Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Zenith First Debut!

On a large plain between territory of fallen angel and devil, a massive army stretched as far as the eye could see. The leaders of each faction and mythologies stand together giving speeches to raise morale.

"Hey Ray, you didn't joke when you say that you would prepare the transportation right? We have more than 40 millions soldiers to lift off."

"Relax, I got it covered… let's show you another hidden card under my sleeve."

Ray raises his hand to the air before opening a massive space rift a few kilometres above them.

"Bring in the armada, Shinano" Ray messaged her using communication magic.

"At once, commander!"

Then multiple starships enter the portal at high speed as they suddenly appear one by one as they cover the whole sky with white metal construct with Shinano ship body being the largest and longest one around 3 km long and 0.5 km on the widest part.

The armada contains 3 fleets and 2 special fleets consist of primarily armoured personnel carriers modified into planet breacher and escorts that are filled with as much flak cannon as it physically could. There also suicide drone ship that is basically dreadnought class torpedo outfitted with navigation system and cheap AI guidance system.

"So, how?" Ray asked Azazel and the other leaders that look at the sky with a wide open mouth.

"The fuck is that Ray! The Artificial Sacred Gear is fine, other secret research is fine but… this! This is too much! Tell me, where did you hide all these ships! Where did you build these! Tell me!" Azazel had gone mad as his mind couldn't cope with Ray's surprise

The other leaders also can see the true implications of this. If Ray can secretly build all these ships, he must have a base somewhere and the other side of the rift is basically space. This means that Ray has a secret base somewhere else which isn't wrong as he recently added his first star into his soulscape enabled because of his Cosmic Lord and Astromancer class.

Ray didn't need to put the star in his soulscape to benefit from it but he did it for convenience. The star he added is a resource rich star where the entire manufacturing base is located at. The star also is near Yharnam's Earth which makes it easy to supply raw material for the Yharnam city.

"How fast can these vessels travel?" Odin asks

"They travel on a light-year basis and you can probably guess the rest with your wisdom."

"Also tell those that can fly to ride those ships that float, leave the personnel carrier for those that cannot fly or are not strong enough. The leaders will go with me."

Ray waits until they finish giving order and making sure that no one is left behind before the leader and him appear on Shinano's bridge along with her. Amaterasu and Sun Wukong are surprised to see that Shinano is a Kyuubi and even more so when they feel that she is practically bare of mana.

Ray's excuse is that she has a weird condition that makes her unable to use mana and instead is very good with mechanical and science stuff which is why she is like this. No one suspects Ray's explanation since Shinano still has the presence of mana but simply cannot use them and it made people think she simply has an inert mana core which is her wisdom cube.

When they are ready to depart, Ray gives a vocal order to his thought of controlling the AIs. The large armada then finally departed toward the realm of dead which is in a deeper layer of the Underworld.

…

"Oi oi oi, is this for real! A starship of this size… and this isn't even the largest lol."

"Yea, even Grigori, which is the most advanced amongst all factions can't build a starship yet."

"Do you think the Pale Blood faction do recruitment? I wanna join their faction, maybe I have a chance to become a captain of a small starship!"

While the humans from Grigori are talking with each other, their commanding officer sighed before reprimanding them.

"I know you guys are very excited about the ship but remember to focus. We are going to a war, not a picnic."

"Yes, Sir" the group saluted their commanding officer before they did a final check on their gear.

Meanwhile with the devil elite group, Ajuka and Falbium is incharge of leading the devil while Sirzechs is with Ray to handle the stronger opponent.

"This ship's frame is created in a single part using a very durable alloy…" Ajuka appraises the battlecruiser he is onboard on.

Falbium fell asleep after he gave his order to officers under him while waiting for them to arrive.

There are various reactions by many notable people with the joint army assembled for this war. The more modern ones is in awe with the starships but the older ones, especially the gods only think of it as a fancier carriage.

…

"Is the armament of these ships any good against the supernatural people?" Amaterasu asks since she is quite skeptical of its usefulness.

