042: The New Testament·Pre-Apocalypse
"Come to the true Messiah, Novia, you who are more sinful than Jesus."
"You deliberately allowed the grain to be burned, causing the Jews inside to starve to death, and then used them to supply you with magical energy."
Novia frowned, gazing at the 'Antichrist' Simon Bar Kokhba, who radiated ominous black magical energy.
During this time, the jet-black 'magical energy' emanating from Simon also fell like snow upon the ground. Exposed skin that touched it would be scorched. Eyes that saw it would go blind. Ingesting it would dissolve internal organs. It was an ominous energy equivalent to 'death' itself.
"It is their honor to make sacrifices for the great Messiah."
Immediately, outside the holy city at noon, black and blue lights brighter than the sun erupted.
The bloodstained desert ground ruptured seemingly from nothingness, followed by the sharp clang of metal on metal. The shockwave swept through the surroundings, shattering the city walls.
Their clash was not only a personal duel but also a contest of support from behind—one drawing on the magical energy of all the Roman mages, the other on the lives of everyone within Jerusalem. Presumably, even the highest grade of Mystic Eyes would be unable to properly perceive the ultra-high-speed succession of their exchanges.
"Your strength, compared to the lowly beings encountered so far, finally barely qualifies as a 'game.' Though it can't really be called a battle, at least I no longer suffer from boredom. Rejoice."
Doro, who had closed in right before Novia, swung down his magically-blackened hand in a wide arc, striking the 'spear.' Though Novia successfully blocked it, the bones in his shoulder cracked audibly in that instant.
"However, this so-called spear of yours seems more like a combination of two swords."
"Because this is its strongest form."
The youth's words and attack were unleashed simultaneously, almost as if hundreds of strikes were launched at once. The 'spear,' accelerated to a speed beyond its limit, came at him a hundred times. A hundred metallic clashes followed. The attacks he released concurrently were directly blocked by Simon using both hands concentrated with magical energy.
The surging magical energy from their high-speed impacts almost simultaneously created shockwaves around both of them.
"How pathetic. Is this so-called strongest spear of yours only at this level? In the end, you're just another lowly being. How much longer can you maintain this? The mages behind you are undoubtedly gasping for breath in the city due to the rapid magical energy depletion."
"That's not necessarily true."
His words were brief. While superficially he seemed to be fighting unscathed, there was no doubt he was being steadily worn down. Yet Novia remained calm, as if he had become an insignificant speck of dust, even suppressing his breathing and heartbeat.
'Damn it, such a disgusting lowly thing actually dares to insult the strongest me... And you, weakling, retort a few words! I haven't permitted anyone besides me to insult you.'
'Please do not be so angry. It is my fault for not providing you with sufficient magical energy to display your might.'
While communicating mentally, Novia and Simon crossed blows once more, the force sufficient to crumble Jerusalem's walls.
'Hmph, are you retreating? Though this fellow's source of magical energy is despicable, if this drags on, you'll eventually be dragged to death.'
'Mighty, invincible, but cannot yield. To give up now is still... a bit too early. Please release your full power once more, Albion.'
Several seconds passed—a silence lasting half a breath.
'But, you—'
'No more words. I believe you have already decided, and I have nodded. Such matters... are just like that. This is fine.'
'.....That's what the strongest me should be saying: to help you eliminate this arrogant thing that gained such a power.'
An intense flash erupted—not physical, but an enormous magical energy that could scorch spiritual senses manifested upon the 'spear.' The weapon's body was covered from its base at a terrifyingly rapid speed. Upon its blue-black surface, a furious red seemed to overlay the blue.
Magical energy was woven in this way, taking the form of 'the strongest.'
The surging magical energy was released in one breath—a torrent of overwhelming destruction, akin to what spewed forth from the head of the Albion.
When the world finally reappeared on his retina, Novia saw an unbelievable sight—
The 'Antichrist' was not slain. He had merely... regenerated instantly, as if frames on a film were being rewound.
"Hahahaha! Pity, what a pity! That strike of yours was indeed enough to defeat me when I was only using the lives of everyone in Jerusalem as a magical energy source."
The silver-haired youth stood quietly, listening to the madman's words spoken while staring at him.
"But alas, I have even discovered and utilized the remains of Solomon himself as a source of power for me, the true Messiah!"
"You... actually used the remains of the Mage-King Solomon?"
After speaking slowly, Novia took a deep breath, tasting blood in his mouth.
Doro before him intended to use Solomon's remains as a magical energy source...
Then, what about Goetia within the remains?
Though he hated Solomon, he wouldn't sit idly by while his remains were defiled like this. Could it be that after nearly a thousand years, it still hasn't been born?
"The Mage-King? Even if he were alive, he would have to obey the command of me, the Messiah."
Simon let out a deranged laugh, then stepped closer to Novia.
"I admire you. I forgive your sins. I will kill all Romans except you. Come, follow me. You have no magical energy left now. You have already lost."
"That's not a very persuasive argument. It doesn't move me." Novia showed a slight smile. "Because, you see, I simply hope that all people, lives, and hearts that avoid evil and uphold goodness can always dwell in happiness and peace. That is enough. Not just one kind of person."
"I see. It seems I must make you suffer a punishment more painful than that of Jesus."
The conversation ended unilaterally.
And then—
Every person on the European continent witnessed that spectacle.
Thus, for The New Testament·Pre-Apocalypse, the sudden total solar eclipse became a historical fact recorded and passed down to posterity—
The world lost its color, darkness fell everywhere. Let those who have ears hear what the Spirit says. So too speaks the King of the Antichrist.
Note: I'm new to translating so please be kind and tell me any mistakes you all find, I will try to release a chapter a day but don't expect much
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