"Lady Shendu, you're incredible! The White Whale didn't stand a chance against you at all."
After witnessing Shendu deploy the Shadowkhan to swarm the White Whale—and then watching her punch it back into the sky—Rem's water-blue eyes brimmed with admiration. To her, Shendu was simply too powerful. Even the legendary strongest Witchbeast couldn't harm her in the slightest.
"It's nothing. Just a third-rate Witchbeast."
Shendu shook her head. Holding the holy sword in her hand, she did not rush to attack again. Instead, she calmly observed the scene unfolding in the sky, a faint smile playing on her lips.
From the very beginning, her reason for using the Shadowkhan was to entangle the White Whale and enjoy the spectacle of it being ganged up on. She had been waiting for the audience to arrive before concluding the performance.
"But the White Whale still has the power of the Mist of Annihilation. Lady Shendu, please be careful."
Suddenly recalling the Witchbeast's terrifying ability, Rem couldn't help but warn her.
"I know. Don't worry."
Hearing Rem's concern, Shendu reached out and gently patted her small head.
Roar!
Under the Shadowkhan's relentless assault, the already wounded White Whale thrashed its massive tail fin wildly, scattering several ninja in the process.
With another furious roar, an overwhelming pressure burst from its body. Gray-white mist began to seep from its surface once more.
Like drifting clouds, it rapidly spread across the sky. In the distance, Reinhard's expression tightened, a trace of gravity appearing in his eyes.
"Everyone, do not approach! That's the White Whale's Mist of Annihilation!"
Standing some distance from the battlefield, Reinhard immediately issued a warning.
"Fall back! Retreat immediately!"
Fully aware of the White Whale's terrifying power, those nearby dared not advance and quickly withdrew.
As the Witchbeast of Mist, the authority it possessed was anything but weak.
Anything enveloped by the Mist of Annihilation would have its very existence erased. Body and name alike would vanish, as if it had never existed in this world.
Earlier, when Shendu had approached the mist, she had used the holy sword to disperse it for one simple reason—to prevent Rem from being caught within it.
After all, Shendu's strength far surpassed such authority. To think that this degree of power could erase her existence was nothing short of a joke.
Sensing the scale of the unfolding battle, Crusch and the others, who had initially considered drawing closer, immediately abandoned the idea.
As veterans, they understood all too well how dreadful that Witchbeast was. Approaching it would be no different from tempting death.
The only thing they could do was pray that the silver-haired girl would survive and not fall at the White Whale's claws.
After the three factions under Crusch retreated beyond the range of the Mist of Annihilation, their eyes remained fixed on the battlefield, eager to see what Shendu would do next.
Like a raging storm, the Mist of Annihilation swept outward. Wherever it passed, every Shadowkhan ninja it touched disappeared without a trace.
As a power granted by the Witch, it left the Shadowkhan with almost no means of resistance. The moment they came into contact with it, they were completely erased.
The cloudlike mist, after wiping out the Shadowkhan in its path, began to descend rapidly, gradually enveloping the space above Shendu and Rem.
Sensing the impending threat of death closing in, Rem said nothing. She merely stood by Shendu's side, quietly watching the approaching mist.
It was impossible for her not to fear a legendary existence like this. Yet since she had chosen to trust her master, she would harbor no doubt.
As a maid, Rem believed that accompanying her master even unto death was a form of happiness.
Facing the Mist of Annihilation, Shendu closed her eyes and extended her senses. Within it, she detected faint traces of authority, and a smile curved her lips.
Holding the holy sword horizontally before her, she activated the Divine Protection of Holy Radiance once more. A golden brilliance bloomed along the blade.
High above, the White Whale fixed its cruel gaze upon the human below, anticipating the erasure of her presence.
The injuries it had just suffered were the most severe it had endured in over a decade. They were not to be underestimated.
At that moment, all eyes turned toward Shendu, waiting to see what earth-shattering act this silver-haired, red-eyed girl would perform next.
Yet not everyone believed in her success—for instance, Anastasia.
The purple-haired merchant girl wore a faintly mocking smile.
Sensing the scrutiny directed her way, Shendu showed not the slightest tension. Centered on her, an astonishingly pure surge of magic gathered.
The holy sword in her hand radiated continuous golden light. Wind-attribute magic infused the blade, whipping up a violent gale.
The Mist of Annihilation that had just drawn near was blown apart in places—but that was not the end.
Believing the human was attempting to disperse its mist, the White Whale pushed its authority to the limit. Denser waves of mist surged forward.
