Night World Players

Chapter 184: Hiltina, your light cannot illuminate my dark night (6k)

There was a faint flame flickering in Ingrid's eyes.

The next moment, a ray of pale blue flame suddenly flashed out from the desolate ruins of the nuclear power plant.

It was a fire fueled by the soul, illusory and transparent, as if it had no substance.

Ingrid's slender figure in military uniform was bathed in pale blue fireworks. Even her jet-black hair changed color in the illusory flames, turning into pure silver-white.

As a living being, humans have the instinct to survive.

Therefore, no matter how hard a normal person forces himself to exert all his strength, the instinct for survival will not allow him to go beyond the limit. It will specially distinguish from the power driven by humans and retain the part that is sufficient to maintain life functions.

For example, after suffering excessive pain, the body will force humans into a coma.

The Night Blade "Yin Iron" that Ingrid possesses is an ability that acts on the Night Blade holder himself. It can directly command his body to completely forget the pain and shut down the body's self-protection mechanism.

Break free from the constraints of instinct and squeeze out from the depths of the soul the power that living things should not use.

This is what is called releasing the "gene lock".

This is a Night Blade that is considered the most mediocre in the Arcana Tower's rating system.

It does not have the special uses of Night Blades in the fields of investigation, scientific research, and medical care like the "Eye of Secrets" and "Molecular Knife".

As a purely combat-type Night Blade, the enhancement of the extraordinary combat power by "Yin Iron" can only be described as mediocre.

Blocking pain and removing the restrictions of survival instincts, such blessings can allow Ingrid to strengthen her body functions more than tenfold during the duration of "Yin Iron".

However, this also limits Ingrid's fighting style to pure close combat, where she has to fight for her life, and loses almost all possibilities for tactical changes.

Ingrid concentrated all the strength in her body and released it in a very short period of time - the price was that her body would rapidly weaken after using it.

If used multiple times, it would be equivalent to shortening one's lifespan. Even if one continues to forcibly maintain it after the power has been exhausted, as Ingrid did in the nuclear power plant accident, it would even cause irreversible damage to the soul and result in permanent disability.

The so-called "Yin Iron" has the ability to injure the enemy a thousand times while injuring itself eight hundred times - compared to supermodel night blades like Axia's "Death Angel" and Shiltina's "Infinity Sword" that can easily unleash astonishing destructive power at almost no cost, the difference is simply like heaven and earth.

However, such a mediocre Night Blade with great side effects was developed to the extreme by Ingrid.

This allowed her to fight against many powerful enemies despite her clumsy body, and she walked step by step to her current position, standing at the highest point below the legend.

Ingrid stepped forward suddenly, and the next moment, the slender figure wearing the Black Eagle military uniform disappeared from the spot.

Only cracks remained, spreading across the barren land of the nuclear power plant.

boom--

Amidst the violent sonic boom, Hiltina subconsciously drew out her rapier.

But compared to Ingrid, who broke through the sound barrier and was bathed in pale blue flames, she was still a step slower.

Amidst the fierce sound of metal clashing, Hiltina's right arm was suddenly pierced through, leaving a hideous wound. Through the blurred flesh and blood, the white bones could be seen.

"So, from the beginning to the end—"

"Only a girl like you, Hiltina, who is blessed by heaven, can stand proudly under the sun."

The silver sword light spanned the sky, tearing through the atmosphere and stirring up a storm.

Countless tiny silver rays crisscrossed like a spider web, covering the entire space within the ruins of the nuclear power plant. Those were the afterimages left by the sword beams after the ultra-high-speed slash. Before the residual marks on the retina dissipated, a new slash followed.

With the blessing of "Yin Iron", Ingrid's body at this moment seemed like a machine driven at 200% power.

The beating of her heart, the flow of her blood... every organ in her body was overloaded and entered an overclocked state - her body functions were strengthened dozens or even hundreds of times.

Such a speed has already broken the sound barrier, and the mortal vision cannot even capture Ingrid's movement trajectory.

"So, you, my junior, and the vast majority of students at Starry University, those spoiled children of the nobility... of course, can't possibly understand someone like me."

