Chapter 30: Freya Familia

"Your comrade?" Zald murmured, gazing toward the figure rushing toward him from a distance.

The owner of that voice was Allen Fromel, the deputy head of the Familia and known as the "Goddess' Chariot," a catman warrior. After fending off the powerful fighters of the dark faction nearby, Eren hadn't even had a moment for treatment before charging back into the fray.

Though competition within the Freya Familia was fierce, and harmony was scarce, the bonds among them ran deep, born of rivalry in shared devotion to the same god. Despite their friction, they showed an undeniable connection when Ottar's life was on the line.

Even if they weren't entirely satisfied with Ottar's strength, they acknowledged his skill in their hearts.

"Ottar! What are you doing? Get up! Don't just lie there!" Allen shouted.

The Familia charged as one, with the Four Gulliver brothers spearheading their advance, while Allen—fastest of them all—clashed first with Zald. But Zald effortlessly deflected Allen's attack with a single hand.

With Allen's speed-boosting abilities, he could launch strikes far beyond his level, yet his proudest blow was stopped as if it were nothing.

"Too light," Zald sneered.

With a flick of his arm, Zald hurled Allen like a ragdoll, sending him crashing into the wall. Allen's tall form slumped into the stone, barely conscious and feeling as if every bone in his body had shattered.

While Zald was occupied, the Gulliver brothers surrounded him, striking from multiple angles with swords, mallets, spears, and axes. Their synchronized attacks gave them a combined strength that could rival an LV6.

Meanwhile, the black-and-white elven mages began their incantations in the rear. Though they bickered often, their cooperation was flawless, a coordination born of mutual respect among the powerful.

"Finally, something worthwhile—bring it on!" Zald roared, spreading his arms wide to confront the oncoming magic without fear.

Ottar, staggering to his feet, had been stabilized enough by a healer to join the fray again. Without resting, he charged, coordinating his attack with those of his companions. 

Blow after blow struck Zald, denting his armor in several places. Yet his aura didn't waver.

From the beginning of this battle, Zald's presence had remained imposing, a testament to his peak LV7 form with strength, durability, and dexterity all at an S level. Even in his battered state, his might was unmatched.

Steadying himself, Zald prepared for a counterattack, his blade flashing toward Ottar's neck, aiming to take his life.

Suddenly, a majestic voice rang out from the distance, and a thin layer of frost began to creep along the ground toward Zald's feet.

"My name is Alf!"

Zald hadn't expected the frost's strength to be this resilient. His left foot was now immobile, forcing him to change his stance. Surprised, he instinctively pulled his right leg back, twisted his body, and redirected his sword to his own feet. 

The blade sliced the ground, leaving a fiery trail in its wake, the intense heat melting the frost that clung to his left foot.

"Everyone, reinforcements are here!" A figure appeared, standing boldly—a strikingly composed Riveria.

"Riveria!?" 

Zald's gaze shifted to her, his lifeless gray eyes staring back without a hint of emotion.

Yet the Freya Familia's mages were visibly shocked, realizing the gap between themselves and Riveria. Although confident in their abilities, they now felt the undeniable force of her magic. They could hardly fathom it. Wasn't she also LV5? 

How could her power feel so far beyond their own understanding?

…

At that moment, a sudden pillar of light shot up in the direction of the church, drawing everyone's attention.

"Looks like it's about time to say goodbye," Zald muttered, his expression softening for a brief moment as he looked toward the light. But before Ottar and the others could process what was happening, Zald swung his sword once more.

His aura surged to its peak as flames wrapped around his blade, igniting the air with a scorching intensity. This was Zald's fire magic, similar to Alise's, but the strength was worlds apart.

The heat turned every breath unbearably hot as he finally revealed his true power. Compared to his earlier clashes, it was clear he had been holding back.

"Let this end it all!" Zald declared. He shattered the ground beneath him, launching himself toward Ottar and the others, his flames seeming to warp the very space around him. 

Ottar could no longer afford to hold anything back.

"By the mercy of the silver moon, and the golden field, grant me strength! As a warrior, a gallant knight, I charge forward by my god's will!"

"The earth's breath surrounds you—my name is Alf!"

Riveria's magic enveloped Ottar, healing his wounds and adding resistance to his body. Though death loomed over them all, Ottar's eyes gleamed with beast-like intensity as he lifted his black sword high.

The veins in his arms bulged with exertion, his freshly healed wounds reopening, but he ignored the blood spraying from his injuries.

With all their power, the two titans collided in a clash that shook the battlefield to its core!