As more Mist of Annihilation bore down upon her, Shendu remained unmoving. Gripping the holy sword with one hand, she merged wind-attribute magic with pitch-black shadow power.
The two forces fused.
Raising the holy sword high, she gave a light swing toward the White Whale in the sky.
"Heavenfall Rend."
With a soft utterance, a spiraling sword aura burst forth. In midair, it transformed into a black dragon, releasing a thunderous roar.
Roooaaar!
Accompanied by the dragon's cry, the terrifying Mist of Annihilation was torn open by the black dragon formed from sword energy, ripped apart as if cleaved by invisible claws. The mist itself was dragged backward, forced into reverse flow.
Sensing an overwhelming aura of death, the White Whale did not hesitate. It unleashed its full power and split into three identical forms in a desperate attempt to protect itself.
Unfortunately, it was already too late.
The martial technique Shendu had obtained from the Multiverse Role-Playing System was a true divine art.
Containing the dreadful power to annihilate everything, it shredded the two split White Whales into fragments, reducing them to a rain of blood mist across the sky.
The remaining force pierced straight through the original body. The sword aura tore through its heart, causing the strongest Witchbeast to release a final wail.
It began to plummet.
Its massive body crashed heavily onto the earth, sending dust billowing everywhere.
Boom!
With a deafening explosion, the super Witchbeast that had ravaged the continent for four hundred years was brought down.
"The White Whale... is it really defeated?"
Rem murmured in disbelief.
"Yes. It's been dealt with. Now, perhaps we can find out what this Witchbeast tastes like."
A smile flickered in Shendu's crimson eyes as she looked at the White Whale's corpse. She had a very reasonable way of handling it.
Barbecue.
If one pot wasn't enough, then she would simply use a hundred grills.
Truth be told, in this solo battle against the White Whale, the Shadowkhan had played a significant role as tools. If she had handled it entirely on her own, she would have needed to expend a few more moves.
After all, a Witchbeast of this caliber was not worth her using excessive power. There was even less reason to go all out.
She still needed to reserve some strength to deal with those members of the Witch Cult later. Naturally, she would not reveal too much of her true power.
In her eyes, it was nothing more than a slightly special Witchbeast—not even worthy of being remembered.
On the Lifaus Highway, Crusch and the others stared blankly at the White Whale as it plummeted from the sky, shock written all over their faces.
Moments earlier, they had only heard a dragon's roar. A black dragon formed from sword energy had approached the Mist of Annihilation and slammed into it.
The dense mist, like rolling storm clouds, was struck by the dragon-shaped aura and immediately began to flow backward. Carrying an unstoppable force, it pierced straight through the strongest Witchbeast.
Seeing such a scene, Crusch was stunned into silence for a long time. She had never imagined that Shendu, alone with a single sword, could subdue such a terrifying monster.
Reinhard's eyes shone even brighter. His interest in that silver-haired, red-eyed girl deepened further.
As for Anastasia, she was simply furious. Watching Shendu—who had stolen business from her—achieve such a feat left her both angry and helpless. It was the first time she had tasted such frustration.
"Julius, there's nothing left for us here. Let's go back."
Anastasia's mood was extremely sour. She glanced at her knight before turning away.
Julius had still wanted to catch another glimpse of the White Whale, but upon hearing her words, he paused briefly before following after her.
"Lady Anastasia, shouldn't we stay a little longer? At least to see the White Whale up close?"
He had hoped to witness the legendary strongest Witchbeast with his own eyes, so he felt puzzled by her abrupt departure.
"No need. Anything accomplished by the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild—I don't want to see a single bit of it. That hateful woman."
Anastasia's expression darkened as she cast one last look into the distance before leading her people away.
Still, this trip had not been without gain. The greatest takeaway was learning the extent of Shendu's strength.
Alone with a single sword, in just half an hour, she had slain a Witchbeast of legend.
Who knew whether that woman had concealed even more power? The thought made her feel uneasy.
"I suppose that's true."
The purple-haired knight nodded, half understanding. In the end, he said nothing more and followed Anastasia away.
Only after Anastasia departed did Crusch, Reinhard, and the others—who had arrived merely as spectators—finally approach Shendu's side.
"I truly did not expect Miss Shendu's abilities to reach such heights. You are not to be underestimated."
Crusch's shock had solidified into clear recognition of Shendu's strength.
