The World Is Mine For The Taking

Chapter 459 - 74 - Mephisto Vs. The Eclipse (2)

Sesillian’s eyes widened as I revealed my true identity, his face contorted with a mix of shock and something else—something I couldn’t quite decipher. That expression, filled with disbelief and a flicker of despair, made every bit of this unmasking worth it.

"I see..." he muttered, his voice trembling ever so slightly. "So all this—this interference, these countless acts of sabotage—it was all because of the misfit I created? And now, what... you want me to apologize for it? Get on my knees and beg at your feet for pardon?"

The very thought of him even attempting to brush off what he had done was laughable. There was no way any of this could ever be excused. I wouldn’t forgive him even if he threw himself on the ground, licking my feet—every inch, from each toe to the sole, down to the last detail on both feet. There was nothing, absolutely

nothing

he could do that would make up for his crimes. As far as I was concerned, this bastard deserved everything that was coming for him.

Seeing my unwavering expression, Sesillian let out a low, bitter chuckle. "Figures. I suppose I can’t exactly resurrect the people I’ve killed," he laughed even more, a twisted glint in his eye. "Moriarty warned me to steer clear of you, said you were an anomaly—coming from an anomaly himself, mind you. He said it was best to keep my distance, to avoid mistakes... but I guess I slipped up. If that’s the case, then I’ll just have to make sure you can’t come after me!"

No sooner had the words left his lips than one of his brainwashed lackeys lunged at me, followed by others who’d been standing by. They surged forward, hands grasping, trying to hold me back in some desperate last-ditch effort orchestrated by Sesillian. He knew I wouldn’t kill them—they were just pawns, victims of his mind control. But it was too bad for him that I had the Guardian by my side.

With a forceful push, I sent them sprawling back, clearing a path straight toward Sesillian.

"Guardian?! How the hell do you have that?" he stammered. Then, his eyes narrowed as he pieced together his own explanation. "Ah, I see! A skill to copy other skills, perhaps? But such skills usually have limitations, don’t they? And aren’t copied abilities only half as powerful as the original?"

He wasn’t completely wrong, but he didn’t know the whole story either. If I copied a skill from someone I hadn’t fully dominated, its strength would be weakened, sure. But if I took it from someone I’d fully claimed, then the power was mine—unlimited and unbreakable, and I didn’t need to worry about its strength dropping. Not that I’d share that info with him; he wasn’t even the real enemy here. The one pulling the strings was Moriarty.

"Then it’s not as unbreakable as the true Guardian, right?" he sneered, a hint of desperation in his eyes.

As he commanded, his brainwashed followers swarmed me from all directions, their fists hammering against the Guardian’s shield. Each blow echoed, a reminder of their relentless obedience.

"Let’s see how long that Guardian will hold up!" Sesillian jeered, watching with a twisted smile.

Guardian held strong, shielding me from every attack, but it felt like being trapped in place, suspended in the air with no room to advance. I glanced at the tallest building nearby. It was far, but I could make it. Blocking another barrage of projectiles, I shot toward the building. I needed to get Charlotte to safety first. Without missing a beat, I deflected everything that came at me and, reaching the building, set her down.

I activated Guardian around her, enclosing her in its protective glow.

Enjoy new tales from empire

"Leon..." she murmured softly.

I didn’t respond. Leaving her safe, I shot back into the sky, eyes scanning the crowd below. I hadn’t lost him yet—he was still there, lurking, hiding among his brainwashed puppets.

Then, as if on cue, another volley of projectiles tore through the air, closing in from every side. This time, my hands were free, allowing me to block each one with renewed force. Sweeping down toward Sesillian, I landed amidst the crowd. People began to swarm me instantly, but I spread Guardian wide, pushing them back in a powerful surge. Some of the people he controlled were swordsmen, others had talent—yet they were no match. I overpowered them with quick, precise strikes, each one falling unconscious at my feet.

At last, I was face-to-face with Sesillian again.

"You are persistent, aren’t you?" he muttered, breaths heavy. "Do you really want to kill me that badly?"

"It’d be a pleasure," I replied, summoning my mana blade, its edge gleaming in readiness.

"Well," he sneered, "you’ll have to step over a pile of bodies before you even try!" With a command, he sent a fresh wave of people charging my way.

I wielded my mana blade with precision, hitting just enough to disrupt their nerves and send them into unconsciousness. It was as though I was brushing through air, sweeping each attacker aside until they dropped in unison, collapsing around me.

But Sesillian wasn’t finished yet.

"Think it’s that easy? You’re wrong!" he barked. This time, a squad that bore the unmistakable insignia of the royal knights charged forward, eyes glassy and unseeing.