"Dwight! I have come to steal your spotlight—nay, I have come to lend my aid!"
Diera’s voice reached me via telepathy.
The pseudo-golem soared through the air, propelled by pillars of flame erupting from the soles of its feet.
A massive miasma reaction emanated from its colossal frame. The concentration was so intense that for a moment, I had mistaken the machine for one of the Beasts.
Miasma circulated within the pseudo-golem’s interior. She had likely harvested it from the fallen Beasts, repurposing the energy as direct fuel.
I wondered exactly how she had achieved such a feat, but even if I asked, I doubted I would receive a clear answer. Knowing Diera, she had surely succeeded through sheer intuition.
The pseudo-golem came to a halt in mid-air.
A portion of the golden tentacles surged toward it, instantly identifying the machine as a threat.
Beams of light fired from the cylinders mounted on the golem.
The tentacles absorbed the light and grew even larger, emerging without so much as a scratch.
I quickly reported my findings to Diera.
"Magic power and miasma are ineffective. Physical attacks are its weakness."
"Nuuh, how troublesome," Diera groaned.
After a few moments of silence, the golem projected chains of light.
They ensnared the tentacles attempting to entwine them, tightening their grip with crushing force.
The chains of light were not absorbed. They successfully held the tentacles in a firm restraint.
(Is Divine Magic an exception?)
The chains of light were specialized in the destruction of miasma. To a Beast, the effect was utterly lethal. While they didn't seem capable of purifying the tentacles, they were at least immune to being absorbed.
As I watched, wondering what the next move would be, something launched from the golem’s shoulder.
It was an arrow.
The projectile slipped past the restrained tentacles, streaking in a direct line toward the Golden Tower.
The remaining tentacles immediately moved to intercept.
However, the arrow dove through them along an exquisite trajectory. It was a feat that would have been impossible without a perfect grasp of transcendent technique—predicting the tentacles' defensive patterns while accounting for the subtle shifts in the wind.
Having bypassed the perimeter, the arrow finally pierced deep into the Golden Tower.
The tower shuddered with its greatest vibration yet.
The vibration transformed into a roar that shook the earth and brought nearby buildings to ruin. A semitransparent liquid began to leak from the entry wound.
Could it be blood? Regardless, the entity was clearly wounded.
"Hahaha, what a fine scream! Since the target's so massive, it’s easy enough to hit!"
An exuberant voice drifted down from the pseudo-golem’s shoulder.
I strained my eyes to see Henry perched there. He held his bow at the ready, his posture secured by hooking his legs into the golem's scales.
Even so, it was a reckless position. Considering the risk of falling, it was a daring move indeed.
"What of the Combined Army at sea? I thought I had entrusted the defense and interception to you."
"We defeated those fools long ago! I have left the defense to Dorda for now. His strength should be more than sufficient!"
Indeed, with Dorda, there was no need for concern. On the deck of a ship, he was in his element. Since the morale of the Demon King’s Army was high, there would be no problems.
Having confirmed the end of the naval battle, Diera had apparently decided that she and Henry should reinforce me.
As someone who had been struggling to find a breakthrough, I was beyond grateful. They were the ultimate reinforcements.
"...I appreciate the help."
"Don't worry about it, Boss! We just wanted a piece of the Beast Boss, that's all. It’d be a waste to miss out on an opportunity like this, wouldn’t it?"
With a cheerful grin, Henry fired a second arrow. This time, it tore a tentacle clean apart.
His bow, crafted from dragon materials, delivered a truly devastating blow. It seemed effective even against a False God.
The fierce consecutive strikes by Diera and Henry drew the tentacles' attention away from me.
Now was the time to counterattack.
Just as the thought crossed my mind, my power suddenly surged. The supply of miasma and magic power within me began to swell without limit.
It seemed some change had occurred at the Valley of the Dead.
While I was still processing the sudden influx, a voice reached me via telepathy.
"Demon King! Have you noticed a change within your person!?"
It was Grom’s voice. I questioned him immediately.
"My power is magnifying. What has happened?"
"We are currently offering the slain Beasts to the Valley of the Dead! Though we support you from afar, we shall serve you with all our might!"
Grom’s explanation made sense. The massive amount of miasma was being provided by the sacrificed Beasts.
When I used sensing magic to investigate, I found that Yura and the Great Spirit were also participating in the task. They appeared to be heading even to the Combined Army’s base where Luciana and Logan were stationed.
It seemed they were scavenging the carcasses of the Beasts from every corner of the battlefield.
They had left the direct combat to Diera and Henry, suppressing their own desire to join the fray to focus on strengthening me. They had decided that this was how they could best contribute to the victory.
I manipulated the miasma swirling inside my body, coating myself in a layer of protection to suppress the negative influence of the tower.
I layered it thoroughly; now, my ability to cast spells would remain unaffected even at close range.
(—With this, I can do it.)
This unexpected aid filled me with certainty. It was a hand I could never have reached on my own, extended to me by none other than my own subordinates.
No amount of gratitude would suffice. I could only repay this debt with results.
Staring at the tower, I tightened my grip on the Keepsake Sword.