"Vanish mine enemies from the face of this Aiarthe, [Holy Lightning]!"

"The soil shall descend and bedrock shalt take it's place, [Purge]!"

Having completed their chants and utilized their catalysts; Priestess and Monk invoked their Spells in unison - decimating at least a few hundred dead ones, reducing them to cinders and blood splatters as thunder and the sounds of the earth churning echoed throughout the region.

"Haaah... haaah..."

"Huuuu... haaaa..."

The fatigue from having just used such wide-ranged spells was immediately made apparent by their ragged breaths and their quivering knees.

They were easy pickings, right now.

Then, filling up the now empty space where hundreds once stood, were even more of the 'dead'.

It wouldn't take long now, for them to arrive close enough - and tear the pair to shreds.

"RaaaaaAAAAgh!" One such creature, had the body of a child - she was still wearing her pajamas, and the sight of that, brought tears to the young Priestess' eyes.

'If only we knew this would happen...' She felt her heart get crushed when she thought of the much more peaceful present - had they known,

But, she did not have the time to indulge in such fantasies. The child, who should have been five or six, was now dangerously close to her.

The creature, exhibited strength and agility, that was unheard of, for such a small child. But it was a trait that all of the 'dead' ones possessed.

Now just feet away, the 'child' lunged - her bare feet leaving deep imprints on the wet, blood-soaked soil.

The short-term paralysis that always came after invoking such high-tier magic was indeed fading away, but the speed in which it did, was too slow. Way too slow.

The Priestess had no choice, but to let herself get eaten. Following next, would be the aged, but muscular monk who was on his knee and clutching his chest.

But -- *smack*. A gigantic fist blasted the 'child' tens of meters away, crushing it's head in the process. Accompanying it to the afterlife, were a couple more of 'them' - the ones who had their heads shattered from the impact of getting hit by the flying carcass.

The muscular arm, more than thrice the thickness of Priestess' waist, was covered in black hair - its fingers numbered four and wrapped around it's wrist was a very thick chain.

She remembered the arm of this creature well. How could she ever forget? For this was the same monster that chewed her entire right leg off, so many moons ago.

"Raasu-san!" She called out the name of the black furred, man-eating, bear-like beast with long rabbit ears.

The beast's eyes held none of the lunacy that it once harbored so long ago, but instead had the light of intelligence.

If this was one of the effects from being turned into a Summoned Beast or not, was beyond the Priestess, but she was nevertheless thankful.

A Priestess of the Holy Mother, she was indeed; To show such pure gratitude even to a former foe.

After confirming that the mages were safe for the time being, Summoner invoked the 'Summon' spells that were infused into her ten rings and called out two more large creatures.

The first, was a giant lizard - it was a size larger than the wyvern mount of the 'Demon Lord'. At twelve meters from tail to snout, and with flames covering it from top to bottom - it stood imposingly, with its four, treetrunk-like legs. Crushing a warrior to paste was very possible for this creature and just a hit of it's long, whip-like tail could tear apart an entire armored platoon.

The second, was a large, black horse. But it wasn't just any horse - it's mane was like the starry sky itself. Muscular limbs, shoulders, back, neck - it was the picturesque example of a perfect warhorse. It wasn't an exaggeration to say, that a single, well-timed kick could incapacitate a Gold-rank and kill a Silver. The same could be said, for the pitch-black, twin horns that were rooted in either temple and pointed towards whatever poor soul the creature decided to ram into.

"Lava Salamader, support Raasu! Starlight Bicorn, retrieve the two mages!" After 'nodding' once the two beasts, immediately began acting out their master's will.

The sound of squashing corpses underfoot, getting flung around and beaten to a literal pulp, almost formed an inconsistent melody that was comparable to the 'dead ones' melodies.

But, her job wasn't done yet.

After confirming the now ensuing carnage, Summoner also began chanting for the 'Mass Transfer' skill. Out of the group, she was the only one capable of using Space-Time magic. But, as stated before, she was not talented in the arts. Just transferring herself, required her to focus her everything on the spell - now, with the pressing need of evacuating everyone - the stress was obviously taking its toll.

