I Am The Game's Villain Chapter 759: [Final Event] [Blood Moon Festival] [41] Wrath VS Lumen

"Exactly, Reinhart. You've only just begun to grasp what I experienced... right when she perished."

As those words escaped my lips, I couldn't fully understand my own reasoning for uttering them. A shadowy, burdensome force churned within me, and holding it back seemed nearly unbearable.

"W–Wait, Jayden!!" Milleia’s cry broke as she extended her hand, yet Jayden’s form had already dissolved into a flash of white lightning.

–BOOOOM!!

The earth exploded when his lightning-infused charge ripped through the terrain.

Instinctively, I lifted Trinity Nihil, clutching the handle so tightly that the steel bit into my skin. He materialized before me in a dazzling white gleam, and I slashed out.

–BOOOOM!!!

His blade crashed into mine, unleashing a dazzling thunder explosion. A white bolt of lightning slithered across my frame, and my perceptions whirled briefly, as if the ground had shifted beneath me.

A muffled groan slipped from my lips.

Without Wrath’s safeguard, that blow would have ripped me to shreds internally.

Still, I stumbled back, my boots sliding over the fractured rock. Jayden showed no pause; he lunged at me once more.

I thrust Trinity Nihil ahead, Wrath surging through my bloodstream. A vast purple mana ring bloomed in front of the edge, resembling a foreboding bloom.

"Burning Breath of Vysindra."

-BOOOOOOM!!!

An enormous rush of purple fire surged forth, charring the soil in its wake. Jayden’s silhouette blurred into sheer lightning once again, darting aside as the inferno engulfed the spot he’d occupied moments before.

Sparking lightning flickered at my side.

"Reflect."

Five gleaming mirrors appeared around me, arranged in a triangular pattern.

-CRACK!!

Jayden demolished them in a flash, every mirror shattering like fragile panes beneath his punch. His last blow struck my defense.

–BAM!!

Agony raced up my limb from the force, which flung me over the devastated land. I slid to a halt, dirt bursting around me. My arm pulsed with sharp pain.

The air filled with crackling sounds once more.

I glanced upward—and his sword shone with golden light.

Lumen’s Blessing.

"Sin of Wrath." I enveloped Trinity Nihil in Wrath’s raging purple inferno and lifted it high. Jayden descended with his radiant blade. I countered with an upward strike to intercept him.

–BOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!!

The burst of energy shredded the terrain below. A deep pit formed under our feet, fragments of rock and dirt hurling away. Golden energy battled intensely against my seething purple.

In the surroundings, they hurried to erect mana shields. Milleia knelt on one leg, extending a profound blue shield broadly to shield the group from the reverberations of Lumen’s Blessing and Wrath clashing.

Jayden stared down at me, jaw clenched. I returned his gaze with icy resolve.

"Lumen Ray!!"

A huge golden ring emerged under my stance, rotating with odd runes.

An Edenic Circle.

He’d mastered that so soon...?

–BOOOOOM!!!

A lance of golden radiance launched skyward, engulfing me completely. Everything blazed white for a moment. Jayden vaulted away from the eruption, while I propelled myself rearward simultaneously.

My left arm hung charred and black, limp and searing.

Had Wrath not guarded my essence, that could have obliterated my whole upper body.

Jayden offered no respite.

Lightning tore toward me anew.

In desperation, I conjured a chain of mirrors and slipped through one.

"Damn it!!" Jayden bellowed from behind as he obliterated each mirror in his way, bolts of lightning ripping them asunder sequentially.

I continued teleporting among them, withdrawing—until a enchanted knight appeared mere meters in front.

I materialized before him, extended my reach, and plunged my hand through his armor and torso as though it were liquid.

A faint gasp escaped him as his form slumped.

"I’m sorry," I murmured sincerely, supporting his drooping head against my shoulder.

Blood Art.

Scarlet mist coiled around my limb. His blood flowed into me—hot, turbulent, vital—until emptiness remained.