The other leaders also expressed their doubt except Azazel and Odin. They almost never interact with human technology due to their old ways of thinking. They believe in their magic power superiority which Ray cannot blame them when people like Indra can technically destroy Earth if he wanted.

"You will be surprised with what it is capable of. For starters, that ship is an Eternal Storm battlecruiser." Ray points to the battlecruiser that flanks their sides.

"Twenty of their main gun is enough to drill a hole to the world core and allow them to drop a massive fusion nuclear bomb that can make Earth explode." Ray proudly explained.

(Note: The Cyclonic torpedo but manually drill the hole.)

Everyone is alarmed by Ray's statement.

"But I still haven't produced one since I lack the capability to store them."

Ray laughs sheepishly while the others feel relieved and angry that Ray startled them.

"Can you sell me one? Just the small one is enough… you understand me right Ray? This is a man's dream to sail through space and explore like the humans movie."

"We can negotiate later, Azazel. We almost reached our destination." Ray said as the information from the navigation system is fed directly into his brain.

The layers of the Underworld are connected by a massive chasm that leads to its core. On the edge of the chasm is multiple layers of subterranean land similar to the top layer where the devil and fallen angel live. The layers didn't have sky as it was covered by the top layer.

The realm of dead is on the lower part near the Cocytus or the frozen hell where many strong beings like titans or Samael are imprisoned. The extreme cold froze them here and sleep forever in the frozen realm.

When they finally arrived at the sky above Hades's realm, they saw the whole edge of the layer swarmed by an endless amount of insects. The sky is also enveloped by clouds of flying insects like giant mosquitoes, locusts, wasps and even flying spiders.

"They are thoroughly prepared for or attack huh. Let me clear those flying one, my lightning can easily fry those insects to crisp."

"Allow me to help too."

Zeus and Amaterasu say before they teleport out of the Shinano ship. Ray also gave orders to his armada to fire all armaments to clear a place to land the soldiers.

Few seconds after Ray gave the order, the sky is blotted by cannon fire, lasers, missiles and etc as the armada bombard the entire edge of Hades's realm, pulverize the insects and turn the dune into scorched melting glass.

However, undeterred by the bombardment, the insects cover the cleared land again as they couldn't see an end of the endless insects that stretch through the whole dune. They are only able to see a small dot which the castle Hades live in, at the edge of the horizon.

Seeing that bombardment will not work, Ray has to act since the others need to reserve their strength for the real battle and not on these cannon fodder.

Ray tells the leaders to join after he clears the Insects flood and tells Shinano to land the personnel carrier. After that, he summoned his grimoire and exited the bridge.

"Zeus, Amaterasu, conserve your strength and let me take care of these cannon fodder." Ray tells them using communication magic that they nod and stop killing the flying insects.

He raises his hand before imagining two forces rotating against each other before he pour a tenth of his mana and invoke the spell name

"[Gravity Maelstrom]"

The world stopped for a moment before an invisible ripple spread across the sky and land as an invisible vortex sucked the insects and funnelled them into a black sphere between the sky and the land that tore apart and compressed the insects which in the process, killed them.

The spell however, isn't to kill but to gather them up in one place.

"Your turn now Nyx."

"Yes Milord" Nyx appeared from the grimoire and use it to cast spell.

"Why can't you just call me normally… well better than Ravel I guess." Ray sighed as he felt his mana is siphoned by the grimoire.

"[Solar Flare]!"

A large gout of flame mixed with molten bedrock exploded out of the sandy surface and melted the insects that caught in the attack range. Nyx cast more [Solar Flare] until the gathered insects melted with the molten bedrock. The spell also created a barrier that kept out the insects and cleared a large space for the alliance troop to land.

"Milord…"

"Yes Nyx" Ray looked at Nyx who called for him.

"Why don't you just cast Dimension Collapse and destroy the entire layer? Isn't that way quicker and better than wasting time attacking like this?"

Nyx is confused as to why Ray wanted to attack with such an inefficient method when he can just delete the whole layer from existence.

"As you know, the realm of dead is required for the cycle of rebirth and I have something to retrieve from Rizevim since he moved all his possessions here.