And even worse, was that if she decided to summon any more than the three monsters than she already released, she would no longer have enough mana to invoke the Transfer Spell.

So, she could only hope, that the two others - the Hero and Sword Saint, can protect her defenseless figure for long enough, this time.

"... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..." Her mouth moved desperately, trying to pronounce the Spirit's language that even she herself only memorized and didn't understand.

Seeing that -- 'How long has it been, since we started?' --The Hero couldn't help but ask himself.

They'd already taken down so many of the 'things', that they could barely see the ground under the rotting carcasses and soiled clothing.

'There's already at least three thousand of them lying here and there's even more, still standing!'

At present the group didn't even have the leeway to chat, lest some of the slimy, decayed matter enter their mouths.

The original lustre of their equipment was blotted out by old blood and rotten flesh. The muck covering their bodies, was so thick - that if they weren't moving, or if they weren't coordinating like people - they'd probably be mistaken for one of the 'dead'.

All of them were fatigued, their mana was dwindling and, ironically enough - hunger and thirst that could kill, was slowly creeping in.

But just how did things come to be like this?

They were Heroes, were they not? How could they possily be reduced to such figures, by fighting creatures with even less intelligence than goblins?

Wasn't it incredibly strange?

If people thought of it that way then, of course it would seem strange. But... Heroes - especially the Heroes of Pandora - even when fighting entire armies of these 'things', will never see the need for retreat. Never.

But only if these things were all of the same level, that is...

A few feet away to the opposite side, was the Sword Saint.

The five were positioned in a square shape. Priestess, Monk, Sword Saint And Hero made up the edges, while Summoner was in the center.

This position was made with retreat in mind - letting Summoner focus on her Spell, while having her Monsters run between locations depending on the need.

They've only ever used this formation once - they succeeded that time. But, whether or not it'd go so well this time, was still up in the air. They could only hope that it was so.

"He's coming again! Brace!" Despite yelling something that could be misinterpreted depending on the context - Sword Saint raised her Mithril Scimitar with all seriousness - invoked mana clad around it and wrapped the flame-like Red mana onto her entire body - fastening herself tightly to the ground.

That she could invoke it, silently - even if its just Mana Clad was a testament to the grueling extent of her training.

Then, *boom* for a split-second, her hasty preparations were tested. But, "kyah!" Her prepwork was determined to be ineffective as she was thrown back several feet, tumbling several times along the way.

As she stopped, "Ack!" Was the only word she let out, before blacking out, with her head on a rock. She was okay for the most part, but the concussion just now, was terrible.

"Meria!" The Hero cried out her name before glaring hatefully at the giant responsible for the attack.

Standing at two-and-a-half meters with wide shoulders. It had arms and legs as thick as an adult human - the figure was built better than an ogre lord. It was garbbed from head to toe in bloodsplattered, Mithril alloy plate armor - Dragonskin leather and Duralumin chain mail was visible in the openings of the plate armor.

The helmet - was reminiscent of a dragon's head - the armor was also designed in such a way that it made the wearer look like a Demi-dragon. Even the back plate - had indents like those of Dragon wings.

While all of this, was enough to send fear down anyone's spine - the scariest thing about this 'giant' was it's choice of weapon.

It was a halberd.

It was almost three times the size of a normal halberd. The handle length, reached six and a half meters. While the spear-axe head of the weapon added another meter to the construction. So that it could be properly balanced despite being such an unwieldy weapon - the handle was made to be several inches in diameter.

It was without a doubt, an insane weapon - but it seemed to fit like a glove, in the hands of the 'giant'. Especially, because the blade was remiscient of a maddened Dragon's maw.

The name of this figure - this Giant - was 'Strongman'.

He was one of the six who slayed the [Evil Dragon Azi Dahaka].

He was also the only one to retire to the frontiers other than the Sword Maiden.

This was the man, who took the Evil Dragon's bite, head on and broke it's jaw.