"You were born with the blood of the strong flowing through your veins. You have superior qualifications and outstanding talents. You have had strong men as mentors since childhood. Before entering Starry University, you have already laid a solid foundation."

"Even if you, Hiltina, are unwilling to accept the status of a princess, the truth is, since the moment you were born, this status has already provided immense support for your growth."

"Even to this day, your identity as a princess continues to provide you with implicit assistance. This is engraved in your blood, a fact that can never be erased, no matter how you try to deny it."

Ingrid's cold words were mixed in with the intersecting silver-white sword beams.

Every time swords crossed, every time metals collided, another wound would appear on Hiltina's body, leaving her originally pure white knight uniform stained with muddy blood stains of varying sizes.

Although Hiltina is a powerful swordsman who has experienced many battles, Ingrid has experienced more and has richer combat experience than her.

Ingrid has experienced thousands of life-and-death crises, big and small, along the way. For this former Director of the Inspectorate, there are no sparring matches or easy tasks with a sure win; every battle is a fight to the death with her life at stake.

In addition, Hiltina was only recently promoted to the sixth level, while Ingrid had already reached the peak of the sixth level for many years.

Coupled with the significant boost to physical strength provided by the Night Blade's "Yin Iron" when activated, as soon as the battle broke out, Hiltina fell into a complete disadvantage and was covered in wounds within seconds.

"You will never understand those things that are innate to you, as natural as eating and drinking water—"

"For me, it requires fighting with my life and risking everything to gain it."

"I gave up all my fun and hobbies, and I don't know how many days and nights of suffering I endured before I finally made it out of that mountain and had the opportunity to study in the same academy with you."

Ingrid drew out the sword indifferently, and the silver tip of the blade was pulled out from Hiltina's lower abdomen, bringing with it a series of splattering blood.

"Hiltina, I know you must be looking down on me right now. You think I've betrayed my original aspirations and the oath I swore when I joined the army."

"I also know that most people in the academy don't think highly of me, even Dean Yin—"

"Dean Yin thinks I'm too utilitarian. I'm desperate to gain power and authority, climbing up the ladder, using any means necessary, even to the point of being a bit crazy."

"It described me as a woman who is calculating to the core."

"What it likes more must be you, Junior Sister... Dean Yin likes your purity, your integrity, and your sparkling, golden soul."

bang——

Another clash of swords and knives.

After a brief collision, Hiltina's body was cut by the sword again, and Ingrid suddenly picked her up and flew away, drawing a crimson curve in the air, and then fell heavily to the ground like a kite with a broken string.

She coughed up a mouthful of blood, and her originally white cheeks were covered with radioactive dust from the nuclear power plant.

"But what can I do? What can I do?"

"Don't I also want to be favored by Dean Yin and hold that cute, furry little ferret that loves to act cute and be petted in my arms as a pillow?"

"Don't I also want to be like you, to be able to walk openly in the bright world, to receive the cheers of the world, to be bathed in flowers, applause, and glory?"

"On countless sleepless nights, I would recall the crimes I had committed, the blood on my hands, wielding the knife against innocent people, even young children... Even if I washed my hands many times, the smell of blood still lingered."

"I hate this filthy, bloody me more than any of you do."

Ingrid looked at the rapier user struggling to get up in the distance. His once red and white knight's battle uniform was now completely engulfed in crimson. "I want to go back more than anyone else."

"I dream of returning to the day I was awarded the Order of the Black Eagle. I still remember the scene... I was standing in the great hall of the imperial capital, and your father, His Majesty Aaron, personally presented me with the medal. The audience applauded thunderously. At that moment, I felt like I was in the clouds, and the life I had dreamed of was right before my eyes."

“But I know I can’t go back.”

"I won't regret my choice—"

Ingrid's voice echoed through the ruins: "If I hadn't done that... become the gravekeeper's black glove, the most useful chess piece, then I would never have had the chance to avenge my mother."

In the distance, Mingming's body was covered with wounds of varying sizes, and his clothes were already soaked with blood.

But Hiltina's voice remained unwavering, piercing through the desolate ruins and ringing directly into Ingrid's ears: "Senior, I've personally experienced the pain of losing a loved one. I understand how you feel..."