Nyx only nodded before she continues to cast other spells like [Gravity Well] and Meteor [Shower] to trap and clear out the remaining enemies while the alliance soldiers landed on the cleared area surrounded by molten bedrock that created a safe zone.

While the alliance are landing and forming ranks, the new waves of insects along with Khaos Brigade members are joining the front. The insects this time look stronger and consist of predators like scorpions, mantis and wasps. They all have metallic carapace and glow in a reddish hue like being affected by magic.

"The strong one remembers to conserve your strength, don't go and waste it all on cannon fodder unless crucial, ok!" Ray reminded them using magic to broadcast his voice.

"Yes!" The strong ones like Odin, Sirzechs, Thor and etc replied to Ray.

"Good, ATTACK!"

A loud roar from everyone echoed across the battlefield as they made use of their terrain advantage to bombard the incoming enemies using magic while weaker soldiers set their magic shield into a few layers of wall surrounding their backliner, ready with their firearm's artificial sacred gear to counter the charge.

(The molten metal form a C shape barrier against the enemies and the alliance soldiers have a choke point to defend while the soldiers can use ranged attack to mow down the enemies.)

The second is somewhat successful because the Insects is stronger and durable while under berserk effect. The insects easily rampaged through the line which thankfully the stronger people managed to put up a shield like Falbium created his Absolute Defense.

Ray unleashes all 1 million knives from Tsukuyomi to attack the enemies which are able to accurately decapitate the enemies while sending energy sword slash using Artemis. Ray target the Old Satans faction devils and other mages that trying to cast magic attack

Then out of nowhere an arrow made of fire flew toward them and split into many arrows. Ray instantly turns all the knives into defensive plates to create a two layer barrier and defend against the arrows. The arrows explode on impact and cause the plates to become displaced and few manage to pass it before Ray can rearrange the plates into three layers to mitigate the explosion.

"That's Apollo, the God of the Sun but he is nowhere to be seen." Nyx says as she also attacks but uses her darkness manipulation.

"He probably noticed that I can suppress his divinity."

Ray replied as he saw the real enemy soldiers finally arrived. They consist of reapers and their leader Pluto, Old Satans devils, remnants of Hero factions, gods that defected like Loki and Apollo, and other collections of human mages.

The real fight finally started. Each factions within the alliance followed their leaders to meet head to head with the enemies. The Norse especially are quite eager as the vikings and valkyries yelled something before charging at the enemies. Probably venting their anger for the attack on Midgard.

The Old Satans group however focus exclusively on the devil as they wanted to kill the current Satans that the think is incompetent for striving for peace.

While the enemies are focusing on their front, Ray activates Presence Concealment before going to their back and spawn a line of Messenger lamp to send out his hunters. This effectively surrounded the enemies and caused them to fall into disarray as they were now attacked from two sides.

The hunters armed with weapons filled with serrated teeth like Saw Spear, Saw Cleaver or rare ones like Whirligig Saw appeared near the lamps and charged the enemies like frenzied beasts thirst for blood. Then comes the vicars and hunters with firearms that spray volley of poison tipped explosive bullets which didn't do much damage but manage to suppress the enemies to hide behind their shields and barrier.

Although the total hunters is around 200k only which is miniscule compared to tens of millions enemies, their undying trait makes them do all sorts of reckless attacks just to kill an enemy where one even uses his mouth to chew off the enemies face.

To put the cherry on top, Ray activates his divinity to buff his hunters but his Elohim Physique suddenly activates an ability that causes his other wings to appear. A magic circle that bears the crest of Ophis in the middle and three other smaller crests on the outer circle that bear the crest of devil, fallen angel and angel. Connected to the magic circle is 20 pairs of wings made of light. The colour is divided between golden yellow, gray and black to symbolise the pure angel, fallen angel and devil.

The angel, fallen angel and devil on the alliance side coated in the aura of their respective colours. They all get a boost in power and defence which cause the three faction leaders to look at Ray weirdly. Michael and Azazel especially look at him in shock as they clearly feel the light of Biblical God from him.

