Chapter 273: The Spear Lion's Return
Pocket Dimension in the White Star Radiance sect.
The large plaza was filled to the brim with experts from every division. Each wore a variant of the sect's uniform along with the symbols of their respective divisions. Most of the leading figures, generally around Gold tier 3 and above, wore the signature white masks adorned with golden star patterns, while only a select number of lower-level experts were permitted to wear them.
The vast majority of disciples also wore thin sashes or banners representing the sect. Many others wore their own versions of lesser-quality white masks with grey or blue star patterns, symbolizing their lower status compared to those with gold-starred masks.
Ramiro stood near the center stage, his mighty presence alone inspiring awe among those present. His expression was slightly rigid as he glanced toward the young fanged elf princess standing nearby, intermingled with the Lion's Spearhearts division. She wore a slightly timid expression, though sharp determination could still be seen in her gaze. Beside her stood Sophia, who appeared to be speaking calmly into her ear.
Nearby were several familiar faces such as Talia, Nahjer, and others from Elton's early days after first entering the Bright Blade subsect years ago. Many of them had long since changed, growing into formidable warriors in their own right.
"Lord Ramiro, please make sure you do a good job escorting this beautiful Princess to that handso— I mean, that interesting future king of Brawlmanica, whatever his name might be. Umm, please…" Ivorileaf requested, growing more timid the longer she spoke.
"Uh, yeah, sure." Ramiro replied with slightly furrowed brows and a hint of helplessness. "You know there are also many experts from the Grand Fae Spirit Alliance aiding our cause, so there's no real need to stick close to me…"
"No thank you. Isn't it best to stay with someone extremely strong and sturdy?" Ivorileaf replied with conviction before faltering slightly. "Since knowing you for so long, you've proven yourself to be a great shield… I mean, you're very large, so…"
"Just let her be, Rami Rey." Isabella chimed in cheerfully, with Gabriela nodding vigorously beside her. "Ivorileaf is beautiful and has a great eye! Rami Rey really is sturdy."
"…Fuck." Carlos Jr. muttered under his breath with mild irritation.
The other women surrounding Ramiro soon began praising him as well, causing him to smile wryly and shake his head in resignation.
At that moment, a massive magical circle began to glow beneath their feet. Christy suddenly appeared from a nearby direction, her gaze calm and composed.
"Good luck on your journey, everyone, as you undertake this mission," Christy said clearly. "Many of you will be heading out to save our homeland, Brawlmanica, from the tyranny of certain rebellious forces. This especially applies to those demonic beasts that don't know what's good for them. As for those of you who are not from Brawlmanica, or who have never even set foot on the Desert Red Star continent, this will surely be an interesting ordeal. May fate be on your side as you show the world the power of our White Star Radiance sect!"
Christy's impassioned words, combined with the faint pressure she exuded, electrified the morale of the disciples. Even the weaker members were reminded that powerful experts stood firmly behind them. To many, Christy's beauty was awe-inspiring, her Aka Boshi no Tengan shining with a gaze that seemed to pierce straight into the hearts and souls of those present.
With a unified roar, the massive magic circle flared brightly. White thunderous flames layered with intricate magical symbols and inscriptions erupted as the light swallowed everyone whole. In the next instant, the plaza flashed brilliantly, and every figure within it vanished without a trace.
Christy looked on with a calm expression that gradually turned serious. Various experts, far fewer in number, soon began to pour in from farther out. Shayleaf and Amberleaf were among them.
"Hmph! This Princess feels that you gave such an impressive and passionate speech that it greatly motivated me! Hmm, but what exactly are you having us do?" Amberleaf asked with an intrigued expression.
"Don't worry, Amber. Sister Chrissy told me eeeeeeeverything already, so just follow my lead, kaay?" Shayleaf said with a smile, tilting her head.
"Then why have you not told this Princess anything yet? Are you a blockhead or something?" Amberleaf shot back with a disdainful expression.
Christy smiled wryly at the two before glancing toward Jewleaf. She shook her head slightly, then looked toward Rudecka, who seemed to be subtly hiding her presence.
"Please look after everyone, Miss Rudecka," Christy said with a slight bow.
"Don't worry about it. I'm more than capable of handling the task. Also, the people of my clan have already moved toward the designated location, from what I've gathered," Rudecka replied in a serious tone.
"Oi!! Hold on a minute! Child Chris, why did you look past me like that?! I'm certainly very responsible. Don't be like this," Jewleaf protested with a somewhat pleading tone, smiling wryly.
"Elder Jewleaf, I hear you, truly, but Miss Rudecka is probably more responsible. Umm, not saying you aren't, but you know…" Christy replied with a strained smile, deliberately averting her gaze.
"Whaaaat?! Is that really how you think of me? Boohoo… Worry not! I will show you just how responsible I can be. I will change my image for sure!" Jewleaf declared passionately.
"No, I would actually prefer that you didn't…" Christy muttered under her breath, a faint headache forming as she worried her plans might once again go awry.
"Don't worry, Sister Chrissy. We will be just fiiiine," Shayleaf said warmly.
Christy smiled back. In truth, she trusted Shayleaf far more than anyone else present, and her earlier words had been little more than a formality.
…
Amid a wide plain at the edge of Brawlmanica, a large group of individuals suddenly appeared within an intense burst of light filled with white enchanted flames. Surrounding them on all sides were vast armies, including demonic beasts that had been battling one another only moments earlier.
A Skycleaver Roc floated high in the skies at the very center of the formation below. Atop its body stood Erica, radiating a mighty magical aura. Beside her stood a slightly injured Bolland, and Erin Soloman who wore a grim expression. Defensively surrounding her were six magical aircraft from both the Soloman clan and her Soloman Division. Signs of damage covered portions of the craft, as well as the magical shields encasing them.
Twelve more magical aircraft hovered at varying distances throughout the skies, many bearing their own damage. Hordes of flying demonic beasts glided through the air, quite a few of them injured. Upon witnessing the army that had appeared out of nowhere via the massive magic circle, many wore grim expressions, others confusion, and a select few joy as they vaguely realized what was unfolding.
The ground began to tremble faintly as a powerful surge of ki swept over the battlefield. Suddenly, a booming laugh rang out, carried by a joyous and heroic voice.
"Hahahahaha!!! Rejoice! I, Ramiro León, the Dragon Spear Hero of León, have returned to Brawlmanica!! Spread the word, because I am about to challenge all of my enemies to death!" Ramiro roared as the lingering light slowly faded.
Many paled as they felt the terrifying pressure he exuded, clearly surpassing that of a mere Early Stage Mortal Lord.
Ivorileaf, standing nearby, also paled slightly, a sudden doubt flashing through her mind as if she might have made the wrong decision. After swallowing nervously, she quickly forced herself to regain her composure.
In a distant space, several experts from the Night's Light Devouring Church observed the scene with grim expressions.
"We should prepare to retreat. Getting involved with that man, especially in a situation like this, is far from ideal," one expert said gravely. "As insane as it sounds, it's far easier to exploit a weakness in the White Corrosive Flame Empress than to deal with him and his absurd durability."
The others silently nodded in agreement.