"But no matter how much pain or hatred there is, it is not a reason to aid and abet the evil and commit such a crime."

"No, you don't understand!"

Ingrid's hoarse growl exploded.

"I know you, like me, lost your mother to a twilight disaster... but that's different."

"You lost your mother, but you still have a father who has ascended the throne and loves you deeply but will not easily reveal his fatherly love."

"You also have a half-sister, Ophelia, who appears to be well-behaved and sensible, but is actually quite scheming and a sister complex. She often likes to hang around you."

"You still have the professors at Starry University, your former lover Fran, Dean Yin... and Last, who is willing to tolerate your outspokenness, your reckless determination to break, and understand your stubbornness, arrogance, and persistence."

"Ask yourself, without the support of those people, if you had never met Rast... would you really still be able to move forward so resolutely on your own path?"

Her hoarse voice paused for a moment. "But I'm different from you. Apart from my mother and a few familiar folks in that small village, I have nothing."

"Although I've met some people at Starry University and in the military... but to be honest, those people have never truly entered my heart. Because we are never the same kind of people at heart. Even if we have temporary connections due to relationships like classmates or colleagues, we will inevitably part ways one day."

"After my mother's death, I no longer had anyone to confide in. No matter how much pain I suffered, I could only lick my wounds alone in the dark night."

She slowly raised her right hand, the metal prosthetic limb gleaming with a bright silver light in the air: "If you don't want to die here—" "Then use your full strength, unleash your strongest move, Hiltina."

"I've researched your Night Blade, True Name Unleashed, correct?"

"Use all your strength to use that move, or you will never see anything you hold dear again, whether it's your father and sister, Dean Silver, or Luster."

On Ingrid's right arm, the pale silver light slowly gathered and became brighter.

"Devour my soul..."

"Then, gallop."

It was a hoarse chant that carried a weariness that penetrated deep into the soul.

And amidst this chanting, light gathered in the void and transformed into an illusory yet brilliantly burning imaginary sword.

Heraldic Attire "Shining Silver Arms".

Ingrid's only emblematic garment can project a divine sword strike born of fantasy—but the price is to devour a portion of Ingrid's soul as the wielder.

This is Ingrid's strongest killing move, the most powerful blow she can create at the cost of her own soul, and it carries a chilling murderous intent.

She really wanted to kill Hiltina, this younger generation who had similar experiences to her but had taken a completely opposite path.

As she looked at the silver sword that Ingrid materialized, a spark of fire finally rose in Hiltina's eyes.

"Perhaps, this is what Rast often said..."

She said softly, "As the saying goes, if we are on different paths, we cannot work together."

"Senior, I may never be able to empathize with you and truly understand your thoughts——"

"but--"

Hiltina's voice turned from soft to silent.

She put away the Night Sky Sword, whose blade was damaged in the previous clash, and took out another spare rapier.

This is also a heraldic ceremonial dress. After running out of ammunition and food in the previous disaster remnant, Hiltina finally learned her lesson and took great pains to prepare spare weapons for herself.

“No matter how the world denies me or criticizes me, I will continue to walk steadfastly on my path.”

She gently stroked her chest. "And the ideal of being a 'Forest Ranger' in my heart is in no way inferior to yours, Senior Sister."

The illusory silver sword took shape in an instant.

It was a streaking sword light, a slashing blow like a meteor falling from the sky, arriving in an instant.

However, all Ingrid got in response was a soft chant.

It was a word spirit from the ancient times, and it was very similar to the "True Name Release" released by Hiltina when she fought with all her strength, which Ingrid had seen in the video.

But this time.

The word that Hiltina chanted did not mean the "true name" of the coat of arms she held.

But "collapse".

Infinity Blade: Fantasy Collapse

Destroy the weapon in your hand and everything inside it.

It's not just about liberating the True Name, but at the cost of ordering it to completely self-destruct, making it impossible to repair, allowing this weapon to unleash power far greater than "True Name Liberation."

This ability is far more powerful than "True Name Release" and the price paid is also more expensive. It is the higher level power of "Infinite Sword" that Hiltina mastered when she broke through the sixth level after "Infinite Martial Arts", "All Things Are Martial Arts", and "True Name Release".

