Attack the City
[D-Rank Tale: Sword Demon City
Mission Objective: Conquer the city (0/1)
Assassinate Sword Demon (0/1)
Recommended Personnel: 100+
Recommended Level: Lv20-Lv50]
After two months of extermination, most Heroes had reached level 20.
Most teams could now handle Class 4 monsters.
Based on this, the Silver Moon base assembled 300 of the most elite Heroes—75 teams—to attack [Moonwish City], also known as Sword Demon City.
They were all above level 20, with most above level 30.
Since the city's inhabitants were mostly Class 3 and 4 monsters, the summoned Heroes could consistently handle Class 4 monsters.
For Class 5 monsters, only two level 50 teams could consistently handle them.
Teams around level 40 could handle them with coordination.
For Class 6 monsters, like the Sword Demon…
Extermination required level 50 or higher.
[Creature: Sword Demon
Strength: 60 Agility: 30 Endurance: 10
Durability: 30 Prana: 5 Intelligence: 3
Technique: 20]
The Sword Demon's Durability is 30; inflicting significant damage when his Strength is around 30 is difficult.
His Agility, boosted by his monster physique and any magical speed enhancements, would be even higher.
Hilo, at level 20, couldn't have defeated him without special skills.
And his 20 Technique points couldn't be ignored.
Aside from Anyi, no one could analyze and react to battle situations as quickly as the Sword Demon.
Anyi, with his equipment and skill boosts, could only barely damage him.
The key was, they didn't know his hidden abilities.
In his previous life, the Sword Demon had died at Hilo's hands before Anyi met Audrey, becoming the first monster lord killed by a human.
Hilo had perished with him, leaving limited information.
Unlike Goblins, whose few items were known.
The Sword Demon's possessions were unknown.
A sudden stat surge, or a powerful damaging skill, could easily kill a teammate.
They knew the Sword Demon's stats; the Bestiary was open, but this time, they faced a Demon Lord—caution was needed.
Therefore… wait until their level increased!
Leaving him alive was a strategic decision.
Another reason was that Audrey had cleared most obstacles; they needed to leave something for the Heroes.
Whether Class 3 and 4 monsters, or the remaining Class 5 and 6 monsters.
The enemy's strength was significantly weakened, leaving ample opportunity for the Heroes to gain experience.
Anyi hadn't killed the [Sword Demon] in his previous life and didn't know what equipment he dropped.
But… he was the [Sword Hero]!
Logically, he should receive a suitable weapon!
He anticipated the post-extermination loot.
The city conquest was divided into three stages.
Stage one: The Holy Maiden and Silver Moon teams initiated the attack, breaching the city gate.
Then, level 20-30 Heroes would enter and begin exterminating monsters, gaining experience.
Stage two: The Sword Demon would react, deploying Class 5 monsters and numerous city guards.
Level 30-40 Heroes would provide resistance.
Stage three: The Sword Demon and the city's strongest fighters would engage.
If Class 6 monsters appeared besides the Sword Demon, several level 40+ Hero teams would engage and eliminate them.
The Holy Maiden and Silver Moon teams, conserving stamina, would confront the Sword Demon.
The eight were now level 50, two of only two level 50 teams globally.
Audrey had mentioned that monster lords were stronger in their territory; eight people were the safest bet for this fight.
However, unforeseen circumstances arose during the final stage of the city conquest.
The Sword Demon didn't appear.
Sword Demon City, Sword Demon Baron's Mansion.
After the level 40+ teams dealt with the other Class 6 monsters, the eight Heroes of the Holy Maiden and Silver Moon teams arrived at the mansion gate.
"Bang!"
Hilo kicked down the several-meter-high gate.
"Ha ha—! Sword Demon! I'm here to challenge you!!"
Inside was a vast hall… or rather, a familiar training ground from Anyi's memories.
Perhaps due to the monsters' combat style, it was several times larger than Anyi remembered, resembling a massive stadium.
"Unexpected,"
In the center, the Sword Demon sat on the ground.
Four swords were planted in the ground, two hands clasped in front, the other two holding the hilts of the swords behind him.
Ferdinand's bare torso was protected by simple chest armor; he didn't wear heavy armor.
It would impede his attacks.
He stared at Hilo, sneering: "Phoenix-sama is truly cruel.
Stealing my credit and destroying my territory.
Next, taking my life?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha—!!"
Hilo: "?"
What was he talking about?
She'd forgotten what a Phoenix was.
Ferdinand laughed, shaking his head: "However…
What surprised me more is that Phoenix-sama raised such a group of 'Humans' as assassins.
A sophisticated method of humiliation.
Indeed, a noble Servant."
He hadn't realized they were humans before.
But the nauseating scent made him remember.
On the other side of the city walls, there was a race called "Humans."
Lowly, weak, filthy, stinking, emitting a nauseating odor.
He'd encountered a human once.
The inexplicable disgust arose spontaneously.
As if an innate aversion was ingrained in his soul.
He hadn't expected [Immortal Bird · Phoenix] to raise such creatures.
Perhaps he'd carelessly revealed information about Phoenix two months ago; now…
Phoenix had sent humans to kill him.
"Let me see what surprises these weaklings bring!
I am! Sword Demon!
Baron Ferdinand!"
...
[Sword Hero: Commence Operation.]
Layton smiled, raising his shield: "Alright!"
He stepped forward, charging towards Ferdinand—
"Taunt!"
"You're the first to seek death,"
Ferdinand sneered, contemptuously watching Layton approach.
