation wouldn't change much. Then-

"<Flare Burst>"

The Demon Beast caught fire and exploded. Then someone grabbed her body.

"Are you okay, Chiaki-chan..?"

"Ruko, thank you for helping me. I'm fine."

After setting Chiaki down, the three of them took up positions back to back to protect each other.

"We need to do something. Their numbers are too many."

"But what? So far, our attacks have been effective, but if it continues like this, I'm sure we won't have the strength to fight against Onii-chan."

"What if we go straight to Kuro's location? We don't have to face all of them."

"That's a good idea, but are you sure they'll let us go to Kuro-chan easily?"

From every angle, all they could see were Demon Beasts of various types. They could use flying skills, but it would be difficult to outrun the flying Demon Beasts. Besides, flying skills required a large amount of MP, and they couldn't waste their power on trivial matters.

"...looks like we have to take a risk. I'll clear a path with Misteltein and Longinus Light."

Flamia raised the two swords up. Then the swords emitted a bright light, indicating the activation of their sword's power.

"<Eternal Sun Blast>"

The two swords slashed in a straight line. The Demon Beasts caught within the line were engulfed in light and vanished.

Without hesitation, they moved forward following the light, but something unexpected happened. The light suddenly stopped and reversed direction.

Reflexively, the three of them dodged, but before they could fully evade, the light turned and attacked the Demon Beasts by their side.

"What's actually happening?"

Then their question was answered as the figure of a Demon Beast came into view.

"It's... the Ice Mirror Turtle. Uh-oh, if my guess is correct, the enemy waiting for us is..."

One by one, their figures were revealed. The Demon Beasts in front of them were Demon Beasts with specific powers like the Ice Mirror Turtle.

Among them was the Reaper. A Demon Beast capable of killing its opponents in a single attack.

"This is not as easy as it looks."

They were once again surrounded. But unlike before, the approaching Demon Beasts were Demon Beasts with special abilities. They could be considered a kind of specialized force of Demon Beasts.

One of them attacked with a burst of black flames. The three prepared to defend themselves, but another Demon Beast exhaled a black gust of wind. The two attacks combined into a storm of black flames.

The three of them were engulfed in the large black flames.

"Ugh... Everyone, hold on."

Flamia quickly created a shield using Longinus Light. An energy shield formed like a dome, protecting them from the combined attack of the Demon Beasts.

"We're okay. I'm really surprised you can use Longinus Light like this?"

"I don't know either, Chiaki. But I just thought of wanting to protect you. And then the shield formed. That's all."

Ruko smiled.

"You finally understand the power of Longinus Light. That sword draws its strength from resolve and desire. In other words, the greater and stronger your desire, the greater the power of Longinus Light."

"Is that why it had to be me who uses it..?"

Ruko nodded.

Only Flamia had a strong desire to fight against Kuro. Whether it was for an answer or just to fight, Longinus Light would transform it into power.

"In that case.."

Flamia then concentrated. She asked herself what her current desire was.

To fight and awaken Kuro? Or just to find an answer?

(No. What I want right now is...)

A bright light shone from Longinus Light. Then Flamia swung her sword towards the Demon Beasts. Once again, a bright light engulfed the Demon Beasts. This time, the light pierced through to the center where Kuro was.

The path was open.

"A-Amazing. They all vanished with a single attack."

Chiaki couldn't contain her admiration.

"Let's go..."

They quickly followed the open path. Of course, the Demon Beasts didn't stay idle. They attacked again, this time focusing more on Flamia, who posed the greatest threat.

"Miki, I'm going to use the next level of power. That's the only way we can get through them."

[Understood]

After slashing the attacking Demon Beasts, Ruko's movements suddenly became faster and more accurate. The enemies around her suddenly turned into chunks and finally died.

"Kamikiri-ryu <Angel Dance>," Ruko exclaimed. Two white wings grew on her back, and her eyes turned red. Not only that, her Frozen Rose sword transformed into the holy aura sword, Angel Sword <Sei Tsubasa>.

