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Volume 1

Chapter 137 Chapter 137: War, Is About to Begin

Dec 08, 2025 1,193 words

Chapter 137: War, Is About to Begin

Seeing the "Doctor" wearing strange armor faintly gaining the upper hand against Theresis.

"That's actually... the Doctor?"

The operators were stunned. If the Doctor was this strong, then what were they, the operators, for? Just to hold him back?

As for the doubts raised by the other operators, Kal'tsit couldn't provide an answer. Although she knew the Doctor wasn't someone completely powerless, she never expected him to be hiding his strength so deeply.

Being able to stand against Theresis was not something that could be achieved simply through "diligent study and hard practice" and "forbearance."

Boom! That was the sound of a building disintegrating under the combined onslaught of flames and sword energy.

The surrounding structures had already turned to dust, clearing space for the two in the center of the battlefield.

Scorching flames swept past; although the physical blade didn't strike his armor, the extreme high temperature still left a sunken, charred mark on it.

Clang!

With a sweep of his sword, he deflected the imitation Judgement of Shamash. Theresis took the opportunity to create a safe distance. The longsword in his hand was heated to a glowing red, droplets of molten iron falling to the ground, burning small pits into it.

"Setting aside all those strategies and plans, even within the entire history of the Sarkaz, regardless of era, you would absolutely be considered a true warrior."

Casually tossing aside the longsword that had melted down to only half its length, Theresis's words held not a trace of falsehood. Although he still had more tricks up his sleeve, the fact that the Doctor had managed to reach this point was already beyond his expectations.

Faced with the enemy's praise, the Doctor also gave his own response:

"Huh? It's over?"

His voice carried a hint of confusion and drowsiness, sounding as if he had just woken from a dream.

Of course, even though he had completely entrusted the combat process to the intelligent combat system, he wouldn't do something as foolish as falling asleep on the battlefield.

But, he was so tired.

This was the only feeling remaining in his heart at this moment. Even though it only lasted a mere ten minutes, to the Doctor, it felt more exhausting than pulling two consecutive all-nighters.

Right now, he couldn't lift a single finger; he was entirely supported by the armor he was wearing.

Even if it was a weakened imitation version of the Blank Key, the strain on the body still existed.

"Doctor, although I really don't want to say this, I'm afraid we need to evacuate now."

Shining couldn't hold off those Corpse Eaters for much longer. Even if it was just a vanguard force, being trapped within this city block wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Ascalon's tone carried a trace of barely perceptible respect, something not usually present. And unusually, this wasn't born out of admiration for the Doctor's wisdom, but for the most direct reason: strength!

FrostNova behind her stared unblinkingly at the greatsword in the Doctor's hand.

"Mhm, let's retreat."

Although he was already extremely tired, he knew he couldn't show weakness at a time like this. Using the greatsword to support his body, he locked eyes with Theresis from a distance.

Then, together with Kal'tsit, he led the Rhodes Island personnel away. Theresis did not stop them. He looked up at the overcast sky, swept his gaze over the surrounding ruins, and let them leave.

"Your Highness, aren't we going to stop them?"

Manfred limped down from the top floor, a bloody hole from a piercing weapon still visible on his shoulder. Being ambushed by Ascalon and other squads wasn't a pleasant memory for him.

"That's not important, Manfred."

Theresis shook his head. He could completely understand his subordinate's feelings.

Moreover, he was also curious about the technology that allowed the Doctor to contend with him for a short period. Before the Doctor left, Theresis had already sensed something unusual.

If they possessed combat power of this level, why didn't Rhodes Island use it from the beginning? Why hide it until a life-or-death crisis?

Clearly, there were limitations... But even so—

He casually broke off a piece of the armor on his body with ease. Rubbing it between his palms, it quickly turned into several strands of charred, loose black ash.

"War is about to begin. The Sarkaz absolutely must not fail."

——————

Yan, Gouwu

"Kevin, what's wrong? You've been spacing out there for over ten minutes."

Fiammetta sat by the bedside, gently and virtuously sorting and folding clothes one by one. Seeing Kevin sitting in front of the drawing board in a daze, she couldn't help but ask curiously.

This state of his wasn't common. She could roughly guess some of it; after all, he only wore this expression when something had happened.

"Mhm... His eyes haven't changed, his eyebrows are only slightly raised, but his eyes are completely open..."

It seems it's not something extremely serious. However, Kevin looks a bit surprised; it seems whatever happened wasn't originally within his expectations.

Pozëmka secretly tried to gauge Kevin's thoughts using her own summarized set of "little methods." For her, this was a very interesting thing.

Beautiful,

Peaceful life always needs some novelty to embellish it. She preferred to be more proactive.

"It's nothing."

Kevin wasn't surprised that the backdoors he left on others were triggered. On the contrary, their very purpose was for this.

What truly surprised him was that within less than five minutes, backdoors on two different people were triggered consecutively.

"It seems they've encountered quite some trouble."

He had no intention of taking action himself. Rhodes Island wasn't his subordinate organization; Kevin didn't need to care for it like an overprotective mother.

At least, Stigmata Will plus imitation Divine Keys were enough to solve most problems, including those who created them...

"Kevin."

"Hmm?"

"I can understand that you humans need time to brew inspiration for painting, but if you keep poking like that, the drawing paper is going to tear."

Xi sighed. Since you're learning to paint, then do it properly and seriously!

"...Sorry."

Forget it. Their matters should be left to themselves.

Kevin withdrew his thoughts. He didn't refute either, just silently replaced the drawing paper stained with a large black blotch with a new sheet.

——————

Victoria,

"Here here, hurry."

Amiya and several operators opened the iron gate of the safe house.

"Doctor, that sword and armor... they were left for you by Teacher, right?"

FrostNova helped the completely exhausted Doctor inside while asking in a voice so low only two people could hear.

Although the Doctor was so drowsy his eyelids kept fighting each other, upon hearing this question, he still nodded, confirming her guess.

"Alright then. You rest well."

Seeing this, FrostNosa didn't ask further. After settling him down properly, she found a crate and sat down herself.

"Mhm... Terminal Assistant... Reason Zero something?"

She called out hesitantly to the Stigmata Will in her mind.

"Terminal Assistant 0018. Miss FrostNova, you can just call me [Adam]."

Its voice had an indescribable sense of harmony.

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