Unlike a vampire, the restoration was subtle in comparison... yet sufficient. Sensation crept back into my left digits, weak but noticeable.

"YOU!!! EDWARD!!!"

Jayden surged forth again, quicker than ever—his velocity turning absurd.

I dove into yet another mirror, disappearing instantly.

Only one more time.

Through gritted teeth, I commanded my frame to comply.

"Tegmen Wrath."

A fierce spasm wracked my torso.

"Ughh—!!"

It was like an unseen grip had invaded my chest and squeezed my heart with ruthless power. The recoil from invoking Wrath’s armor slithered along every fiber of my being. My sight dimmed momentarily.

–BOOOOM!!!

A pressure wave exploded from my position, undulating over the broken landscape.

Jayden blinked into view exactly where I’d stood—but now, I stood prepared.

My form dissolved into a trail of purple sparks. Though not surpassing his pace, the abrupt surge in my swiftness left him utterly unprepared.

My fingers brushed his cheek.

Then I slammed his skull into the dirt.

–BAM!!!

Rock burst upward, the soil carving into a profound furrow as I shoved him onward. I sensed lightning stirring within him under my hold, urging release. I hauled him upright and flung him aside.

He soared through the sky.

"Jayden!!!"

His allies shouted in alarm, dashing to his crash site. That granted me the precious moments required.

I plunged Trinity Nihil into the earth and propelled myself away. Amunet’s ghostly palms erupted under my soles, thrusting me aloft—directly at the gigantic crimson mana ring suspended overhead.

Khryselakatos formed in my grasp, stretching into its enormous bow shape. I drew the cord until the strain vibrated my skeleton.

My free hand, bearing the red band, tightened.

Blood Art.

Cyril and Sirius had executed this skill perfectly in the Blood Moon Spell, particularly Cyril connecting to each victim and drawing from the vibrant network of blood below. I lacked their expertise—not on their level—but familiarity wasn’t absent.

And crucially...

I possessed potent Blood Connections.

Elizabeth.

Alicia.

I understood its mechanics precisely.

Trace the blood, and the target reveals itself.

I extended my perception.

Countless Blood Spell-tethered figures ignited in my mind like faint red lights spanning Central Vedelia’s layout.

Few in number.

Meager, against Elizabeth’s Blood Moon Spell that had engulfed hundreds of thousands.

Yet adequate for my purpose.

I strained the bowstring further.

"Follow the track."

A gigantic amber shaft appeared.

My limb quivered. I drew it back even more.

"Anathemas Fire: Ignition."

An expansive purple mana ring unfurled in front of my bow, whirling with glyphs that hissed and twisted like snakes.

"W–What is he doing?!"

Claudia’s distant call rang from below. I sensed every stare fixed upon me.

My mana drained abruptly—a hollow void carving out my center.

Without the ring bearing the worst of it, I’d have crumpled on the spot.

Shakily, I inhaled.

"Hunt them down... Scourge of Artemis."

–BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

The immense amber shaft launched ahead, slicing through the purple ring—and shattered at once. Instantly, it divided into hundreds, then thousands, of lesser shafts, each blazing with ferocious purple flames.

–BOOOOOOOOOM!!!

The heavens ignited, bathed in purple as the arrow barrage dispersed like falling stars. From my elevated spot in the air, I observed them arcing over all of Central Vedelia.

Then the strikes commenced.

-BOOOOOOM!!

-BOOOM!!

-BOOOOM!!!

The nearest spellbound victims had no opportunity to respond.

An arrow hit—and they burst into towering columns of purple fire.

Human infernos.

The devastation swept the city—from peripheral zones to Sancta Vedelia’s core.

Wherever the arrows fell, structures fractured, roads split apart, and the unrelenting purple blaze devoured every tagged foe.

A deluge of doom.

Gravity pulled me down at last. My boots slammed into the soil firmly, though my eyes stayed lifted.

