The Sword Emperor Transmigrates-Chapter 284

The ones entrusted with handling the fourth and final Outer God were none other than Ein-Sof and Simon Magus, who had concluded their roles as the overseers of the Mage Tower.

If the Aesir gods had the jotun as their adversaries, then the Tuatha De Danann had the Fomorians. These relentless invaders from beyond the dimensional veil were cunning, brutal entities of the otherworld and collectively referred to as the Fomoire. Some even claimed that the name meant “those who came from beneath the sea” in ancient tongues.

Like the jotun of Norse mythology, many Fomorians were massive in stature. However, historical records noted that the majority bore grotesque deformities. Some had an abnormal number of limbs—too many or too few—while others had facial features that were twisted and misplaced in unnatural ways.

Among them was Balor, one of the Outer Gods and king of the Fomorians.

“Balor na Suile Nimhe, otherwise known as Balor of the Evil Eye,” Ein-Sof murmured as he observed the summoning ritual forming the entity’s grotesque shape.

Simon let out a dry chuckle, nodding at Ein-Sof’s words. He murmured, “I had planned to interrupt the summoning, but Balor’s resistance was stronger than expected. Still, we’ve managed to weaken the ritual by half, so it’s not the worst outcome.”

The world’s strongest Grand Magus and the mage-construct had already cut down eight Demigod Tier Fomorians in their advance. Despite their efforts, the summoning of Balor was nearly complete. Had they arrived any later, they could have been slaughtered on the spot.

Even after Simon and Ein-Sof used rituals authorized by Hades to reduce the scale of Balor’s form, his barely formed outline still radiated an oppressive presence that weighed heavily on their very souls through the dimensional barrier.

“Even if we set Monegarm aside as an anomaly, Balor outranks Surtr. Excluding Crom Dubh, He is effectively their commander.”

“I would say the same. Crom Dubh is nothing more than a tool for bypassing the dimensional barrier. Beings of Balor’s caliber are the real driving force behind the invasion.”

“Then if we defeat Balor, would we break their momentum?”

Balor’s massive, translucent form twitched grotesquely before them, his very existence half diminished yet still radiating an overwhelming presence.

“...Can we even win against that?”

Ein-Sof used his advanced analytical eyes, which were embedded with the technology of a bygone era, to scrutinize Balor’s very essence. Balor was so far beyond standard classification that even among Outer Gods, he defied conventional measures.

There was no chance of victory.

Had Balor been summoned in full, he would have been more dangerous than Hydra, Monegarm, and Surtr combined. Even with Ein-Sof’s capabilities and Simon’s vast magical prowess, the two were nowhere near his match.

“If we use Adam Kadmon and commit to mutual destruction, we might have a one-in-ten chance.”

“My role, then—Ah, I see. A mere component of Adam Kadmon, am I?” Ein-Sof mused. “If it’s only temporary, I can compensate for the lack of Ohr. Is that why you didn’t tell me in advance, Master? Afraid I might refuse?”

For the first time, Simon’s face twisted with deep remorse. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of another way. No matter the outcome of this battle, both of us will be annihilated.”

Ein-Sof was not a living being like a homunculus or a chimera, yet Simon had always treated him as if he were alive—like an individual with his own will and intellect.

Forcing Ein-Sof to sacrifice himself weighed heavily on Simon’s conscience.

Ein-Sof only smiled faintly at his apology. “You needn’t apologize. While I appreciate that you see me as a living being, I still consider myself a tool. If I can fulfill my role as designed, that is enough for me.”

After a brief pause, the mage-construct calmly continued, “I have watched over humanity’s journey as the overseer of the Mage Tower. I have seen fools who fail a hundred times and learn nothing. I have seen sages who discover and complete ideas never before conceived. Humanity is a paradoxical existence, one that defies definition.”

“And? What did you see in them?”

“Nothing of great importance. I simply wanted to see where the turbulent flow of their ceaseless gatherings and dispersals would eventually lead... to witness their final destination.”

The emotion behind his words was faint, yet the intellect and will were unmistakable. Even without Simon’s command, Ein-Sof would have willingly thrown himself into battle against Balor.

For a brief moment, the Grand Magus’s face showed surprise. Then, as if looking at something truly remarkable, he grinned. “Interesting. I once sought to create the ‘perfect being’ when I made you. Yet now, I find myself glad that I failed.”

A truly perfect being would have no need for others. The fact that Ein-Sof viewed humanity’s survival in a positive light meant that he was, by definition, not a perfect entity.

Simon, now proud of his “failed creation,” raised his staff.

The summoning of Balor was reaching completion. From this point forward, there would be no Ein-Sof and no Simon Magus—only magic spells needed to fulfill their final purpose.

“Let us begin, my failed creation. My child. My friend.”

“Quite the grand titles, Master. Try not to fail this time.”

“What?! You jest at a time like this?” Simon burst into laughter at Ein-Sof’s remark, then activated the Adam Kadmon spell he had used countless times.