Emphasis on 'was'.

Once upon a time, when the Hero was much younger, he admired this personage as his 'Hero'. But now, he would be the one that needed to consign him to oblivion.

He absolutely needed to do so.

But he just couldn't see how.

Not, when - pitch-black twin swords were making a beeline for his neck.

The speed at which the swords travelled was not something the Hero could parry with his own. His flesh and blood body was incapable of such a feat. Hence, "Mana Clad!" He covered himself in mana, just like the Sword Saint, earlier did.

The white, mist-like mana emanated from his body, and like a certain viscous liquid, they compressed as the mana propelled swords inched closer.

'Seeing' that it's attempt ended in failure - the attacker quickly retreated, putting much distance between them.

A nobleman - that was what the attacker was dressed like. Wrapped in tattered aristocrat's clothing - was the Silver-ranked Adventurer, 'Flashy Slash'.

This man's talent was among the highest in the continent. Despite only having Elementary level mana - he was able to utilize that miniscule amount and numerous Magical Items to it's fullest.

This was proven further, when he raced towards the Hero with swords held in an eagle stance.

'Frontal assault!' The Hero assumed a counter stance, waiting for the attack to come. But, he was mistaken.

As if teleporting, Flashy Slash appeared right behind him!

*swish* *swish* *clang* *clang* this time, the blades hit their marks with a pinpoint accuracy. Had the Hero not been wearing armor and invoked Mana Clad beforehand - both of his arms would've been cut off from the shoulder.

'How!?' The Hero was shocked. 'How did he get through my Mana Clad, this time!? Shit! If it wasn't for my armor!'

He had no idea, how the attack connected But, even if he did, there was no way he'd realize that the attacks just now, were never meant to cut his arms off.

The previous hits were merely to disorient him. The Hero was late in noticing that fact. He didn't even realize that he was actually falling forwards. No, he did, but he was too focused on his shoulders, that he failed to give any attention to his footing.

It was Flashy Slash's win.

Now moving instinctively, the Hero's right leg slid forward to maintain his balance and... *slip* his foot landed on a slimy, blood-lathered head.

As if it was a gag, he slipped and was now falling back-first.

'No!' Desperate, he tranferred all the Mana he used to form Mana Clad towards his front - anticipating that he would be showered in strikes.

The transfer was seamless and instantanous. A feat that was normally impossible, even for him.

But, this was another mistake. Because, now, between the interval until he fell to the ground - his back was basically defenseless.

'Flashy Slash' was 'experienced' enough to utilize this opening. As if returning a volleyball, he stabbed his Twin Swords towards the Hero's back from below.

His mithril armor saved him again. But, the Hero was flung upwards by the force.

Now, he was three meters in the air - he'll fall back down quite soon - But Flashy Slash wasn't going to end it with that.

Flashy Slash appeared instantaenously next to he Hero and *shwing* *shwing* the Hero was sent back to ground. Yet, just before he hit the ground, Flashy Slash appeared right next to him, again. Then he was flung back into the sky.

Back to the ground.

Up to the sky.

Back to the ground.

Up to the sky.

It was a comedic sight for any possible onlooker. A Hero, was getting toyed with, by a creature that 'supposedly' no longer had a brain.

Looking back, the Heroes couldn't deny that they were, though only slightly, underestimating their enemies.

Yes, they understood the dangers of fighting tens -maybe hundreds of thousands with just the six of them. But, the thought that these 'creatures' were dumber than goblins - never left them. It was always in the back of their minds.

Or at least, that was until they saw the sorry sight of the Hero being used as a tennis ball. Flashy Slash wielded his weapons - one-third-scale replicas of the Ancient Arch-Devil Blades; Envy and Wrath, forged from a Duralumin and 'Black Steel' alloy - like he was forming a sideways tornado.

Even worse, was how every attack, always seemed to hit the exact same place - the area where his heart was.

That he didn't target his unarmored head, was probably due to the leftovers of Flashy Slash's complacent and arrogant personality from when he was still alive.

