From Ashes To Scales

“This is…

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THE

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LARGE SCALE

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SPELL BREAKER!!”

As I muttered those words, I slammed my Staff of The Storm Ruler on the ground. All the sigils in the sky pulsated and sent a powerful shockwave across the entire village. Sounds of breaking glass could be heard as each undead creature was struck. And afterwards… each creature fell on the ground, lifeless.

For those of you who need a reminder, Spell Breaker is a spell meant to simply nullify your opponent's spell. When someone casts a spell, if the opponent can analyze the magic formation in the spell or knows the spell himself he can literally cancel the spell out.

And as I mentioned earlier, this necromancy is far inferior compared to the rituals written in the Undead King’s books. They were nothing more than puppets on strings, and I just cut the strings, rendering them lifeless. Such an inferior form of necromancy is something that I can dispel with ease. However, I will admit it did take quite a toll on me.

I steady myself for a moment, the weight of the spell briefly pressing down on me. My mana reserves are impressive, yes, but this was still a large-scale spell—one that consumed far more than I expected. The girls can’t see it, but I grip my staff just a little tighter, my body feeling heavier than before. I can’t afford to collapse, not now. The last thing I need is to look like an idiot.

But, in the end, it played out well. First, I relied on my girls to keep the opponent distracted so I could erect the mana dome and make sure I would engulf every undead in the proximity. If I was facing a serious opponent like Yridian, I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. But because Morthos was so confident, he wasn’t watching my movements. All that was left… was to cast Spell Breaker through the mana dome. It is very mana consuming. But, despite me being a little tired, I still have enough mana reserves left. Thank the Goddess for this body.

“Amazing!! Master is simply amazing!!” (Rusalka)

“That's my hubby for you! He just keeps shattering expectations! He just makes me fall in love with him over and over.” (Leona)

“As expected of Magnus-sama. My lord is a genius that knows no limits.” (Saphira)

“Way to go Magnus! I wonder if the villagers are going to give us some form of compensation for saving their butts?” (Rose)

As always, the girls were quick to lift me higher on a pedestal than I deserve. Their praise echoes around me, their words warm and full of admiration. Despite the slight fatigue from the spell, I can’t help but smile inwardly at their support. On the other hand, Morthos was sweating cold droplets, his jaw wide open.

“No… this can't be happening!! My army… just like that!? My dream… I was so close to finally being happy in my life, but you… What kind of monster are you?”

Fear and despair started to take over Morthos. He couldn't think straight anymore. I could tell from his ugly expression that his mind was kinda broken now. The moment I took one step forward, he would take one backwards.

“Stay back!! Don't come near me!”

“Unfortunately for you, there is no escape. Entangle.”

With those words, I clenched my fist calling forth the power of nature. The roots of trees erupted from the ground and started to bind Morthos. They were thick and sturdy. Despite his struggling he couldn't escape from their grasp. He was all wrapped up tight.

“Let go of me! What… what are you planning to do to me?”

I lowered my staff and turned my back towards him.

“Nothing. You're not worthy of my time. And besides, it's not my place to pass judgement.”

I turned my eyes towards Lydia.

“Lydia-san, it's only fitting that his fate should be in your hands.”

Turning my head towards Lydia, she didn't know how to react. But eventually she bowed down before me.

“Magnus. Words are not enough to express my gratitude. I am… no. The entire village is in your debt. We would have lost so much if you weren't here today. Morthos would have betrayed us sooner or later, and I am glad you were here to stop him.

If there is anything you need, just ask and if it's within my power to grant, it shall be yours.”

She stood up, her eyes meeting mine with sincerity. Then, with a playful smirk, she leaned forward, her giant breasts once again highlighted by her posture.

“If it pleases you, I wouldn't mind offering my body to you, fufu~!”

This again!? Seriously, what's up with these carnivorous women? Well, at least she was serious enough to detain Morthos. Most likely the villagers will interrogate him before killing him or… giving him whatever punishment they deem fit.

I chuckled, and then I tried to put a stop Lydia’s advances. “That won’t be necessary, Lydia-san. Just seeing the village safe is enough for me.”

But before Lydia could respond, a faint shimmer in the air caught my attention. I turned my gaze sideways, and there they were—the Council of Elders, watching from their distance, and surrounded by various bodyguards. They had witnessed everything.

Among them was Naja Scalesong, her serpentine eyes gleaming with newfound respect. She bowed her head, a gesture I hadn’t expected from someone of her stature.

“Magnus,” Naja’s voice echoed across the distance, reverberating through the forest. “Your strength is undeniable. If there is anyone who can save us from Volkos, it is you.”

Her words carried weight. For a moment, I could see the flicker of doubt in some of the other council members’ eyes. They exchanged uneasy glances, their fear palpable.

One of them, a thin, stern-faced woman, spoke up, her voice laced with hesitation. “But… what if Magnus becomes a greater tyrant than Volkos? Are we not trading one disaster for another?”

Murmurs of agreement rippled through a few others, their uncertainty clear. But Naja was quick to respond, her voice firm and resolute.

“We cannot live in fear of what might be. Magnus has already proven his worth today. He fights for the people, not for domination. If Volkos is defeated, we will be free… and I believe Magnus will honor that freedom. Although ruling with fear is something necessary at times, it's important not to abuse it and take it to the extreme. I believe Magnus will not abuse our trust.”

She paused, looking directly at me. “And even if he does… better a ruler who is strong but just, than a necromancer who seeks only to destroy.”

The council members fell silent. Slowly, one by one, they nodded their agreement. Though doubt lingered in some of their eyes, the tide had turned. They accepted the reality before them: I was the best chance they had.

Naja bowed again. “Magnus, we place our trust in you. If Volkos is defeated, we will accept your rule. Guide us, and we will follow.”

A small smirk tugged at my lips. “I’m not sure I’d call it ‘ruling,’ but if that’s what it takes to protect you all, so be it.”

Naja straightened, her gaze unwavering. “Then the fate of our world rests in your hands.”

And with that, both of us shook hands. The deal was set. Yosh!! So far so good… now... I seriously need to rest. Before I can plan my next move I need to gather my thoughts. Being in the spotlight… is scary.