SFRW-Chapter 224

Ch. 224 Sword God From The Ruined World

Rahf.  

Though introduced by Pope Alfrey as an Apostle of Bahat, he was in truth a dark mage plotting revenge against Barhaut.  

The destruction of his world and the death of his beloved had forged Rahf into an instrument of vengeance.  

“If not for you people…!”  

Rahf’s face contorted beyond human recognition.  

The 37th planet, Bastlo, served as his perfect hideout.  

While conquered by Barhaut to serve as a Guardian Planet, its influence was limited – all because of Desion.  

Contrary to Alfrey’s claims, planet Bastlo’s god Desion hadn’t abandoned humanity.  

He’d sacrificed himself to suppress Barhaut’s power, making Bastlo the only Guardian Planet where Barhaut couldn’t exert direct control.  

Discovering this, Rahf had planned to cultivate his revenge here while masquerading as Bahat’s apostle to deceive Alfrey.  

“You’re ruining everything!”  

Dozens of massive dark spears materialized midair before crashing down like lightning.  

KWA-GA-GA-GA-GANG!  

Though the bombardment could’ve flattened cities:  

Most shattered against walls of flame, sword energy, breath attacks, and holy light.  

“And what are you supposed to be?”  

Kusak tensed at Rahf’s unexpectedly potent magic.  

‘Can’t underestimate him!’  

As a mage himself, Kusak recognized supreme skill – the boiling magic, powerful incantations, instant spellcasting.  

This was no amateur. He silently warned Veronica and Rakun.  

“You… you…”  

Rahf trembled with rage.  

Losing Black Knight Grichuk – his masterpiece designed to oppose Barhaut – infuriated him most.  

“Fine! I’ll turn you all into Black Knights!”  

His eyes gleamed with greed.  

He’d already planned to convert Holy Sword Seraph – now this bounty of exceptional warriors had fallen into his lap.  

“Was it you?” Seraph demanded. “The one who made Grichuk like that?”  

Rahf’s grotesque smile answered.  

“Magnificent, isn’t it? I could do the same for you.”  

His lecherous stare made Seraph raise her sword, but someone moved first.  

“Kill. You.”  

Grichuk unleashed murderous intent at his creator.  

“Even dogs know not to bite their master… Seems I failed your training.”  

Rahf remained calm as Grichuk attacked.  

WHOOSH  

A dark void swallowed Grichuk’s sword – only for the blade to emerge behind him, impaling his back.  

His own strike reflected.  

“…What broken ability is that?”  

Choi Kang-soo’s disbelief mirrored the group’s.  

Grichuk kept attacking despite the counterblows, his regeneration negating damage.  

“Stupid mutt. Relying on regeneration to be reckless…”  

Rahf frowned. Grichuk’s healing factor made this stubbornness possible.  

“I’ll re-educate you later.”  

Rather than prolong the fight, Rahf summoned dozens of shadowy hands from the earth to restrain Grichuk.  

Meanwhile, Koroka prepared his third – likely final – dragon breath.  

“A lizardman? Perhaps a Half-Dragon? Imagine converting one…”  

Rahf smirked as he redirected the breath attack back at Koroka.  

KWA-GA-GA-GA!  

“GYAAAAH!”  

The unexpected reflection sent Koroka crashing down, too injured to continue.  

Eliminating two strongest fighters should’ve intimidated them, but the group stood firm.  

“Making Black Knights your hobby? Try converting me!”  

Veronica charged, Rakun following.  

“Excellent idea. You’ll thank me after rebirth.”  

Rahf tracked her movements while maintaining the void.  

“Charging blindly after seeing what happened?!”  

Choi Kang-soo grimaced – until Veronica suddenly pivoted at the void’s edge.  

“Rakun!”  

Rakun raised his shield at an angle.  

TA-TAT!  

Veronica vaulted off the shield, sailing gracefully over the void – a beautiful maneuver that stunned Rahf.  

While distracted, Rakun rammed his shield into the void. Though reflected, the sturdy beastman shrugged off the rebound.  

SWOOSH-SLASH!  

Veronica’s sword energy shattered Rahf’s hasty shield, gashing his shoulder.  

“Tch! That shield saved your arm.”  

Enraged, Rahf unleashed dark spears, but Veronica weaved through like an eel.  

As she occupied Rahf, Rakun kept shield-bashing – each reflection less effective against his durability.  

“Damn it!”  

Rahf cursed, unaccustomed to such coordination.  

While they dueled, the others decimated the remaining paladins. Seo Do-jun’s sword especially thinned their numbers.  

Seeing the tide turn, Rahf glared at the papal building.  

“Alfrey! What are you doing?!”  

No response came.  

“Having trust issues?” Veronica taunted. “What if Alfrey’s playing you?”  

Rahf knew she was provoking him, but the thought stuck.  

‘That bastard…’  

He’d noticed Alfrey’s subtle wariness. Was this the Pope’s endgame?  

CRACK!  

Realizing he’d acted rashly, Rahf laughed bitterly. He should’ve let Alfrey weaken them first.  

“Regretting poor management? Should’ve handled power-hungry dogs better.”  

“You’re right. And I’ll correct that now.”  

Rahf created a void before Veronica.  

SLASH!  

“KYAH!”  

Distracted by Rakun, Rahf hadn’t used the void defensively – Veronica took a deep gash to her waist.  

BAM!  

Rakun’s shield bash sent Rahf flying, but he’d achieved his goal – breaking their coordination.  

“PTUI!”  

Spitting blood, Rahf vanished.  

“Had him…” Veronica clicked her tongue.  

Rakun shook his head. “Never expected him to flee.”  

***

“Tch!”  

Pope Alfrey sighed as Rahf disappeared.  

A missed opportunity. Now he’d have to be more cautious around the dark mage.  

“No more delays.”  

Time to play his hand.  

“━━. ━━━. ━━━!”  

Alfrey’s eerie chant summoned viscous dark magic snaking underground.  

After a minute, the earth trembled.  

GU-GU-GU-GU-GU!  

The papal buildings shook violently as something massive stirred beneath.  

“What’s happening?!”  

Choi Kang-soo stumbled as the Divine Sword warned:  

『Colossal darkness approaches!』  

“Darkness?”  

『Blood-drenched, slaughter-steeped darkness steeped in grudge! Such malice… Be wary!』  

“Choi Kang-soo!”  

At Seo Do-jun’s call, the group assembled – even freed Grichuk and recovering Koroka joining their formation.  

“What’s coming—”  

“Now.”  

BOOOOOOM!  

The earth erupted like a volcano.  

THUD!  

A massive palm breached the surface.  

THUD! THUD! THUD!  

Then dozens more – countless grotesque hands clawing their way into the world.