Gabriel who joined the alliance soldiers for this war immediately abandoned her fight and rushed to Ray while calling him father but he instantly activated Presence Concealment on reflex and vanished like other fathers who went to buy milk. Gabriel then became mad as her power no longer restrained as she rampaged in enemies rank while shouting 'father'. The power boost she gets from Ray fuels her mad rush as she can feel her father's light nearby but cannot see where it came from.

Ray silently floats as he surveys the battlefield and looks out for outside interference while directing the telekinetic knives through Tsukuyomi to kill the enemies. Definitely not hiding away from the angels and fallen angels.

…

Half a day had passed as the alliance almost defeated their enemies which dwindled in numbers. The alliance has superior firepower and an armada of starships giving support from the air.

"Reporting!" Few messengers from each faction gave a status report to Ray about the condition of their armies and their losses.

They suffered 20% casualties and 40% more incapacitated. Majority is the frontline defenders and low class soldiers. The remaining 40% majority are middle class and above. The fallen soldiers and incapacitated soldiers are returned to the starships to be shipped immediately back to devil and fallen angel territory to be treated.

"Tell them to immediately finish the remaining enemies, we are going to breach Hades's castle."

"Yes sir!" The messengers saluted before quickly relaying the order to their leaders.

Nyx then appeared next to him while levitating the Grimoire on her right palm.

"Milord, should I flatten the castle?" Nyx asks while being strangely excited to cast more devastating magic. Ray hoped she didn't develop a fetish for explosion magic like certain Arch Wizard.

"Just avoid the main throne room, Rizevim temporary lab is just below it." Ray reminded Nyx who nodded and vanished god knows where with the Grimoire constantly sucking away his mana which indicates she is casting spells.

Few seconds later, he saw a meteor shower and a few asteroids were bombarding the castle as [Solar Flare] occasionally popped up around the castle. Few leaders contacted Ray regarding Nyx liberal use of the Grimoire's spells with Odin and Thor jokingly ask if they are even needed to breach the castle.

"Ray, our scout saw the Grim Reaper under Hades fled the castle. They didn't even bother to defend the castle." Azazel informed through the public link that connected to all leaders.

"It didn't look like a trap because almost all Grim Reapers fled the castle as if being chased by something." Someone said.

"Can someone stop Nyx from casting more spells? Azazel-dono and I can't get close enough to investigate the situation." Ajuka added with annoyed tone but at the same time helpless to stop Nyx who are hiding with Darkness manipulation.

"Give me a sec… done." Ray put the Grimoire under lockdown mode which turned it into nothing but a normal book with fancy spells.

"Leave the armies here, we only need the strong one because the castle is now undefended. I have a bad feeling about this…" Ray feel a bad premonition like those times when he is entering a boss fight in Bloodborne world.

Ray feels his every cell is shivering in excitement like a warrior that finally found his match and eager to fight.

Ray and a select few like the Chief Gods, Strongest beings like Thor and Sirzechs join Ray while the rest stay behind in case more enemies arrive.

…

Arriving at the castle they saw it was fully deserted and riddled with holes of various sizes, courtesy to Nyx.

Everyone wields their divine armament, ready for whatever enemies that are going to appear as they enter the main hall.

"Welcome, Ray and the members of the alliance. It was ill suited to entertain guests with the state of this castle." Rizevim greeted them while thinking about how to properly greet his guest.

"Enough of this farce Rizevim, surrender yourself and we will give you lighter punishment." Zeus declared while triggering the boss fight dialogue when Rizevim laughed like a maniac as his aura immediately changed.

Rizevim transforms into a primate monster covered in black fur and what appears to be scales all over its body with seven necks, seven heads, with ten horns, as well as seven long thick tails from different animals and even mythical beasts.

"Farce? Not quite so, my goal is chaos and chaos I get. With Trihexa's body under my control, I am unstoppable hahahaha!" Rizevil says with a voice resembling the growl of a beast and screeching of a monster that cause the person hearing it to feel uncomfortable.

Rizevim's transformed body is so big that it destroys the building surrounding them as he grows in size.

Everyone tried attacking Rizevim but his new body is impervious to the attacks and easily shrugs it off as a mere bite of a harmless bug.

