Chapter 1257: Orionis Blade
Faith and determination strong enough to move mountains failed to make the rusty sword so much as stir. Joanna railed at her weakness, her failure to fulfill her duty. What good was finishing her seal if it didn't let her protect her Emperor and fend off his enemies? Was this the reward awaiting her companions after risking their lives to bring her here?
It wasn't right, but Joanna was all out of ideas. The [Orionis Blade] wasn't an enemy that the [Eight Hells Suppression] could overcome. Her unsealed gates were already wide open, and she was trading Longevity for strength. She'd even brought out her master's avatar in hopes her presence would subdue the reticent sword. If anything, it fought back with increased ferocity.
Trembling muscles tore from the blade's violent rejection, and her bones crackled like chestnuts roasting. Her physical suffering was nothing compared to the agony of ancient faith punishing her attempt to subvert its existence. The pain only made her dig deeper and push harder. She couldn't stop, not while her companions were still fighting to keep the hope alive.
It was futile. Joanna felt like she was back on those heavenly stairs, knowingly walking toward her death. Joanna didn't fear death any more after finding her path. She only felt regret as she fell to her knees. She wished she could have contributed more to the mission and Earth's safety. She wished she could have fought by his side a while longer.
He appeared in a cascade of starlight, no different than a divine revelation before a devout believer. A blinding light shook Joanna's muddled mind awake, and answered prayers filled her drained body with power. Nothing could withstand her Emperor's descent. The swarm of puppets collapsed when a wave of celestial might swept through their ranks.
A hand made from starlight appeared over hers, and Joanna felt born anew. The waning stream pouring into the [Orionis Blade] was reinvigorated with boundless energy and profound, steadfast faith. All rust and corruption were burnt away, and hostile beliefs guarding the battery submitted to the Emperor's will. It was ready.
The imperial apparition faded, leaving a burst of images and a short message. 'Good job—Save her.'
Joanna gripped the sword, her mind unprecedentedly clear. She didn't care about the fantastical transformation her accumulated faith was undergoing. She was the Emperor's spear, and she had her orders. She closed her eyes, becoming starlight and death.
The deadly streak emerging from a hidden chute arced, passing right by the misshapen creature banging against the gate. Its cruel aura filled Joanna with renewed hatred, yet she kept going with blinding speed. She only had a few seconds, even with the Emperor's assistance. The stellar sword entered the torn wall further down. Joanna could feel her target was close, but another enemy was in the way.