>BOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!<

The vibrations and echoes of war leaked into the facility where Jane and Ana were.

The two could be seen quickly operating on their devices. Jane was swiftly configuring some keys, moving faster than any eye could process. As for Ana, she was running around, ensuring the reactions of each and every subject was stabilized.

The thousands and thousands of tubes around them did a lot to hurry them up, as well as the battle cries and booms they perceived from the outside. If there was one thing these two were aware of, it was the fact that there was no time.

Literally.

'All my calculations have been thrown out of the window. Damnit! Why did Neron's Arcana effect stop working? Our time ratio is back to normal!' Jane thought to herself in a panic.

If only they had the time right, things would not have escalated to such a degree.

'I calculated everything perfectly, yet..!'

She had tried contacting Jared, Neron, and whoever else followed the main group, but no one was responding. As much as Jane was determined to remain optimistic, she couldn't stop the dreadful thoughts that constantly crept into her mind.

She cast a sideway glance at Ana and noticed the girl was also looking worried. Of course, this was a natural reaction. Considering her friends had gone on said mission, this much was expected of her.

'But we have to focus!'

There were almost done with the final configuration. Just a bit more time to process the final variables.

Her people were busy fighting out there—ah, and one other person.

Beruel!

Even Jane had to admit how much Beruel had assisted them in the project of creating the Aether Conversion Mechanism. The conductivity issue, as well as the assembling of the materials, were both done by him.

His Arcana was extremely useful.

After the battle—if they survived—Jane decided to keep Beruel by her side. The possibilities of his Arcana, especially regarding her private project, made the possibilities of success far higher than normal.

But, all of that would have to wait!

She knew they were all relying on her—no, them. Ana was trying her best, and so was she. Jane knew she had to do her best to protect this place. The enemy couldn't interfere, no matter what!

Not only because of her people's safety, and it was certainly not because of Ana and Jared's project. No, there was something else..

'I can't let them near Lewis' Soul! It's still gestating, and it's in a critical state.' Worry spread all over her face, but her hands were just as steady as normal.

Nothing.. absolutely nothing would stop her from this mission!

'Just hang on, everyone!'

*

*

*

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!<

"Gah!" Beruel grunted, feeling a hot sensation permeate his insides.

His Arcana was demanding more Aether from him, but he now had none. He was all out.

His clones—those who were yet to be consumed by the corrosive effects of the Nether Beasts—were all on the ground. They, like him, were out of energy.

The Nether Beasts were still quite a lot, and he knew he could barely hold them off for a few more minutes.

>BOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!<

Scratch that! A few more seconds would be generous.

"GRRRRRRRRRR..."

The several dozen Nether Beasts now approached the exhausted Beruel, and he realized he was about to meet his end again.

'Damnit..' He still feared death.

He didn't want to die. He didn't want to meet a fatal end now.

'If I put in my best, I can escape. I can use full speed, utilize my Mana stockpile, and race out of here!'

Yes, the thought crossed Beruel's mind. However, to his amazement, he found himself not fleeing. Here he was, taking a hard stance, even though common sense told him to run away.

Why?

Why wouldn't he budge, even though death was simply a few inches away?

Perhaps it was because of the hopeful looks the Fairies behind him were sending. Their respectful gazes washed over him, and they were all looking at his back with reverence and amazement.

As the only one standing between the enemy and them, Beruel had become their guardian.

No one could see him as a tyrant. Rather, there was only one word that could describe the kind of being Beruel was at the moment.

A Hero!

historical

"FAIRY KING BERUEL!"

"FAIRY KING BERUEL!!"

"FAIRY KING BERUEEEEEELLLLL!!!"

Screams and yells permeated the air, and he could feel his heart thumping.

'How can I back out now?' He asked himself, donning a crazy smile on his face.

It wasn't an expression befitting royalty, but Beruel's wide eyes and disheveled hair screamed of desperation. The genuine desire to win.

"I won't die.. and I won't run!"