The colossal crimson mana ring—the heart of the Blood Moon Spell—began to fade.

Its hue dimmed.

Its form distorted.

And then...

It started to disintegrate, crimson particles melting into the nocturnal breeze.

No blood lingered to uphold it.

I scarcely caught a breath—Jayden rematerialized directly before me, lightning still sparking on his flesh.

Instinct drove me to swing Trinity Nihil.

–BOOOOOM!!!

Our weapons clashed anew, the collision shoving me rearward over the ravaged terrain.

Swiftly, I shifted my attention.

Claudia...

A huge blood ring yawned behind her, churning wildly as she unleashed a barrage of blood spears keen enough to rend metal.

"Reflect."

With my left hand raised, I called forth a mirror.

Simultaneously, to my right, the elven maiden nocked her bow and fired a swift volley of shafts. I invoked another mirror, tilted in her direction.

Claudia’s blood spears dissolved into the initial mirror—and erupted from the second, fusing into a torrent that pulverized the elf’s projectiles and crashed into her.

–BOOOOM!!

"Hyaagh!!" Her shriek rang as the force shattered her shield and hurled her away.

Horror widened Jayden’s eyes.

"K–Kenia—!"

He couldn’t complete the word.

-BAM!!!

My knee buried into his midsection. Air exploded from his lungs in a harsh wheeze, crimson spraying from his lips. His Ruah and mana failed him—not under the veil of Tegmen Wrath.

I seized his collar and launched him skyward.

"YOU!!!"

Lightning flared nearby—Jennyfer appeared, weapon gripped, her features contorted in fury. She brought the sparking lightning spear crashing down with lethal aim.

"Ring of Vysindra."

I balled my fist. The band encircling my wrist unfurled, radiating intensely.

Jennyfer’s azure gaze tinged with purple.

–BOOOOM!!!

Yet prior to the strike fully connecting, a winged figure dove in and yanked her from harm.

It was Arete.

"Shadow’s Realm."

A murmur slithered from behind. I slid rearward barely in time to witness the dark-haired lass rise from her shadow, twin blades hurtling at me. One skimmed by—the other stabbed into my leg.

"Hollow Ground," I snarled.

Pale sands surged under her, engulfing her ankles and pulling her into her shadow’s depths.

"W–Wha—?!"

Panic flared in her eyes.

"Explode."

I vaulted away.

–BOOOOOOM!!!!

Her shadow blasted apart below her. Her wail echoed as she tumbled over the earth, the detonation shredding her defense. Her shadow softened the blow somewhat—but insufficiently.

Before pursuing—a bronzed figure plummeted from the heights, wielding a huge club.

-BOOOOM!!

I leaped aside, her club hacking into the ground and rending it asunder. She advanced rapidly—swifter than anticipated—but during my withdrawal, my rear struck a firm obstacle.

A blood wall.

Claudia once more.

"Take THAT!!!" The bronzed maiden bellowed while sweeping her club sideways.

I folded my arms.

-BAM!!!

The shock coursed through me, tumbling me over the dirt. I scraped my heel into the soil and stood on one knee—precisely to evade.

Jayden’s bolt-quick kick sliced the space my head occupied.

"What—?!"

"Tegmen Wrath." I extended both arms wide. "Field Break."

Jayden’s face drained of color.

"Shit—"

-BOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

Purple glow burst from my frame. A savage pressure wave surged in every direction. Jayden flew back, his Lumen Blessing absorbing much of the force—but his comrades fared worse.

Solely Milleia’s shield spared them from dismemberment.

"S–Stop!! Stop this!!" Milleia wailed, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "Please!!"

"Move, Milleia!!" Jayden yelled, his form aglow in gold. "He’s dangerous!"

His gaze fixed on me—seething.

An Edenic Circle took shape under him, infusing his being with Lumen’s Blessing’s utmost might.

Trinity Nihil returned to my grasp. I seized it firmly.

