Author: Sasaki Ichiro	Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: Mab	English Source: Re:Library
Editor(s): Silva

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Sixty seconds, one full minute. It sounds short, yet it’s a long stretch of time.

A boxing round lasts three minutes, while an amateur Muay Thai round lasts only two. There’s plenty of time to move around and attack, so the task of keeping Igoronak pinned in the same spot for an entire minute is a daunting challenge indeed.

Trying to catch him off guard and stop his movements with another Ultimate Attack — Jet-Black Dark Meteorite (aka Bartholomew drop) would likely be futile. He wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice, and, worse still, there’s the risk of dragging Bartholomew into the blast of the so-called Ultimate Arcane Armament. In this case, it’s the kind of “don’t mix these two things” danger, because although Bartholomew might return as if nothing happened, I’d been warned about potential risks.

“I cannot predict what might happen if something weird gets in the mix. We would be lucky if it just ends up with an uncontrolled explosion that takes out the entire region. However, there is a chance that we could see the very fabric of space collapsing like dominoes, which could spell the end of the world,” explained Coppelia, with a knowing smirk. “Well, as long as I can take Igor down with me, I am not too concerned about what happens after that.”

So that idea was scrapped. I’m not so reckless as to gamble the fate of my life and the whole world on a shot in the dark. That leaves me with the only option of overpowering Igoronak and forcing him into a prolonged kneeling position for a solid minute…

I reconfirmed the conditions.

“By the way, regarding the activation requirements for this Ultimate Arcane Armament of yours, is there anything beyond keeping him immobilized for a set amount of time that I should be concerned about? For instance, could interference from the four major elemental magic domains—Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind—cause any adverse effects if used to restrain him, or if there’s a sudden shift in the ambient mana?”
“None at all. This weapon operates completely independently on my—Coppelia’s internal mana engine, so you do not need to worry about those kinds of conditions.”
“One more thing, would there be any issues if I used the ‘……’?”

At this point, I had every intention of going all out with my hidden moves. I’d openly revealed a trick I hadn’t shown anyone except the headmistress. However, from what Coppelia explained, this technique might interfere directly with her ultimate weapon.

Coppelia stroked her chin thoughtfully, her expression serious.

“Hm… it would likely have some impact. That said, it is not a physical entity, and as long as the effect is continuous, I could probably fine-tune it accordingly… It may require us to extend the immobilization period somewhat—say, to about a minute and twenty-five to thirty-nine seconds.”

With that, the difficulty shot up by one and a half times, but given the tightrope we’d be walking, I figured it was within acceptable bounds.

“Understood. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Igoronak restrained, so please make sure the weapon is ready to fire during that window.”
“Indeed. Also, remember that this Ultimate Arcane Armament is a one-shot deal. If we fail, there is no second chance.”
“It’s the same for me. I’ll be using up all my cards for the setup, and nearly all the mana I’ve stored for this one strike.”

This isn’t so much a plan as it is a reckless gamble.

Honestly… Why did a trip meant to be a casual study and sightseeing tour turn into a life-or-death struggle for our lives—and the fate of the world? I have a sneaking suspicion it’s all due to some fallout from the Saintess and my mother, but lamenting my unfortunate birth won’t solve anything right now. Surviving this crisis is the priority.

“「O Prison of Ice, engulf all into your frozen wasteland」 — 「Freeze」” For now, I launch a quick preemptive strike at the advancing Igoronak.

“Hmph…”

With a simple stomp, he shatters the frozen ground under his feet and keeps advancing. As expected, it barely slows him down.

“Grrrr!!” At that moment, Vier swoops in from above, taking advantage of her wings to launch a three-dimensional maneuver attack.

“Tch… Annoying little flying pest.”

Igoronak lashes out with his left hand, extending his claws in a slicing motion, trying to swat Vier away. But he can’t keep up with her movements, and most of his strikes miss, landing on the trees and causing further destruction to the forest.

Using this golden opportunity, I summon my shield (Bartholomew) with non-elemental magic, and while moving counterclockwise, I make sure to release bursts of Purify spells

“Megiddo.” Igoronak wields the black flames like a whip, aiming to close in on Vier as she presses her attack, while also retaliating against me as I try to keep my distance.

Given what I’ve observed so far, it seems Igoronak relies on his immense magical power, deeming defense unnecessary. His physical movements are amateurish, revealing many openings. I pinpointed this as his weak spot and discreetly started preparing.

“Woof!”

With a fierce roar, Vier blasts away the tip of Igoronak’s black flame whip. She leaps, and in a brief clash, she either bites or slashes at Igoronak’s hood, pulling it off before quickly retreating to face him again.

Meanwhile, the remaining part of the black flame coming my way dissipates harmlessly against Bartholomew’s armor.

“Grrrrr… I underestimated you all, assuming you were mere pests. Now, I must expose my hideous face, tainted by darkness,” Igoronak growls, covering his now-exposed face with his sleeve. Then, with a tone full of contempt, he removes his hand and raises his head.

“Oh my, it is as awful as you say!” Coppelia beams with delight, her eyes sparkling. “Kahaha! You have revealed your true form, have you not, Igor? So, in exchange for becoming the No-Life King, you have lost your proud face! Serves you right, you puffed-up monster! … Ugh, blast it, it is too dark to see anything. Hey, Clara! Shine some light, would you? I will never rest in peace without seeing just how hideous he has become!”

As I reluctantly oblige, I can’t help but think how childish this “adult” can be. I conjure a single orb of light and direct it towards Igoronak.

“You’re an Automaton, why aren’t you equipped with night vision or something? Funny how human-like you are in all the inconvenient ways… 「Let light illuminate this hand of mine.」— 「Light」.”

The glowing orb hovers near Igoronak, casting a stark white light and revealing the hideous face that he’d kept hidden until now.

“Hmph…” Igoronak frowned in displeasure.

As the No-Life King, his face must have been tainted by darkness and miasma… I watched with a bit of a horror-movie thrill.

He stood about 190 centimerte tall, appearing to be in his prime. None of the features I remembered from his portraits—the chestnut hair, the calm eyes, the intelligent face—remained. His hair, now a pitch-black tangle, hung unkempt and wild, while a dark beard covered his chin and mouth.

His double-lidded, narrow eyes, with irises dark as night, glinted coldly beneath strong, well-shaped brows. His face had a sharp, aquiline nose and a firm jawline, all with a gaunt, life-drained look typical of someone who’d lived in a harsh world. This change from his former elegance had lent him an untamed, raw masculinity.

To sum it up in one word:

“Wow, so cool. If I had to describe it… I’d say it’s like an untamed beast of a man hiding behind a cold demeanor.” He was strikingly handsome.

“Do not be fooled!” Coppelia yelled, shaking me by the shoulders, clearly upset that I’d been momentarily taken by this rugged figure. “That guy has a rotten personality, I guarantee it!”

Men can be so petty, can’t they? Then again, they say people with difficult personalities often get the job done.