But this time, the spell’s composition was different.

Adam Kadmon was the embodiment of the completed Tree of Sefirot and thus required three pillars to be fully realized—Mercy, Consciousness, and Justice. These were the foundations of existence, symbolizing life’s duality, balance, and cycle.

Yet now, an artificial component was inserted into one of the pillars—one that should never have been used to complete Class 9 magic.

“—Thank you for creating me, Master. It was... enjoyable.”

As the mage-construct Ein-Sof was engulfed in a pillar of light, he was absorbed into the Justice pillar, and vanished. Then, the empty pillar ignited.

“O’ Adam Kadmon, consume me and attain completion.”

At Simon’s incantation, the giant of light moved, pulling the old mage into its structure and manifesting the second pillar.

The empty Mercy pillar ignited. From the very beginning, the central pillar had already been lit.

—...A.

It was not a mere puppet bound to the summoner’s will but a “complete being.” A transcendent intellect flashed within the giant’s eyes.

Its consciousness was too vast for any Class 9 Grand Magus to comprehend, let alone share. In an instant, its storm-like self-awareness grasped the situation perfectly. It processed everything and turned to face the Outer God Balor according to the last command left by its creator.

At that very moment, Balor’s summoning was completed. He opened his singular, monstrous eye in rage at the insects that had diminished his existence.

—■■■.

Balor na Suile Nimhe, a god whose gaze annihilated all within his sight, fixed his eye upon Adam Kadmon.

—...■■?

Even after facing Balor’s Evil Eye, Adam Kadmon did not perish instantly. Instead, it flickered once, then teleported forward, closing the distance in an instant.

Even in ancient times, Balor had never faced such an unforeseen situation. His reaction was a beat too slow, and the radiant fist of Adam Kadmon plunged deep into his massive eye.

Balor had manifested once before during the mythological era, only to be defeated when the God of Light’s spear pierced his eye. That very eye, known as the most fearsome weapon, was also his greatest weakness. Facing it head-on was nearly impossible, making any direct attack seem futile. But if one could overcome his deadly gaze, the story would be different.

—■■■■...!? ■■■■■■!?!

Struck directly in the eye, Balor was sent flying backward, but he quickly regained his balance within seconds.

Unlike the spear thrust of Lugh Lamhfhata, the God of Light, a single punch was not enough to bring him down. However, the unexpected impact ruptured tiny blood vessels within his eye, turning his entire vision red. In this state, he could not activate his authority of annihilation.

Even so, there was no chance he would lose his fighting spirit. A being of his caliber, a supreme Outer God, would never rely on a single authority alone.

—■, ■■■.

Now fully alert, Balor cast aside any remaining carelessness. Flames swirled around both of his fists.

According to ancient records, he had the power to set the sea ablaze. He was also known by another name—Beimnech, The Smiter.

Balor was a Fire God as well as a Martial God.

——————————!!!

Both Adam Kadmon and Balor stood face to face, fists raised. They were eerily similar in size and physique. Without hesitation, they lunged at each other, exchanging blows aimed directly at each other’s faces. The Perfect Human and the Outer God of the Evil Eye clashed in a full-fledged battle of raw strength.

With each strike, waves of light and fire exploded across several kilometers. The sheer force of their battle burned away entire squadrons of other-dimensional forces unlucky enough to have strayed too close, reducing them to charcoal.

No matter who emerged victorious, one thing was certain—the battlefield of the Underworld would be left in utter ruin.

* * *

As the elite warriors of the suicide squad fought desperately to hold back four Outer Gods, an all-out war raged across the Asphodel Meadows.

“M-monsters! Monsters are coming!”

“No matter how many we kill, they won’t stop! I smashed their heads, so why the hell are they still moving?!”

The invading horde of servant races from the other dimension was endless. Their grotesque and unnatural forms exuded bizarre, mind-corrupting waves. Their very existence was an anomaly, fundamentally incompatible with this world.

Some creatures attacked with tentacles sprouting all over their bodies. Others were gelatinous monstrosities, encased in shells harder than any known crustacean.

Then there were the abominations that defied all logic—beings so alien that neither strategy nor tactics applied to them. Sheer numbers alone made them overwhelming.

The other-dimensional horde pressed forward relentlessly, gradually pushing Arcadia’s suicide squad to the brink.

If the defenders had been mere conscripts, they would not have lasted ten minutes before being slaughtered like helpless prey. The only reason the battlefield had not completely collapsed was because the Three Noble Houses were playing a pivotal role with their overwhelming skill.

One Origin Five Elements Sword Art, Four Swords Style

Western God Style

Cutter of All Things

Sky and Clouds Piercer: Continuous Slash

Among them, the one making the greatest impact was Leonard, who used Sword Manipulation to its fullest extent, shaping the battle as if it were a finely crafted masterpiece.

Four swords hovered around him, radiating pure white augmented energy. This was an ultimate technique that combined conceptual martial arts with Sword Manipulation Art—an advanced technique capable of unleashing multiple ultimate moves simultaneously.