A purple pentagon whirled beneath my boots.

Jayden stiffened briefly—his respiration hitching.

A Khaos Circle.

Cleenah had demonstrated it fleetingly, and I hadn’t completed its refinement...yet it sufficed.

Within my depths, Nemesis—who’d remained quiet—grinned with warped joy, her sinister thrill coursing through me over what I’d revealed.

Six Vysindra rings blazed to life around my weapon then, circling Trinity Nihil in fiery loops.

"Edward!!" Milleia sobbed, her tone fracturing, tears pouring as she gazed at me.

I spared her a quick look before bracing my foot on the splintered ground and surging forward with all remaining vigor.

Jayden streaked away in lightning, and simultaneously, we bridged the gap. Moments elongated into forever. Our blades neared collision—or would—and time dragged, each pulse echoing like fate’s drum.

Then he came into view.

Zeus.

His shape emerged like a chill phantom, piercing blue orbs examining me with frigid, emotionless focus. Reaction time escaped me before a shadowy cloak enveloped me, choking and heavy.

Nemesis.

-BOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!

Our assailants had vanished in a blaze, but the ensuing blast propelled Jayden and me rearward like projectiles. I groaned, jaws locked, as my body scraped over the fractured soil for what seemed endless distances, until smashing against a sharp boulder.

"Arghh!"

Blood coughed from my mouth, knees buckling to the earth. My chest burned, heaving for breath as I fought to remain erect. Amid the agony’s fog, I spotted Jayden—scarce better off—already aided by his group.

I leaned on Trinity Nihil, using it to steady myself, ribs protesting fiercely.

That bastard, Zeus.

Laboriously, I pulled ahead, each shift torturous.

My mind raced in turmoil.

I can’t perish here.

I won’t perish here.

"Ah... ah... aha... ah..."

Central Vedelia... stands rescued.

The Second Game... concludes.

Please... allow me to behold the women I cherish.

I must reunite with Celeste, confess all my emotions, seek forgiveness, declare my true affection. I yearn to embrace Alvara, revive Elizabeth anew, and permit our bond to flourish unbound.

Yet countless tasks linger—Ephera, Cleenah, Persephone, Layla, Anna, Samara, Tihana, Orlin... every one. I long to glimpse those who cherished me, who trusted in me. Only once more.

My hazy sight settled on Jayden, supported by his allies, including Alector who’d refrained from striking me, now tending to him.

Survival was essential... merely to reunite with them.

To encounter those who valued me as I am.

"...!"

A silver edge gleamed at my side. Trinity Nihil blocked it clumsily, shoving me back over the burned soil.

A figure in shining white plate, golden locks reflecting the waning glow, positioned himself ahead.

"Who the fuck are you?" I snarled, teeth bared.

He grinned, gaze cool yet entertained.

"You wield a very Holy Blade for such an unholy appearance, Edward Falkrona," he remarked, driving his luminous sword at me. The edge gashed my flank, rending tissue. Pain detonated within, but I swallowed it, denying weakness.

He advanced briskly, stabbing his sword at my heart. But then, I melted into a swirl of pale sands. His keen eyes bulged in astonishment as I reformed behind him, channeling my leftover Wrath.

-BAM!!

My strike landed—or attempted to—but he deflected, the power sliding him back. I embedded Trinity Nihil in the earth, digits slippery with blood as I pressed to stem the bleeding. My vision reeled wildly, reality swaying with each throb of warning.

Consciousness had to hold.

I scowled at the white-clad man. He grinned anew—but the grin wavered, eyes flaring in astonishment.

I pivoted, hoisting Trinity Nihil, but... all halted.

My entire form locked as if bound by unseen chains.

What?

Nemesis’ influence.

W...Why?

My actions ceased midway through the arc, mid-rotation.

-SPURT!!

A blade pierced through my chest’s core.

"...!"

And lifting my gaze, I met grey eyes staring back.

Kleines.