Chapter 38 - Judge Atoru, The Grandmaster Hunter

Parsifal was busy dealing with the Aura Champions and the strange individual hiding his power. Let’s see what you’re made of. Pulling his bowstring back with an ebony arrow, Parsifal fired a shot imbued with Aura and concentrated Hellfire.

Fires arrow.

Among the sea of arrows and the madness of the battlefield with screaming and moaning, a dark light almost eclipsed the bright sky. Bracing for the attack, Judge Atoru countered by firing an Aura shot of his own.

Fires arrow.

Each attack infused with Aura was a basic practice that all Rangers knew how to do. Given that both Parsifal and Judge Atoru are above level 100, executing such a technique was nothing to them. However, the result of the two attacks showed more than what it would seem.

CRACKLE! CRACKLE!!

The two energies contested with each other for a short while, but, Parisfal’s arrow imbued with Aura and Hellfire took the upper hand. Yet, it was short-lived as the arrow began to disintegrate. The Holy element, huh? Parsifal thought internally. I would expect nothing less from a Judge.

The job class, Judge, would require multiple mastery in different job classes making them capable of applying elemental properties to their attacks. He broke through my Aura? Thought Judge Atoru. Genuinely shocked at what he witnessed, he was sure of himself that his attack was superior. There’s another Martial God on their side?

Judge Atoru already knew of the two Martial Gods leading the vanguard. He had wanted to intercept the two with the Blossom Sword Saint, Master Tasuman, but, Parsifal was also on the battlefield. It was simply just that Parsifal had yet to be known in the world. Not just that, an unorthodox Martial God who specializes in long-range was revealed to the world.

Knowing that his Aura Champions that were secretly under his command were having a hard time with the Death Archers, Judge Atoru could not move with that doubt in mind. And now, Parsifal was in the fray.

Judge Atoru was boxed in. Goddamn 3 Martial Gods?!! He grunted at the thought of facing people similar to his level. If it comes to it, we may have to abandon this fort. A grin appeared on Judge Atoru’s tan skin. It wasn’t ours from the beginning. Kuku. Judge Atoru began to execute a move amidst his thoughts. I’m curious, however, why do I feel a sense of comradery? His sentiment was born out of the feeling he would experience from being around his fellow Judges. Such people with a job class like that will inadvertently pressure lower beings with their will alone. In this case, a Judge will give off the presence of a dignified being of law and order. Could it be? Let’s find out.

Fires arrow.

This time, Judge Atoru fired three unusually large arrows with his longbow that looked like a Legendary Artifact. Known as “The Grandmaster Hunter,” Judge Atoru is a powerful Aura Master of the Arcadian Empire and part of the Judgehood consisting of only six individuals. He is the most unique of the special group solely controlled by Tiamat due to his usage of a longbow to fight as well as commanding a legion of forces.

Each move between the two would sway the current stalemate that is happening in the battle. Parsifal responded with an exemplary move befitting a Bow Saint.

Aura Techniques: [Dark Pulsar Helix] -Fires 3 arrows that orbit and combine into a stargazing attack. Breaks parry and causes massive destruction. Rank: EX Proficiency: 108% Aura Techniques: [Hunting Trifecta] -An exclusive skill that fires 3 arrows capable of piercing mountains. Requires armor-piercing arrows that rotate at mach speed. Rank: EX Proficiency: 109%

KABOOM!!!

The same result happened. Parsifal’s technique would be superior in this round, “Cheeky bastard.” Internally, Judge Atoru was disgusted by the fact that he saw Parsifal execute such an intricate technique into something extraordinary. I admit it! I won’t hold back any longer!

From this point on, the battle between the two Bow Saints would tell the future of the great battle ensuing at Fortress City, Gaspless.

Parsifal Lvl. 129

Class: Mystic Realm

8th-Tier Archmage

Species: Death Noble (Ethereal Body)

Main Job: Hellfire Judge

Sub job: Trident Saint

Sub job: Bow Saint

Titles: Yang Screw Flower Trident Saint (passive)

Hellfire Bow Saint (passive)

Ethereal King (equipped)

The First Familiar (unsealed)

The First Familiar (passive) - Beings who are resurrected by a Sith Lord are granted another shot at life, however, at the cost of a connection with the caster. The privilege of being The First Familiar grants Parsifal to copy two-thirds of Dario’s abilities. Effectively, chi-breathing methods, skills, techniques, or spells can automatically be received by the Sith Lord’s ability to transfer information through the soul.

Ethereal King (equipped) - A title of the highest magnitude. Those who have mastered north the day and night will unlock an extremely rare Mythological Title above the blessings of gods. Can increase this title’s skill to a maximum of 5 stars.

Proficiency: 5/5 Stars

-increases all attributes by 200 points

-gradually regenerates health and mana during the day and night

-dispels hunger, sleep, and desires

-dispels aging by 50%

Hellfire Bow Saint (passive) - Lord Vicegerent had bestowed Parsifal the ability to control and manipulate Hellfire when he entered the Divine Realm. As his reward for achieving the status of Martial God, he was given the right to wield one of the few rarest, extreme yang abilities on the planet.

