Episode 166: Second Form “Second form…?”

Lugdura fixes his gaze on Siegfried’s transformed figure. Black patterns emerging on parts of his body, elongated hair, a right eye stained red, a left eye gleaming like azure flames, and the swirling torrent of magical energy around him. Even for Lugdura, a necromancer who has lived through eons, the true meaning behind this transformation eludes him.

“That change of yours… what does it mean?”

“Pretty cool, right?”

“What’s that…?”

“When it comes to second forms, sometimes you get monstrous, grotesque transformations, but those often lead to ‘failing and weakening’ scenarios. So, I chose a transformation that keeps my original form intact. Patterns appearing on my body, longer hair, a change in eye color, glowing eyes, something swirling around me—pretty standard changes, but, well… it’s a matter of aesthetic tradition.”

Finishing his words, Siegfried casually pulls out the Necrovalza, the Wailing Corpse Sword still lodged in his chest and tosses it back to Lugdura. Lugdura catches it with a look of irritation, his sharp gaze fixed on Siegfried.

“…So, your transformation is just for show? No practical purpose…?”

“Yup, exactly.”

“You…”

“Hm? Would you have preferred a second form with horns or wings?”

“To think you still spout such nonsense at a time like this.”

Lugdura’s expression hardens.

“Die.”

The Necrovalza, the Wailing Corpse Sword in his grip writhes as if it possesses a will of its own, transforming in an instant into a grotesque bow and arrow. The arrow is loosed in a flash. Fueled by pure resentment, the shot boasts a speed and destructive force beyond what any bow and arrow could achieve. It tears through the air toward Siegfried, and the next moment, a deafening explosion and flames engulf the surroundings.

Yet, from the heart of the inferno, a single figure steps forward. As if nothing had happened, Siegfried emerges unscathed.

But Lugdura has already made his next move. Magical energy converges around him, and an ominous tremor shakes the ground. The next instant, a massive undead being, Filgreia, Marshal of the Yellow Springs, rises from the earth. And that’s not all. Five more undead, the Hexa Thanatos, the Six Judges of the Netherworld, begin to materialize one after another.

—Anima Regineris, Soul Resurrection. A necromantic spell that grants a temporary soul to the undead, bringing them back to life. It’s only a fleeting revival, destined to turn to dust after a few hours—but their power is no less than it was in life.

“A rematch with a resurrected villain, huh? Not a bad trope, but I just went through that one not too long ago. Let’s wrap this up quick.”

Facing the advancing Hexa Thanatos, Siegfried mutters under his breath. In the next instant, a barrage of six strikes is unleashed.

A brilliant slash from his black sword. Mana Penetration Strike. A massive spear of blood conjured by magic. Mana Burst Strike. A hand chop infused with magical energy. A slashing wave of blood.

Each attack, delivered as he weaves through the Hexa Thanatos, reduces them to dust in an instant.

“Now, it’s time for the main event. Get ready, Lugdura.”

With red and blue light gleaming in his eyes, Siegfried charges forward with ferocious momentum. Lugdura parries the incoming slash with Necrovalza, now transformed back into a sword. Thus begins a fierce exchange of swordplay.

Siegfried in his Second Form clashes with Lugdura, ranked fourth among the Seven Great Calamities. The shockwaves from their battle ripple outward, destroying buildings one after another.

“Nice swordsmanship. Have you honed your skills by absorbing the souls of seasoned warriors? Truly worthy of a chapter boss.”

Siegfried flashes a satisfied smile. Meanwhile, an unshakable sense of unease swirls within Lugdura’s chest.

(What is this… what’s going on…!?)

Earlier, Lugdura had chosen to ambush Siegfried. It was a calculated move to ensure a flawless, unscathed victory. He had been confident that even in a direct confrontation, he could defeat Siegfried… at least, until just moments ago. Siegfried’s movements have become exponentially faster and sharper. It’s clear that Lugdura is now the one being pushed back.

(This is impossible. It defies all reason.)

The notion of suddenly awakening true potential in the heat of battle, gaining immense power—it’s nothing but a fantasy found in stories.

(Is he recklessly burning through his magical energy, boosting his abilities at the cost of self-destruction? No, there’s no sign of that…)

So, what could possibly explain Siegfried’s abnormal surge in strength?

“You… what is that power?”

Lugdura can’t help but voice his question.

“Why? How did your power surge so suddenly? Your magical energy… it should have been completely depleted.”

“Didn’t I show you earlier?”

Siegfried responds with a smile, as if enjoying the flurry of sword strikes.

“Mana Meridian Strike—the technique I used when you summoned a hundred undead. It disrupts the target’s magical energy flow, sealing most of their power within their body. A target with sealed mana can’t draw it out, naturally leading to a drastic drop in combat ability.”

“What are you saying…?”

That technique was indeed the one that neutralized the Skull Dyne, Hundred Calamities of the Netherworld. Lugdura himself had analyzed and understood its mechanics. However—

“That technique of yours is for attacking. It doesn’t explain why your power suddenly surged.”

“I’m using the technique on myself.”

“What…?”

“In other words—I’ve been striking myself with Mana Meridian Strike, constantly sealing my own magical energy. And I rigged it so that the seal would automatically break the moment my mana is completely depleted. Right now, I’m in a state where that seal has been released.”

In short, Siegfried wasn’t enhanced by his Second Form. He simply unleashed the power he had kept sealed.

“You… you’ve been fighting in a weakened state!?”

If Lugdura’s understanding is correct, Mana Meridian Strike reduces the combat ability of a target with sealed mana to a tenth—or even less—of their original strength. Siegfried in his normal form had been fighting in that suppressed state all along.

“Exactly.”

“Why would you do something so pointless…!?”

“Pointless?”

Siegfried raises an eyebrow, as if puzzled.

“For a formidable villain, a second form is a must, right? But suddenly becoming stronger out of nowhere feels unrealistic. So, I figured I’d just weaken myself in my normal form. Seems like the obvious thing to do, don’t you think?”