Ruko flew into the air and fired a bullet of ice from her sword. "Kamikiri-ryu <Meteora>." Dozens of Demon Beasts howled in pain as the bullets pierced their bodies, although they were not killed. Nevertheless, the impact was significant. Then,

"<Fairy Dance>,"

a flash of light struck the injured Demon Beasts. The one behind it was Chiaki. Although most of them died, a few managed to survive. Despite that, Chiaki was grateful for her sword skills. She had become quite proficient and versatile with the sword, including the Fairy Dance skill.

"<Termal Heat>," this time it was Flamia's turn to attack. With Misteltein, she slashed the Demon Beasts, causing them to catch fire. Then she attacked the Demon Beasts approaching her with Longinus Light.

The Demon Beasts continued to attack relentlessly, despite their imminent demise. Gradually, they started to overwhelm the three of them. Once again, they stood back to back.

"Hah... This would be a great way to gain EXP points, but it's quite a Spartan way."

After successfully defeating the Demon Beasts, not only did their levels increase, but their skills also improved. However, their power was still insufficient to break through the horde of Demon Beasts.

"Not that I want to complain, but I really want to take a break."

"We don't have time for that, Ruko-chan."

"I know!"

Annoyed, Ruko attacked the Demon Beasts. With her newfound power, she should have easily defeated them, but...

"Huh?"

As she attacked the Demon Beasts, her sword struck against something as hard as iron, causing her sword to be knocked away. Confused by what was happening, she was startled by the Demon Beast she attacked. It was a humanoid Demon Beast wielding a sword.

"Don't underestimate me! Kamikiri-ryu <Eclipse>," it attacked again. However, the impossible happened, her sword was once again blocked. Not only that, the Demon Beast countered with the same technique as her.

"Impossible..."

"Ruko, step back. That's a Demon Beast based on the Undead Shadow Knight. They can mimic all the techniques of their opponents up to 90% of their original strength."

"What? I've never heard of such a monster. Don't joke around; my power isn't from a CSO skill."

That's right. The problem wasn't the monster's ability, but rather how the monster could mimic powers and techniques that existed outside the system.

"I don't know. But it's likely that the Demon Beast gained additional power from Kuro. We have to be even more cautious."

Unfortunately, the hope of defeating the Demon Beasts diminished. From the horde of Demon Beasts, a Demon Beast with the same type as Ruko's appeared. Not just one, but dozens.

"This is bad!"

"Even so, we have no choice but to continue attacking them."

Chiaki dashed forward and struck. As expected, the Undead Shadow Knight-type Demon Beast countered her with the same technique. For the first time, her holy sword Durandal was blocked.

But Chiaki had anticipated this.

(In that case, take this!) "<Chain Wind>."

The wind chains restrained the Demon Beast she was facing. Then she pulled back her attack and intended to launch a second strike. However, something surprising happened. The Demon Beast easily broke free from the chains and managed to block Chiaki's second attack.

"Tch!"

But at that moment, Flamia came to her aid and attacked the Demon Beast with Longinus Light. Unlike before, the Demon Beast seemed resigned to its fate.

"Hm?"

Chiaki pondered the phenomenon that had just occurred right before her eyes. She even forgot that she was currently in a battle. Another Demon Beast attacked her with a sharp bite.

"I won't let you! <Flare Slash>."

The Demon Beast's head was severed, and it died.

"Chiaki, what happened to you?"

"It's nothing. I'm just thinking about how to defeat that humanoid Demon Beast. The problem is, we're short on people."

"You just need to ask for help. <Blade Tornado>."

"!?"

They were not only startled by the voice that appeared but also by the massive tornado that emerged in the midst of the horde of Demon Beasts. The Demon Beasts were tossed around and torn apart, finally meeting their demise.