A sword of light manifested on Beruel's hand, and several mechanical blades formed behind him. He daringly smiled at the group of Nether Beasts who had almost reached him—ready to launch all he had at them.

"GRRRRRRRRRRRR.."

As soon as they were well within range, his eyes bulged even further, and he readied himself for the launch.

"RIGHT NO—!!!"

>BOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!<

>BOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!<

>WHOOOOOOSSSSHHHHHH!!!<

>SWIIIIIIIIISSSHHHHHHHHHH!!!<

>WHUUUUUUUUMMMMM!!!<

Before Beruel could complete his commands, several beings suddenly charged toward the Nether Beasts—each donning blades, blasters, staffs, spears, or simple gauntlets.

These entities were shrouded in pure Aether, and they lunged at the Nether Beasts within moments—tearing them to pieces at the same time.

The remaining monsters stood no chance.

All were eradicated by the legion of beings that trooped from beyond the Sanctuary's dome. Their ferocious strength, their heightened utilization of Aether, their immense battle prowess, their violent strikes.. these beings depicted their primal instincts for chaos and destruction as they wreaked havoc all around them.

"Well done, Beruel!" A voice called out for him, causing him to remove his eyes from the amazing sight in front of him and instead look behind.

Ana and Jane floated from the Sanctuary, both approaching him with a smile. He knew instantly from their smile, and the chaotic creatures around him, that they had succeeded in their task.

"We did it, Beruel!" Ana yelled, jumping excitedly at the smaller being.

His small frame was almost squished by the overenthusiastic girl's swift hug.

Beruel, whose body was already worn our from overexerting himself, screamed out to him in pain, and his eyes turned bloodshot.

"Let him go, Ana. You're hurting him." Jane smiled calmly.

"A-ah, sorry." She quickly detached herself, laughing awkwardly.

"It's no problem... ah... ow..." Beruel groaned in response.

"You don't need to hide your pain. Judging from the landscape, it seems you've done a lot to hold back the enemy, Beruel."

"No need to mention it, Jane. I was just performing my duty."

"Perhaps. However, you still have my respect. I admit I was wrong about you, Beruel. You have indeed changed."

To Beruel's surprise, Jane extended her hand in his direction, giving a very genuine smile.

The Fairy King never expected such a thing from Jane—though he had desired it many times.

Of course, he took her hand.

And so, as they both shook hands, Beruel and Jane smiled at each other; not as enemies, or as strangers...but as comrades.

"Apologies for interrupting you all, but I must now speak." A deep voice, containing authority and power, snapped the two fairies from their friendly exchange.

They both glanced in the direction of the voice, and sure enough it was a heavily built man.

He was the leader of the Beastfolk, known by all we the Beast King. This entity was right in front of them, his people floating behind him as he approached Ana, Beruel, and Jane.

He was Gerard!

"You uploaded the necessary information to us in our comatose state, so I am up to date on the current happenings. I am also aware that we are meant to provide backup to the other nations."

"That's right. It's all according to the plan—though it is a bit late in schedule." Jane nodded in response to the Beast King's words.

"I understand. We will now be leaving for our respective regions to provide backup to those who require the assistance. However, I have one question before I leave."

There was hardly any time for discourse—they all knew that very well.

However, Gerard's serious demeanor, and his narrowed gaze, showed how serious he was.

"Ask away." Jane smiled.

With a wide grin and a determined gaze filled with nostalgia, Gerard asked the only question on his mind.

"Where is my son, Asa?"

*

*

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[A/N]

New book release announcement!!!

Please look up Chuunibyou Challenge!! on Webnovel, or simply use the link below. I promise, you'll love it.

/book/chuunibyou-challenge!!_25760893305800205

Cheers!

Also, I would really appreciate it if you all kind of interacted more on the book. To be honest, I've been feeling a little lonely writing this novel these days.

I remember when there used to be a lot of interactions. I just wish we could back to those times.

Ah, and if you've notice, the book is taking a bit of a fast pace with the fights. That's because we're pushing towards a good climax.

I certainly hope you enjoy reading.