"I also did not expect Miss Shendu to be this powerful. If the opportunity arises, I would very much like to exchange a few moves with you."
Reinhard's fighting spirit stirred. Once everything settled, he hoped to spar with her.
"Hehe, Big Sister really is the best!"
Felt's joy overflowed. The sight before her left her brimming with excitement.
Only Wilhelm seemed less pleased. Though the White Whale had been slain, he had not dealt the killing blow himself to avenge his wife. That left him both relieved and despondent.
"Wilhelm, don't think too much about it, nya. Everything will turn out fine, nya!"
Noticing his expression, Felix offered gentle comfort.
"I know. It's just... my heart feels heavy."
Wilhelm gripped the hilt of his sword and fell silent as he walked forward.
When the subjugation force arrived, they found Shendu already at work on the highway. Holding a black katana, she was carving up the White Whale's body. After slicing through its cratered hide, translucent white flesh was revealed beneath.
Sensing their approach, Shendu had long been prepared. As Crusch and the others drew near, she leapt down from the White Whale's body and offered them a refined curtsey.
"Long time no see, Crusch, Reinhard, Felt."
She greeted them casually.
"Hehe, Big Sister, I missed you so much!"
Seeing Shendu completely unharmed, Felt rushed forward and threw her arms around her.
"It's nothing. Thank you for bringing Reinhard, but unfortunately, I didn't require his assistance."
Shendu shook her head calmly, as though it were of no consequence.
Meanwhile, Rem stepped forward and respectfully greeted Crusch and Reinhard without hesitation.
"Lady Crusch, hello."
"Lord Reinhard, hello."
Rem bowed deeply, her posture humble and proper as a maid, leaving no room for dislike.
"Hello. Your name is Rem, correct? Could you tell me the details of what happened?"
Crusch asked with interest, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Of course, Lady Crusch."
After organizing her thoughts, Rem recounted the entire course of the battle in detail.
Crusch listened with growing admiration. She had clearly underestimated that woman—and had never expected such overwhelming strength.
"It seems she didn't even use much of her true power," Reinhard concluded perceptively.
"Now that everyone's here, let's have some White Whale barbecue!"
After the explanations concluded, Shendu gestured toward the massive carcass and spoke generously.
Since it had been a "gift" from the Witch, it would be a waste not to make good use of it.
At her words, the surrounding crowd eagerly stepped forward to help. Some gathered firewood and chopped trees, others prepared grills. The division of labor was remarkably efficient.
Before long, the aroma of roasting meat spread across the Lifaus Highway. Shendu picked up a piece of freshly grilled White Whale meat and took a small bite.
The flesh was tender and flavorful. Aside from its fearsome reputation, this Witchbeast was surprisingly delicious.
Once everyone had eaten their fill, Shendu distributed portions of the meat to Crusch and Reinhard so they would not return empty-handed.
She also informed them that they could publicly claim participation in the White Whale subjugation. However, she had one condition—an alliance. They were not to target Emilia's faction in the future.
After careful consideration, Crusch and Reinhard agreed to the alliance. However, the pact was made solely in Shendu's name.
"Thank you, Miss Shendu. When you have the time, please visit the Karsten family. We will receive you with the highest honors."
Crusch accepted her goodwill. She also intended to bring the uplifting news back to the royal capital.
"It's nothing. I'll pay you a visit when I have time."
Shendu smiled faintly, her crimson eyes calm.
"The Royal Guard will remember this favor as well. If you ever require assistance, I will lend my strength."
Reinhard expressed his gratitude sincerely. Due to his position, he had been unable to deal with the Witchbeast himself. Now that it was gone, the royal capital would be far safer.
"Very well. I look forward to it."
Shendu responded with a composed smile.
"How could my wife have died to something as weak as the White Whale? It makes no sense..."
As matters finally settled, Wilhelm stood before the remnants of the White Whale, gripping his sword hilt tightly. His emotions were tangled and incomprehensible.
Hearing his words, Shendu smiled faintly and stepped forward, revealing what she knew.
"Although the White Whale was the one that killed your wife, the true manipulator behind it was someone else."
Her words immediately drew Wilhelm's gaze.
"Miss Shendu, what do you know? Please tell me everything."
Wilhelm's eyes were deadly serious. He had already sensed that his wife's death must have concealed some hidden truth.
Otherwise, given that she had been the kingdom's Sword Saint at the time, it would have been impossible for a mere White Whale to accomplish such a feat.
The more he thought about it, the more strange—and ominous—it seemed.
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