Still, if it continued like this, the Hero's Mana Clad would soon dissipate - and when that happens - all that'd be left protecting him is severely damaged armor. When that happens, the Hero would undoubtedly die. After all, 'People die if they are killed' and there's no coming back from the dead.

Normally, that is.

Luckily, it didn't continue for much longer. For, just in the nick of time - just seconds before Hero's Mana fizzled out - *Grrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!* a ground-splitting roar echoed throughout the plains and threw 'everything' back just from the shockwaves alone.

This included Flashy Slash and Strongman who flinched and were pushed back a few inches. Yes, it was just a few inches, unlike the various 'others' who were thrown several feet into the air. But that several few inches, combined with the loud roar - was more than enough to breath new life into the Heroes...

"Ngh...? Gh-!" Sword Saint woke up.

"Kya!"

"Uo!" Priestess and Monk were 'scooped up' by the Starlight Bicorn that retreated deeper into the 'square'.

"Ark! Urgh!" And, the Hero was back again on his feet. "Everyone good!?" He yelled, not letting his sight off the 'strong dead ones'.

"Yeah!"

"Yes!"

"It would appear to be so."

The three answered in unison while regaining their bearings.

But, the entrance of a voice that they did not expect to hear - entered their ears.

"...yes... I'm fine..." Summoner answered and the group was instantly swept up with dismay. Summoner was talking - that meant that she cancelled her chanting half-way. That also meant that she no longer had the mana to use a Mass Transfer. The time it would take for Summoner to recover at least a fifth of her 'maximum capacity' was around thirty minutes when sleeping and two hours when awake.

Neither scenario was possible to produce.

They had now lost their only escape option. But despite that, they didn't say anything nor did they complain. There was no good reason to do so.

Because, had she not cut the chant and given the Telepathic order to 'roar at the highest possible volume' towards the Lava Salamander and Raasu - the Hero would've been killed. Followed by the Sword Saint. By that time, there would've been no hope of recovering and they would've been annhialated.

The rest of the group understood that - so they merely regrouped, tightening their circle around the critically fatigued Summoner. They knew that they had only one option, now.

Kill the Demon Lord.

And, hopefully, everyone would cease moving and return to being corpses. They could only hope that it was so.

With tacit understanding of everyone else's thoughts, brought from years of adventuring together - they marched steadily towards the city.

There was barely any distance between the Heroes at this moment.

Which meant that they could be killed with just a single concentrated attack.

The 'Valkyrie of the Wand' and 'Valkyrie of the Bow', who were riding their elegant, though- fatally injured - white pegasi as they hovered high up in the air - just slightly above the low-flying clouds - were not going to let this chance slip through.

The 'Valkyrie of the Wand' - who was watching them, all this while, using the High-Powered Binoculars that was worn around her neck - began chanting.

"... ... ... ... ... ..."

Although her 'words' were incoherent and barely had any semblance to 'real' words - mana was indeed collecting into her Staff. At the end of the staff formed from an Ancient Tree's branch was a fist-sized, colorless gem - which quickly began glowing an ominous red - then to yellow - and finally a bright, beautiful blue.

Once she had finished chanting - the smooth circular gem, was already like a miniature blue star. Almost hundreds of cubic meters of hydrogen and oxygen were getting consumed every second just to power the nuclear fission occuring inside.

This entire process took an approximate four minutes.

The 'Valkyrie of the Bow', on the other hand. had already finished her preparations, long before the 'Valkyrie of the Wand'. Nocked on her bow, with the Aranaea Silk string pulled as far as it could, was an arrow burning in a bright, white light. It was so bright that looking at it directly, would burn out a normal person's cornea's.

"Graarghh, grahhh..." The 'Valkyrie of the Wand's growls seemed to imply that she was a bit peeved by how easy the 'Valkyrie of the Bow' had it.

"He... hehe... that's... what... you get... for training... as... a... mage..." Was all that 'Valkyrie of the Bow' said, before she stuck her - half-bitten off - tongue out at the 'Valkyrie of the Wand'.