"Impossible… even Gungnir cannot leave a scratch on its scale."

"My Mjolnir and Lord Zeus Divine Lightning Bolt didn't have any effect either!" Thor shouted in panic as he retreated.

"Your puny attack is useless hahahaha. Nothing created from this world can damage this body, the body of The Beast of Apocalypse." Rizevim declared proudly that none of the Gods can affect him at all regardless of what they do since their power originated from Earth.

"From this world, huh? Thanks for telling me your own weakness, Rizevim." Ray says before a spear wreathed in golden light materializes in his hand.

"I reserved this for Great Red but it wouldn't hurt to do a test drive since you are supposed to be as strong as Great Red." Everyone retreats far away from Ray and Rizevim as they get the signal that Ray is about to do something crazy again.

Ray add concept of sure hit, mortality and true death to the spear to give Trihexa an attack that will definitely cause its death. The consumption of mana is quite large as almost a third of his mana is spended for the three concepts where the true death is the most expensive one.

Rizevim swiftly attack him but Ray dodge them and helped by Tsukuyomi's defensive plates to give him time to complete his chant.

"Awaken O Spear of Ultimatum,

The end of my journey is here,

With the principles of Infinity, Supremacy and Domination,

I forged with the cumulation of my journey,

I declare! I had transcended the boundaries! I have reached the Zenith!"

"ZENITH: Nova Release!"

The golden light gather at the tip of the spear into Runes and Cuneiform that represents the concepts that added to the attack before a torrent of ultra dense beams of energy accelerate beyond the speed of light toward Rizevim.

The sheer density of the beam causes the space to be distorted and form a phenomenon like a Nova as the beam forms a 300m wide sphere of very volatile energy. The sphere then compressed inward to the limit before it exploded which instantly vaporize the whole Castle of Hades into a very deep hole that one cannot see its end.

Thankfully the group that followed Ray just now had retreated when Ray unleashed his attack.

"You know… I was joking when I said you don't need us to win the fight. I didn't expect you would actually do it yourself." Thor expressed his disappointment as he didn't get much of a decent opponent to fight against.

Everyone then dismissed and returned to the main group when Ray suddenly remembered that he shouldn't destroy the throne room.

"I fucked up, I friggin forgot that I shouldn't destroy the throne room. Rizevim's possession that he transferred to Hades's realm." Ray is grieving the loss of Lilith and the Book of Lucifer, which is very valuable to him.

"Don't worry Milord, I will get them for you in advance. I knew that Milord will forget everything unrelated when he is excited about something." Nyx says after popping up next to him which radiates the feeling of asking for praise.

What's wrong with this woman… her personality has been flipping a lot lately. Before this, she was obsessed with magic spells and now she is seeking praise like a dog after fetching the newspaper.

"Thanks, Nyx." Ray pet her head while inspecting the refurbished space in the Grimoire. The dungeon is replaced with an apartment room and an artificial environment. Both Lilith and the Book of Lucifer are inside the space.

Checking one more time, Ray makes sure that the major forces of Khaos Brigade are eliminated with his Sensory Haki before he leaves. Ray isn't interested with Trihexa because it was bearing the concept of chaos which is very volatile and chaotic to be used.

"Let's return to take care of the fallen soldiers and injured soldiers before we celebrate our victory!" Ray announced his abilities across the battlefield and to the returned group.

"Woooh, glory to the alliance!" Many cheers resounded from the soldiers to announce their victory.

They then all aboard the starships to return to friendly territory with the exception of hunters which is the last to depart. They dissolved into motes of light as Ray unsummon them and returned to Yharnam.

—————

(Note: Sorry the latter part is kinda rushed and poor quality. I'm seriously out of ideas for it and decided to put on hold for this novel and focus on Fate of Another Type Ray.

When I'm burnt out on that or have inspiration, I will continue this novel and quickly warp up volume 1 and hop on to volume 2 where Ray will focus on hub and establishing himself.

My recent irl problem caused weeks long delay and I'm sorry if there is someone that waited for a new chapter.)

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