The Regressor Wants to Become a Hero

Chapter 143

Kwooooom!

The flame, which had been forming a perfect sphere, broke its confines and burst forth, sweeping across the surroundings.

The intense heat and dazzling light far exceeded expectations, forcing Ian and Cyphry to instinctively step back.

The fiery red blaze blended into the dark blue vortex as if seeping into it.

It was a majestic sight, akin to two serpents intertwining and devouring each other.

Kyaaaaaaah!

A scream came from behind, prompting them to turn. The wraiths were writhing in agony.

Like puppets with their strings cut, they collapsed and gradually faded away, evaporating as if into nothingness.

It was likely the process of being freed from their bindings, yet the sight was one of pure torment and suffering.

Even the sinister energy emanating from the Outer Gate lashed out in a final desperate bid, but in the end, not even a trace remained.

The chapel regained its calm. The eerie aura that had crawled up their feet was thoroughly wiped away.

“Well done.”

“You didn’t.”

“…”

Ian shot Cyphry a cold glance and retorted sharply.

A kind word met with a harsh response. Not everyone is qualified to give praise, and joy never follows the compliments of someone unworthy.

Especially when those compliments are given as if doing a favor, it feels deeply insulting. Cyphry averted his gaze, seemingly aware of his error, which made Ian smirk.

“At least you have a conscience.”

“The compatibility just wasn’t in my favor.”

“Sure, keep telling yourself that.”

“Originally, she couldn’t control that many threads.”

As Ian was about to return to his party, he paused. Furrowing his brows, he turned back abruptly.

“Wait a second.”

“What is it?”

“Just now, it sounded like you knew what technique she was going to use.”

For a moment, Cyphry appeared at a loss for words.

“You said it wouldn’t matter anyway. But it seems like it did, doesn’t it?”

“The traitors I’ve faced before had abandoned their humanity, wielding grotesque abilities. Unlike Elarcia, they didn’t specialize their original powers.”

“Oh, really? That’s a convincing excuse. Totally believable. But then what was that bit about, ‘Don’t worry~ I’ll win~’?”

“Hmm.”

“Consider yourself lucky. If someone had died or suffered a critical injury, I wouldn’t have let it slide.”

“…Apologies.”

Cyphry admitted his mistake and apologized without resistance.

“I’ll make sure to properly share information next time.”

Ian dismissed his words with indifference but gave a light nod to show he wasn’t entirely cutting ties.

He confirmed that Cyphry was walking a path different from the traitors.

Though he didn’t trust him completely, there was no reason to reject cooperation when offered willingly.

He just found Cyphry’s boasting particularly grating.

“Perhaps the compatibility truly wasn’t in his favor.”

Walking back to his party, Ian reflected on how he had pushed Elarcia to her limits.

The battle hadn’t lasted long. Threads crafted from twisted mana were particularly vulnerable to the Bane of Evil.

Unable to withstand the extreme heat, Ian had been able to gain the upper hand. Cyphry, on the other hand, likely lacked such means.

At best, he could hide within shadows or appear behind his opponent to strike with a dagger.

That, too, was sufficiently threatening. In the chaos of battle, there’s nothing more fearsome than an enemy at your back.

“His abilities are exceptional.”

Let’s just accept his claim that the compatibility was poor. Besides, Elarcia had the ability to draw on the Outer Gate’s mana, didn’t she?

If Cyphry had reached Level 6 and ascended, the outcome might have been different. But that was purely hypothetical.

For now, Ian had to be content with having one capable ally on his side.

Concluding his thoughts, Ian checked on the party. The brief battle had left them visibly fatigued.

Gawon, in particular, stood out. He leaned against his sword, which he had plunged into the frozen ground.

“Are you injured?”

“No.”

Gawon’s answer was terse, though it didn’t mean he was unharmed.

Around them, ice pillars had erupted, and a white frost covered the ground.

It was evidence of his strained mana. Though not to the point of collapse, it was clear he had fought hard to protect his allies against numerous foes.

Feeling stifled, Gawon removed his helmet and asked, “Comrade.”

“You really like that title, don’t you? You’ve grown attached to it.”

“Doesn’t it feel much more friendly?”

“It does. So, what do you want?”

“I wanted to ask if you were alright.”

“I’m fine, as you can see.”

Ian wasn’t physically hurt, though the thought of narrowly avoiding a thread cutting his neck during the charge sent shivers down his spine.

Gawon chuckled.

“Impressive. You never disappoint. It makes striving to match you worthwhile. Every time I try to catch up, you move further ahead.”

“Don’t overdo it. It’s unsettling.”

“Ha ha ha. Shall we head out immediately?”

“Hmm.”