It is also an explosion that can only be used once in a lifetime in a heraldic ceremonial garment, as if turning it into a meteor, blooming the most brilliant fireworks the moment it cuts through the night sky.

That's why Hiltina took back her Night Sky Sword and replaced it with another one, because the former was the last gift given to her by Fran, and Hiltina didn't want it to be permanently damaged by activating "Illusion Collapse".

The next moment.

A dazzling torrent of light shone from the edge of Hiltina's sword, engulfing everything.

……

The light is flowing, the light is roaring.

This is a battle of light cannons between Ingrid and Hiltina, and also a battle between "Illusionary Collapse" and the soul-devouring silver arm.

Soon, the arc of light from the collision determined the winner.

The shining silver meteor shattered quietly in front of the surging torrent of light, and was then swallowed up silently.

“As expected—”

"I know that no matter what kind of situation you are forced into, you will always be able to break through the adversity and turn everything around."

Looking at the silver meteor that collapsed in the light, and looking at her own silver arm prosthesis with a tiny crack, Ingrid whispered softly.

At the other end of the ruins, in the surging light, Hiltina's entire body, severely wounded by Ingrid's sword, the wounds that could almost completely take the life of an ordinary person... were now being repaired and healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Seeing the extraordinary healing speed of Hiltina that far exceeded that of ordinary people, the bitterness on Ingrid's lips increased a bit.

"So that's how it is. From the beginning to the end—the scabbard of that holy sword was not in the hands of the Emperor of the Empire, where it should have been."

"Instead, it has long been buried within your body by your father."

"And now, that scabbard, sealed for centuries, has revived within your body, healing your injuries... Does this mean the Granville Empire's holy sword is finally awakening and finding a new master?"

"But, this is only natural."

Ingrid's words were soft, "After all, only someone as dazzling as you is worthy of the Holy Sword's recognition."

The pale blue flames silently faded away from Ingrid's slender figure.

The "Yin Iron" was released.

The silver meteor that swallowed up the light had exhausted Ingrid's last bit of strength.

She completely lost the strength to resist and was swept away by the rushing river of light, washed deep into the nuclear power plant, where the reactor core was located.

It was a cliff-like area, and beneath the cliff was boiling molten steel that was flowing slowly like lava.

Even though five years have passed, the aftermath of the previous nuclear leak accident is still continuing. The high temperature generated by nuclear fission melted a large amount of metal inside the nuclear power plant and turned the entire ruins into a huge furnace filled with molten iron.

At this moment, Ingrid was washed by the torrent of light and fell powerlessly into the deepest part of the furnace, like a red sea, into the molten steel at thousands of degrees.

"Senior!"

Hiltina's expression changed, and she suddenly leaped up, using the steel bars in the air as leverage, and rushed towards Ingrid, who was hit by the huge force, trying to pull her back from the edge of the cliff.

However, the next moment.

Swish.

The silver sword light flashed again, and bright red blood splashed up.

That was the blade Ingrid swung in mid-air.

Using her last bit of strength, she cut off the hand that Hiltina extended to her, and also destroyed her last hope of surviving from the steel furnace.

"Hiltina——"

"Even if you don't want to admit it, in the eyes of most of the nobles and soldiers in the imperial capital, you are still the first princess and the only heir to the future throne."

"Your Highness Ophelia is merely a front, stepping forward voluntarily... You are the one whom countless people have placed their hopes on, the one who can make the empire rise again."

"In their eyes, you are like the sun, dazzling and brilliant. Your light will illuminate the entire empire and bring hope to the people of the world—"

Ingrid's voice transmission rang directly into Hiltina's ears.

"But what if you are the sun?"

Dozens of meters above the molten steel, Ingrid, who was falling helplessly, smiled mockingly:
"People say you are the hope of the empire, and that you can make everyone see the sunshine."

"But moths like us, born in darkness...will only be roasted into charcoal by your light!"

"Hiltina——"

"Your light cannot illuminate my darkness!"

She just finished speaking.

The next moment, the boiling molten steel engulfed everything.

(End of this chapter)