Although Blade Tornado is a basic skill possessed by every Wind-element Liberator, the scale of the attack is too large. Moreover, it managed to defeat the Demon Beasts. Only a few individuals are capable of doing that.

"Besides, you don't have to do this alone. In difficult situations, there's nothing wrong with asking for help from your own brethren. We will pave the way for you. <Holy Doom>"

A sphere of light slowly flew into the midst of the group of Demon Beasts. Then a massive explosion made of light with a diameter of almost 100 meters appeared. After the light disappeared, all that remained was an empty ground.

"Haha... Don't think you're the only one having fun. <Iron Grow>"

A heavy voice was heard. Then, accompanied by a cracking sound, black spears emerged from the ground, piercing through the bodies of the Demon Beasts. Whether they were large or small, all the Demon Beasts within the attack range died from being impaled.

"Hah... This is really easy."

"Now is not the time to face them. Let us take care of them all. <Ice Javelin>"

"I don't want to lose to Hori-chan. Take this <Lightning Storm>"

Hundreds of arrows pierced the Demon Beasts, freezing them. At the same time, lightning struck the Demon Beasts, reducing them to ashes.

In less than a minute, hundreds of Demon Beasts were defeated. The sight was quite shocking considering that only God Slayers and sacred weapons were able to kill Demon Beasts, yet everything seemed very easy.

"They..."

"It's the first time I've seen all of you gathered. Even Windi, who rarely appears, is here."

"They are reliable siblings. I'm truly grateful."

Flamia smiled happily because almost all the Valkyrie Maidens had appeared just to help them.

With the incoming assistance, the three of them nodded, thinking about the same thing.

-With this, they can surely do it!!

Then the three of them advanced. They once again pierced through the Demon Beasts. Whenever someone tried to attack them, the Demon Beast would be pierced by ice arrows, freezing parts of their bodies. Then the black spears would appear, piercing through their bodies along with the lightning striking the Demon Beasts. The three of them could finally continue moving forward without anything blocking their path.

After running for a while, they finally saw a light at the end of the group of Demon Beasts. They passed through it and finally met someone they had missed.

"Kuro."

"Onii-chan."

"Kuro-chan."

Kuro stood there in his school uniform. He had no signs of being a demon with two fangs or wings. Even his eyes were still as dark as night.

The three of them longed to embrace their husband and were overwhelmed with emotions. They couldn't resist giving warm kisses as proof of their genuine and pure love.

Unfortunately, Kuro only showed a bored expression.

<Seed of Demon God>

<Level ***

A status indicating Kuro's current identity. This made them relieved but also filled with great question marks. Why hasn't Kuro become a Demon God yet?

"I'm really impressed that you've come this far."

Kuro's voice remained the same as they knew. The voice they had longed for indicated that Kuro hadn't become someone else.

"Sorry, but I ask that you leave."

A katana appeared in Kuro's hand. It was the same sword he used when fighting Shun, the Kurokami no Tsurugi.

"Shin Kamikiri-ryu <Kazuki>"

Kaboom! Just as Kuro swung his sword, a massive explosion occurred

 in the midst of the battle. The explosion was so powerful that it made the ground tremble like an earthquake. Even the Demon Beasts in the distance were completely destroyed by the shockwave of Kuro's attack. It was the true power of Kuro.

The question was, what happened to those directly hit by the attack?

"..."

"Uh... That was close."

"That's a deadly attack. But don't think you can easily drive us away."

The three of them were unharmed. Even their shields only had scratches.

With the power they showed and the blazing determination in their eyes, they all declared:

"Whatever happens, we will stop you!!!"

Seeing that, Kuro smiled. It was a smile filled with happiness but also sadness.

"Sorry, but as long as you're by my side, my wish will never come true."

With a blink of an eye, both of Kuro's eyes turned red, filled with threats. This time, there were no boxes in his eyes. It was a sign that the seal had been completely released.

And at the same time, Kuro's status changed.

<Black Demon God>

<Level ****

The three of them could only widen their eyes in astonishment.

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