Ideally, they would. If Cyphry’s claim about the Outer Gate’s color changing was true, there was no time to waste.

But moving hastily didn’t guarantee success.

“For now, let’s take a short break.”

Recovering their expended mana took priority. Though they couldn’t linger long, they would need to use restorative items as well.

Diem and Rease were already seated, taking a breather.

Ian approached Audrey, who was inspecting her golem.

“Need some help?”

“Can you handle it?”

“Garavan taught me a little. I should be able to manage basic maintenance.”

Audrey cast him a sidelong glance, a wry smile on her lips.

“I appreciate the thought, but don’t say that to other golem artisans if you meet them.”

“Was that offensive?”

“Pretty much. Offering to service another’s golem is akin to saying you want to steal their secrets. Besides… I don’t need help. It’s scratched up, but it’s not serious.”

Ian looked at the golems Audrey had laid out. Their numbers had increased from two to three.

Though there were many wounds scattered across the armor, they seemed to be on the outer shell, not affecting the internal components.

“Looks like the training we did worked?”

“Yes! It wasn’t just effective; it drastically improved my combat capabilities. I might even have to send a gift to Dior when I return.”

“Why not come visit the main family? I’m sure they’d be thrilled.”

“Hm, wouldn’t it be best to check the schedule first? There’s etiquette between nobles…”

Well, maybe if it were my older brother Verdan, but Dior wouldn’t care about that at all. He’s the type to disregard such things and would likely be happy even with a surprise visit. From what I can tell, Dior seems to have feelings for Audrey as well.

“Hmmm! What should I take with me…”

While leaving Audrey, who was crouching in front of the golems in thought, Ian turned his attention to Diem and Rease. They were seated, chatting leisurely. There didn’t seem to be any need to interfere, but then Cyphry appeared nearby and suddenly extended his hand to Ian.

– Take it.

“This…”

In Cyphry’s palm were a ring and a bracelet, magical items that Elarcia had promised to give him during their first persuasion attempt.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Ian asked, puzzled, “Is it really alright to give me these?”

– I cannot let personal feelings ruin things. These would only be discarded here anyway. They might even end up in the hands of grave robbers someday.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll accept them gratefully, but what do they do?”

Cyphry calmly continued his explanation.

– The blue gem can deploy a defensive shield that covers all directions, protecting the user for a certain period of time. The purple gem aids in the smooth operation of mana, and the bracelet will slightly enhance physical abilities.

Ian took the two rings and the bracelet.

– These were invaluable at the time, but who knows how much they’re worth now.

“I suppose magical artifacts from the old days are still priceless.”

He had heard that objects imbued with mana grow more refined as time passes. After all, these were from hundreds of years ago. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them relics.

There might be some contamination from whoever used them in the past, but from what Ian could see, they didn’t seem cursed.

“Audrey.”

“Are you giving me this?”

She quickly approached, and he handed her the ring with the purple gem.

“Rease, Diem.”

He gave the ring with the blue gem to Rease and the bracelet to Diem.

Gawain wasn’t upset that his name hadn’t been called. Ian had considered giving him the bracelet, but it would definitely get in the way due to the armor he was wearing.

He could always give him something better later. After all, once they found the “Angel’s Key” that the Inoria Foundation was after, they would certainly obtain a useful relic.

Seeing the happy expressions of the others, Ian took a bit more rest before they set out. As soon as they stepped outside, hungry monsters waiting in the open charged at them.

After handling them adequately, they followed Cyphry’s lead.

“Ah, come to think of it, we’re not done talking, are we?”

– ?

“You said it would be safer for us to stay hidden. But you never explained why.”

– They’re wary of me. Do you know why Elarcia kept those repulsive undead by her side?

“Is it because of you?”

– Yes. I can hide in the shadows and move through them.

Meaning he could strike from behind the enemy at any time.

– If I reveal myself, there’s no reason to fear.

Cyphry added quietly.

– But if I remain hidden, it means I can target them at any time.

Ian pondered Cyphry’s words and looked at him.

“So, during the time you’re not visible, the traitors won’t attack us?”

– Yes. If they want to deal with you, they’d have to abandon what they’re guarding.

“But Elarcia said she was trapped here.”

She had said so herself. She had been waiting for Cyphry here.

– Only one thing to remember. I said there were two traitors left. And the one to watch out for the most is the last one. Talion.

Ian furrowed his brow. Unfortunately, he recognized the name. Talion was someone who had followed the fallen star and dared to call themselves an apostle.

Naturally, he was infamous. Ian thought it might just be a coincidence that they shared the same name, but after hearing Cyphry’s explanation, he realized it wasn’t.

– A person born with the ability to win others over with false light.

———-

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