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Chapter 128

「By the way, Lute can absorb magical elements from the atmosphere using Sage arts, so he can replenish his MP limitlessly.」

Upon hearing those words, my expression froze. Well, I feel like I’ve heard about that before.

Alright, let’s calm down and think this through. For starters, Lute is ridiculously strong. And now he’s even stronger by 50%. Moreover, it seems he can naturally recover from fatal wounds.

Yeah, no way. This is just impossible.

The sense of relief that he could handle anything when he’s on our side was amazing, but facing him as an enemy is truly despair-inducing.

「Master Merlin? Earlier, you mentioned waiting… but are we going to confront Lute?」

「Indeed. Whether he’s demonized or not, our actions won’t change.」

「But, isn’t he too strong, or rather, isn’t it absurd… to be more blunt, invincible? And he’s become even stronger?」

Upon my words, Lilith also nodded in agreement.

「…I agree. Facing Lute is like a game with impossible odds.」

Seeing the expressions of despair on Lilith’s and my faces, Master Liu Hai raised his voice.

「Hey, you guys? Are you underestimating him? Seriously underestimating him? 」

「Underestimating?」

「You’re underestimating the Dragon King and his merry band, aren’t you?」

「The Dragon King and his merry band」

As I was about to ask, Master continued.

「To be honest, from the perspective of someone who’s a Lute enthusiast like me…」

「…A Lute enthusiast?」

「Huh? Did I not mention it? Well, frankly, he’s right up my alley.」

「…Huh?」

「He promised to let me practice with him, but in the end, he never let me once and just ran away.」

「…」

「…」

「…」

「…」

「…」

Seeing the reactions not only from Lilith and me but also from the Dragon King and Merlin, it was clear they were taken aback. Well, I’m not very comfortable with this kind of conversation between men.

「…As your disciple, I’m embarrassed, so please stop, Master.」

「What’s with you guys? Can’t you take a joke?」

And with that, Master Liu Hai clapped his hands together.

「Lute will be dealt with by us. And the most crucial thing is—」

「How to bring Lute back to his senses, right?」

「Exactly. Hey, Lilith? Lute can’t use magic on his own, including Taoist arts, correct?」

「…That’s right. I handle magical calculations. Our souls are partially fused, allowing Lute to convert MP into magical power.」

「So why is Lute currently exerting immense power on his own? You’re far away from him, and you’re not performing magical calculations, right?」

「…Probably. Sage Moses.」

「That’s right. Probably. But Moses and Lute are most likely linked through a soul link, similar to Lilith. Whether it’s due to the power of their skills or something else, that damn glasses guy is probably behind it.」

「So, Moses is out on the battlefield with Lute? And if we attack Moses…」

「System-related matters have been under investigation for some time now. The skill of brainwashing (brainjack) can be operated remotely. The calculation system probably operates based on that. Lute is overwhelming, but can the operator himself venture into a danger zone?」

「…So, is there no other option?」

「No, there is.」

Master Liu Hai shook his head.

「Thinking Lute is invincible, Moses is underestimating us. That’s why he can afford to be careless.」

「Careless?」

「Of course, the power of skills weakens when used remotely. Once… we drive him to the brink of death, interrupt his consciousness, and reset his orders, there’s a high chance the brainwashing will disappear.」

「Hmm…」

I put my hand on my chin and pondered.

「So, what does that mean?」

「We punch Lute, knock him out, and then bring him back to his senses. If we push his HP close to zero, then it’s our win.」

「That’s incredibly straightforward!」

But… I sighed.

「…But realistically, can we do something like that?」

「That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the Dragon King and his merry band!」

Well, these guys are also beyond extraordinary. If the master praises it, then it must be feasible.

「Lute VS the Dragon King and his merry band… It’s becoming like a showdown of giant monsters. Well… I guess Lilith and I won’t have a role to play.」

「So, where are the Four Holy Beasts’ gemstones needed for the ‘Cradle’?」

「In the Trial Cave… It’s hidden in its deepest part. We’ll fortify the cave and confront Lute there.」

Upon hearing those words, Lilith clenched her fists tightly.

「The Trial Cave… A place full of memories for me and Lute.」

Seeing Lilith, who seemed to be quietly burning, the Dragon King smiled kindly.

「That’s right, Lilith. That place is an ancient tomb of the Dragon Clan, designed for combat. If we’re going to settle this, it’s probably the best option. Lute saved you last time, but… this time, the roles are reversed. We’ll definitely help Lute together.」