Chapter 45: Aftermath (Patreon)

In the blink of an eye, the white flames that had been burning uncontrollably seemed drawn by an invisible vortex.

In just a moment, they were completely absorbed by the figure at the center... No, it was more like they were usurped. Then, Haru's faint smile reappeared, and he seemed to radiate even more vitality.

"A stealing-like authority, and life recovery, huh."

Watching Haru devour and absorb all the solar fire brought by his authority, Verethragna could only think this. Due to the lack of intelligence, he was practically at a loss against Haru.

Earlier, when he used the [Warrior] authority, during its activation, his physical abilities were enhanced, and he gained the insight to perceive a god's essence.

But in his eyes, Haru was shrouded in a mist of confusion, leaving him with no clues.

The authority [Warrior]: When possessing detailed knowledge of the opponent, one can transform words of power into a golden sword for attack. Against a god, it is equivalent to the strongest shield and the strongest sword.

However, he had now lost this very authority!

"I am the strongest, the one who shatters all obstacles!"

At this point, the authorities Verethragna had left unused were only the [Ram] and the [Boar]. The [Ram] allows recovery from any injury within a few hours, but it must be activated by one's own will while on the verge of death.

As for the [Boar] authority, when the target is immensely large, it can summon a wild boar that completely pulverizes the target object.

During the summoning, the user also gains high-speed charging capability.

But Verethragna knew that these authorities would also be ineffective against Haru. Yet, he had lost his final trump card.

Even so, Verethragna did not give up. He exerted his all in one last effort.

BAM—

"I am the strongest... What!?"

The battle ended just as it was about to reach its climax. When Verethragna used the [Boar] authority, the battle concluded swiftly at that moment.

Thump!!!

The giant boar was slammed into the ground by a massive palm formed from blood-steam.

Then, as he sensed danger and tried to evade at the critical moment, right in that instant, a gleaming golden sword—before Verethragna could fully react, he crossed his arms in an "X" in front of himself as a last resort.

The golden long sword was unstoppable. It pierced through both his arms.

Simultaneously, what was also pierced was Verethragna's body!

Immediately, the flames that had been usurped and vanished earlier ignited. Verethragna offered no further resistance of any kind.

He allowed his body, after being pierced by the golden sword, to begin burning and dissipating.

Instead, he paused briefly, confirmed his situation, then looked directly at Haru. With a pleased and joyful laugh, he said, "Truly a powerful warrior! This time, I admit defeat wholeheartedly!

You have defeated the Persian God of War, Verethragna. Your strength is beyond doubt. Let my power become your new strength! Until I appear before you again, I hope you will not disappoint us then. Let us have a duel in our full glory...

You are the one who has usurped my, the God of Victory's, authority. Become stronger than anyone else! Possess a body that shall know no defeat until the day we battle again in our true forms!"

After speaking, Verethragna, with satisfaction and a faint smile, looked at the golden sword that had counter-slain him—the very authority he had lost earlier. With a complex expression, he refrained from any final struggle.

Although he still had two authorities left unused, in his view, they held little significance. It was better to simply exit the stage now.

Moreover, the battle with Haru, for one who had always sought defeat, though he felt some reluctance, finally allowed him to taste the flavor of being vanquished.

"So this is defeat... To experience the taste of defeat while giving my all..."

"Farewell."

Watching the pierced Verethragna finally dissipate into light, Haru bid him farewell as he exited the stage, then felt the familiar experience descend upon him once more.

A moment later, when he regained his senses, Haru stood quietly on the battlefield.

He looked at the once beautiful plain, now scarred and devastated.

Forget the scenery; even the mountains were nearly leveled, with only a few toppled trees remaining at the edges.

It could be said that this battle necessitated redrawing the map of Sardinia, as the topography of the surrounding area had been fundamentally altered.

Meteor craters, fissures, deep pits, ring-shaped basins, stone forests...

"Ahem, it seems the destruction was a bit severe."

Although most of the responsibility undoubtedly fell on the two Heretic Gods, Haru couldn't possibly shift all the blame. Looking at the severely damaged landscape, it was no wonder God-Slayers and Heretic Gods were called walking natural disasters.

"Haru—"

Just as he was lamenting the desolate and miserable state of the battlefield, a young maiden's voice called out. Then, Erica, with a complex expression mixing surprise, joy, and excitement, came running towards him, her face beaming with a smile.

In the next second, as he raised his hands to welcome her, the sprinting Erica threw herself into his embrace and proactively initiated a deep French mwah!

"Wow How bold"

Simultaneously, Lucretia approached with deep affection.

Since Erica was currently... occupied, she didn't see the charming, mature witch smiling suggestively and winking at Haru.

"Miss Erica! Young Master Haru! Lady Lucretia! Whoa?!"

Sometime later, just as the young maiden was somewhat immersed and lost in the moment, a beat-up car came bumping and speeding from the distance.

Stopping under circumstances that nearly sent it into a ditch, a certain veteran driver maid got out of the car and saw, under the sunlight after the clouds had passed, the two figures tightly embracing each other...