Three years of training had not been in vain. With his keen senses, Leonard detected the areas where the battlefront was faltering. He directed his swords precisely to those points and unleashed devastating strikes.

Kaboooom!!

A single sweeping slash tore through several kilometers, mercilessly harvesting the enemy ranks. The otherworldly creatures were sliced in half instantly. For a brief moment, the suicide squad could catch their breath.

“It’s Sir Leonard!”

“He wiped out so many enemies in a single blow...!”

Unfamiliar with fighting higher races, the conscripted soldiers cheered in awe and did not recognize the meaningless result. But those who truly understood the battle knew the harsh reality—no matter how many were slain, nothing changed.

Even those Leonard had just obliterated with Sky and Clouds Piercer were already being replaced with more monstrosities. It took only seconds for new monsters to take their place.

The elite knights of the Seven Great Orders and the mage corps, however, remained unfazed. They methodically continued their slaughter. They knew the truth. This was a battle of attrition, an endurance test against an endless horde.

The true turning point of the war had yet to come. Leonard understood this as well. Even while controlling four swords simultaneously, he carefully managed his energy and minimized unnecessary waste of energy.

If a situation couldn’t be efficiently resolved with his own attacks, he allowed regular troops to handle it, conserving his strength.

Damn it. This feels disgusting.

He knew the stakes. If he exhausted himself before Crom Dubh appeared, the battle would be lost.

And yet... he couldn’t shake off his frustration.

When...?! When will you show yourself, Crom Dubh?!

He had to abandon those he could have saved. He had to sacrifice allies to fight a foe whose strength was still uncertain.

This was not just a fight between martial artists where he only needed to fend for himself. This was the duty of a commander—sacrificing the few to save the many.

Leonard despised it. If he unleashed his conceptual martial arts now, he could probably hold off casualties for a few more minutes. But it would be meaningless.

The battlefield had already claimed over a thousand lives. Most of the wounded would not survive long enough to be considered anything other than additional deaths.

Yet the defensive line still held. It was all thanks to the contract with Hades. Although the dead could never return to the surface world, the contract effectively gave them an extra life.

Before the decisive battle, Hades had said, “The dead shall rise immediately, restored to their living state with full combat potential. However, if they die a second time, revival will take much longer. Consider this a one-time resurrection.

“I enjoy seeing my dominion expand... but at this rate, things will soon become dangerous. If this battle against the Outer Gods drags on, or if more of them arrive, defeat will be inevitable.”

Hades extended his hand. Since Crom Dubh had yet to appear, he still had some reserves of divine power to spare, as he did not have to exhaust energy trying to gain ground.

If the enemy refused to take the bait, then bait would have to be placed before them. Against a fledgling deity whose divinity had yet to mature, like Crom Dubh, such a move was bound to be effective.

Clankkk.

The Underworld King’s divine spear, Bident, materialized once more. Hades had been charging it for three years. Now, he unleashed all of its stored power in a single strike, hurling it beyond the dimensional rift.

The one who had once lost an arm to this spear—the one who still remembered that pain and humiliation—could not ignore such a provocation.

Suppressing his rage no longer, Crom Dubh finally snapped.

■■■■■■■——!!!!

As the endless horde of otherworldly forces poured through the dimensional rift, they were instantly crushed, obliterated in an instant. Crom Dubh thrust its massive head through the portal.

Its form bore a resemblance to dragons, but instead of scales, its skin was writhing with countless tendrils, and its entire body was coated in a thick, tar-like mass of black slimy tentacles. It was a monstrous being, a nightmarish evil dragon.

Simply gazing upon it was enough to make one’s eyes rot and decay, as if the very concept of evil had taken physical form and begun to move.

“At last, you’ve come!”

As the soldiers instinctively turned to face Crom Dubh, their eyes burned in agony, and they fell to the ground, screaming in torment. But amidst the chaos, one man soared into the sky with unshakable confidence.

Wings formed from the Vermilion Bird’s Qi, blades forged from the White Tiger’s Qi, armor shaped from the Black Tortoise’s Qi, and a flowing cape crafted from the Azure Dragon’s Qi.

Calling upon the full might of the Four Symbols, Leonard’s power and aura exploded, increasing severalfold in an instant. His presence alone pushed him firmly into the realm of True Gods—even surpassing Crom Dubh, who had yet to fully regain its physical form.

Evil-Repelling Sword of Heaven

Without so much as a preparatory stance, Leonard accelerated at blinding speed. In a single devastating charge, he struck at Crom Dubh the moment it fully emerged, slamming a multicolored blade of augmented energy directly into the center of its forehead.

A cluster of tendrils was severed on impact, and blackened blood oozed and rotted away even as it sprayed into the air. Crom Dubh widened its massive eyes in pain and fury, its gaze now locked onto its adversary.

■■■■■■■■■——!!!!

And with the appearance of the key figures, the final battle had begun. This fight would determine the fate of the Middle Realm and the survival of humanity itself.