This wasn't what they were told.
'No way…'
The Corrupted were never informed of this possibility.
'H-how is this happening?!'
They had expected the Elves to be crushed so pitifully that the battle would give them great pleasure. They had hoped to see despair, pain, death, and even more destruction.
However, their expectations were shattered by the unprecedented performances of the Elves and their allies.
'HOW DO THEY HAVE AETHER?!'
*
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*
Aurora grinned softly as she focused her gaze on the maddened Corrupted who stood a far distance away, writhing in both awe and rage.
She was once again grateful for the introduction of Aether to the Elves—especially in preparation for this fight. Aurora realized now that without such a powerful source on their side, their demise would have been a foregone conclusion.
How, then, did they gain access to this power? The answer was simple.
They didn't.
None of them could generate any Aether. They could hardly even control the energy that was introduced to them so abruptly. However, because they couldn't generate it, didn't mean that they couldn't manufacture it.
Thanks to a brilliant human girl named Anabelle Frederick, who came up with the process, and the investment made by Jane Ursula, they were able to create something revolutionary.
The Aether Conversion Mechanism.
Simply put, it converted Mana or Miasma into Aether by condensing it and isolating the purest particles while dispersing the other foreign elements—thus creating a fluid and clean energy known as Aether.
Of course, this was simply the energy itself.
Converting the energy into useful stuff like Spells and Magical Techniques was another huge leap. The whole technical process had gone over Aurora's head when they had tried explaining things to her, but the gist of it was quite simple.
By making devices that could conduct the energy, while also imbuing Magic Formulas on them, they would be able to utilise Aether as Magic. This was a more practical adaptation of Jared's Spell Cards.
Weapons, artefacts, and even Automatons were imbued with Magic Formulas that allowed them to transform the raw Aether into energy.
With this revolution in Magic and Technology, however, came a problem.
'Resources. Limited Mana Reserves…' Aurora began to use her staff, already possessing the Aether property.
The problem with the Aether Conversion Mechanism was how much Mana it consumed. To produce Aether suitable for one person, they had to sacrifice over a thousand people's worth of Mana.
As such, they could only produce a limited amount of Aether—any more would adversely affect the Elven Lands and the climate.
Another major problem with artificially utilizing Aether was the finite nature of the energy. Sooner or later, they would run out. Aurora knew her people couldn't keep this up forever.
'We have to end this… and fast!'
With that single thought, the energy around her staff climbed to a terrifying degree, and three arrows materialised in an instant.
They were aimed at various locations, and they spun swiftly, increasing in power with every rotation.
"Harbinger Of Rupture… Threefold!"
Aurora directed this blast at the leaders of the army—the Corrupted.
In a flash, she released them, sending a swift and powerful strike to the enemies. Thanks to their paralyzing shock, they could not react quickly enough to defend themselves. And as a result…
>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!<
"Haa." Aurora heaved a sigh as she prepared her next volley.
Normally, she would be doing her best to conserve her energy. No, everyone was supposed to be managing the resources given to them.
Yet, with the way every Elf and Automaton fought their enemies, they used their powers without any restriction. They did not waste the power they had been given, but they were not frugal with it either.
They simply fought with all their strength… and that was for a reason.
The more drawn-out the battle was, the more disadvantageous it would be to them.
According to Jared, the Nether Beasts had adaptive and extremely dangerous regenerative features. As a result, it was much more effective to not hold back on any of their attacks when dealing with them. Trying to conserve power would ultimately waste time and resources—a luxury they couldn't afford.
'We have to end this fast!' Aurora rained her spell on the opponents once more.
This time, though, they were more prepared. The Corrupted raised a barrier, like a canopy above their heads. Aurora knew this would be a waste, so she redirected her arrows towards the Nether Beasts instead.
As a result…
>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!<
More deafening explosions followed.
Aurora noticed the murderous glares of the corrupted, and they all acknowledged the fact that she was the most dangerous of all the threats they faced. As a result, with all their animosity concentrated on her, the Corrupted left the Nether Beasts to deal with the Elves and Automatons, all swearing to do the Queen in.
Aurora, however, had anticipated this as well. Causing the most damage was bound to draw the attention of enemies to you. Which was why…
"I sent those three already." She smiled.
*
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*
The Corrupted were the riff raffs of the Nether Cult—nothing more than foot soldiers, really.
They had no redeeming qualities, and most were referred to as numbers or codes. Their significance was better felt as a group, and not as individuals.
Some were satisfied with this status quo—happy to simply be gifted with such power that made sure no normal person or Mage stood a chance against them.
However, some wanted more. Way more.
"I will prove myself in this battle and take the glory." A Corrupted told himself in excitement.
He knew he was among the strongest of everyone present, and his level of sync with Nether was extremely high. Even his direct superior—Stefan Netherlore—had told him this.
Stefan also told him about the empty positions within the 12 Seats of the Nether Cult. That had been enough to spark his ambition.
"I want a seat at the table!" He muttered with both delight and greed.
He had once been an exceptional Mage who struggled due to an illness that clogged his Mana, and even though he was brilliant, he was still so powerless because of this infirmity of his.
One could only imagine the frustration he had felt when he watched others surpass him, despite his sheer experience and skill. All due to this weakness, he had watched as others gained fame and fortune, while he was left with nothing.
The likes of Neron Kaelid, Serah Crimson, and even Damien Lawcroft had made a name for themselves—the latter, by becoming a member of the Nether Cult's 12 Seats.
That could have been him! If only he hadn't been so afflicted, he could have done the same too.
"There's nothing special about them. They're just privileged." Even as this man stared at his comrades, he could only see privileged and entitled idiots.
They, unlike him, didn't have to work so hard to attain the power they now possessed. They hadn't felt the despair he'd felt. They didn't have the ambition he had.
Plus, he was far superior to all of them!
'Which is why… I will prove myself, and get that Seat!'
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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.
https://www.webnovel.com/book/chuunibyou-challenge!!_25760893305800205