"Huh?!"
Suddenly, a strange surge of anger washed over him.
「Kill him… kill him! Kill him kill him kill him…
Wrong!」
Ferdinand snapped out of it; years of self-cultivation allowed him to instantly detect this negative emotion.
The next moment, three killing intents arrived from different directions—
"Clang!!!"
Three arms swung, blocking the three attacks simultaneously, his arms sinking!
「Incredible strength!?」
Ferdinand was shocked!
Anyi, Strength 51, Agility 20, with Goblin equipment and [Encourage]… now Strength 60, Agility 29!
Miruku, Strength 15+9, Agility 50+9!
Hilo, Strength 52, Agility 35, [Courage] + [Encourage] + [Lightness], Strength 60, Agility 35, and a 15% speed boost!
With skill enhancements, their stats were on par with the Sword Demon!
「Skill: Piercing Flame!」
Eira, mana 60!
「Skill: Ultimate Flash!」
Ariana, mana 50+9!
From the rear, they simultaneously attacked; a pillar of flame and a blinding beam struck—
"Boom——!!"
"ROAR!!"
Ferdinand roared, deflecting the three attacks with his swords, then raised them to block!
The intense heat nearly glowed his swords red; the massive beam burned him, causing excruciating pain.
「Deal with those two mages first!」
"Hmph!"
Ferdinand charged, a resounding boom as his 30 Agility and 60 Strength propelled him towards them like a cannonball!
Sephie had been waiting!
"Don't even think about it!"
「Skill: Immovable Mountain.」
A loud boom as massive rocks erupted from the ground, forming multiple barriers to block the Sword Demon.
"Bang!!"
Ferdinand slashed at the rock barrier with two swords, shattering several layers.
He slashed again, completely destroying it in a second.
"Taunt!"
Layton's shout distracted Ferdinand for a moment—
「Bad!」
He sensed an intense killing intent from behind and tried to block.
"Bang!"
His back was struck; a searing pain followed.
"Pfft!!"
Hilo, wielding twin swords, appeared behind him, striking his back with her swords after deflecting his!
"Ha ha—Gloomy Girl! Your turn!"
"Swish——!"
A black light flashed, faster than before, impossible to track with the naked eye.
When Hilo recovered, an elegant bone dagger, emanating black energy, was embedded in Ferdinand's back.
[Item: Dagger of the Undead
Description: A dagger imbued with intense resentment; the undead curse will drain the enemy until death!]
Ferdinand felt something pierce his back; his stamina and mana began draining!
Though the rate wasn't fast, it was significant; he couldn't waste any stamina or mana; he needed it to deal with these humans.
"Huh…?"
Suddenly, a bone-chilling cold enveloped him; his right side felt like it was in an icehouse.
With his remaining eye, he saw a man standing beside him.
The figure was thin and small, seemingly insignificant, easily crushed.
But! Ferdinand's soul screamed, urging him to flee!
Otherwise…
He would die!
「Sword of the Rage, Third Form…」
Anyi: "Wind Rises."
「Too late!!」 Ferdinand screamed inwardly.
"Boom——!!"
Anyi swung his sword; chaotic wind blades erupted from the ground, violently striking Ferdinand's arm!
A dull thud; Ferdinand's lower right arm was instantly severed, exploding into a bloody mist, blown away by the wind blades!
With a resounding boom, Ferdinand retreated hundreds of meters.
「Such powerful swordsmanship!」 He was terrified and awestruck.
These wild wind blades reminded him of the prisoner—
Audrey Celeste!
He'd witnessed her swordsmanship! The wild wind!
"Ha ha… So that's it… so that's it!"
He suddenly understood!
He understood why [Immortal Bird · Phoenix] had stolen [Audrey Celeste] from him!
The opponent was using Audrey to train assassins!!
Understanding this, Ferdinand…
Had to die!
"Sword Demon! Don't! Run——!!"
The twin-sword wielder charged at Ferdinand.
Ferdinand, his arm severed, focused; the muscles in his injured arm contracted, stanching the bleeding.
"I underestimated you two months ago," Ferdinand sneered, looking at the approaching Hilo, "You…
Do have the qualifications to challenge me!"
"Is that even a question?!"
Hilo also smiled, appearing before Ferdinand in an instant.
"Clang!"
Swords clashed!
"Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang Clang——!!"
Swords and daggers clashed repeatedly; the sound of metal filled the air.
Hilo fought defensively, wildly attacking Ferdinand!
Ferdinand blocked with two hands, attacking with one; he seemed defenseless, yet inflicted several wounds on Hilo.
Her swordsmanship was fierce, but Hilo's stats didn't overwhelm Ferdinand's; he wasn't at a disadvantage.
But…
She had teammates!
"Swish——!"
Suddenly, a crimson beam struck; Ferdinand couldn't react; a bloody hole appeared in his shoulder!
"Bang!"
Another fierce strike; the pain almost made Ferdinand drop his sword.
Both Ferdinand and Hilo faltered simultaneously!
This was the—
Opportunity!
Ferdinand stabbed with his left hand, aiming to pierce Hilo's body.
Her Durability was only 1, even with [Encourage], only 6.
The Sword Demon's Strength… was 60!
A few slashes reduced Hilo's health to 30%; a serious injury would kill her!
A cruel smile twisted Ferdinand's face—
「Die!!」
But as he believed victory was at hand, he saw her smile.
Hilo smiled.
A… conspiratorial smile.
Ferdinand: "?!"
Wait! Where was that male human?!