-doubles bow and arrow damage

-automatic critical damage

-halves MP/AP usage

-Black Magic affinity increases by 200%

Yang Screw Flower Trident Saint (passive) - One of the exclusive abilities given to Parsifal was the Nejibana, Screw Flower Spear Arts. Initially, this martial art was permitted for all military members of the Omen Sect as it is a practice well received in armies, however, Parsifal had taken this martial art and advanced it to a level by combining archery skills and Hellfire into spear techniques. In effect, one thrust from a spear is akin to being hit multiple times, much like flurries of arrows hitting a bullseye in one shot. Such an achievement grants Parsifal an exclusive title with multiple aspects.

-doubles spear damage

-automatic critical damage

-halves MP/AP usage

-halves Black Magic usage

Judge Atoru Lvl. 112

Class: Mystic Realm

5th Circle Archmage

Species: Human

Main Job: Judge

Sub job: Priest

Sub job: High Mage

Sub job: Bow Saint

Sub job: Soldier

Sub job: Strider

Sub job: Ranger

Titles: Judge of the Western Champion Army (passive)

The Grandmaster Hunter Bow Saint (passive)

King of Day/Sunshine King (equipped)

Judge of the Western Champion Army (passive) - Judges are the guardians of law and order and a Divine job class, making them effectively the Supreme Court in any government. They are also referred to as “your honor” and are also elite guards. The Judge seating on the 3rd rank effectively makes Atoru one of the most powerful people of the Arcadian Empire. In matters regarding judicial or military affairs, the Judge has the supreme jurisdiction of judgment and command.

-doubles experience rate in judicial or militaristic affairs

-can equip up to 3 titles

The Grandmaster Hunter Bow Saint (passive) - Perceptive and tricky as a young Ranger during his youth, Judge Atoru had always lived for the hunt and takes great thrill in trapping and killing powerful adversaries. Being an original citizen of the Arcadian Empire and fighting in the Omen Campaign, he had become a Bow Saint in his own right and is known to specialize in shooting arrows in highly unconventional directions, as well as perfectly utilizing multiple trick shots.

-doubles spear damage

-automatic critical damage

-halves MP/AP usage

King of Day/Sunshine King (equipped) - A coveted and legendary title attained by mastering the day. Typically, leaders of sects or organizations would tend to have this pinnacle-grade title. Can increase this title’s skill to a maximum of 5 stars.

-increases all attributes by 100 points during the day

-slowly regenerates health during the day

-dispels sleep

***

The battle between the two Bow Saints was monotone and marvelous at the same time. Attacks would be launched and mitigated when colliding with each other. This time, however, Parsifal was gaining an edge in the battle as he increased his firepower in his techniques.

“Damn! To think someone with a bow is better than me?!!” Judge Atoru scoffed atop his palisade that had almost become worn out. “I’ll have to end that here!” In a sequence of firing three arrows each with a unique technique attached to it, Parsifal was anticipating this exact moment.

Archery Skills:

[Piercing Hunting Force]

-A heavy, almost mountainous, piercing arrow with a rifling curve to the head. Unlike the typical arrows, this shot is intended to pierce through and make way for the more unique following arrows. Break parry.

Rank: EX

Proficiency: 125% Archery Skills: [Solar Flare] -A jagged arrow with a small compartment in the head. Primarily intended to blind a target after the first successful parry. Rank: EX

Proficiency: 125% Archery Skills: [Cutting Force Implosion] -A wide, hunting arrow with a deadly sharp-cutting head. The finishing blow of a sequence of three techniques meant to execute after blinding an enemy. Releases a wide field of explosive powder that ignites into a missive explosion of fire. Rank: EX Proficiency: 125%

About time. He thought. I’ll play into your tactics! In response to Piercing Hunting Force, Parsifal unleashed a skill that was made purely out of mana. This would be a showcase of something quite uncommon that is not usually seen and that is a magic bow attack.

Magick Archery Skills: [Threefold Bolt] -Fires three magical arrows at a single target. Rank: EX Proficiency: 125%

As much as Parsifal enjoys the sensation of pulling an arrow back on a bowstring, there was an equal share of curiosity with magic as well. Originally, Parsifal was not a Mage by any means and found it just as exhilarating to be a magic bowman. When the magical bolt instantly contacted the rifling curve arrow, the bolt dispersed and canceled the technique as it would usually break off into three smaller bolts and crashed down the target.

Strange shape for an arrow. It could easily go through a mountain. Parsifal assessed that the different arrows had a purpose with their unique shapes, but, what was surprising was the second move after Piercing Hunting Force.

!!

My eyes… the Holy element. Parsifal was temporarily blinded by the bright light that was of the holy property, the weakness of darkness or yang energy. Immediately after the blinding light, Parsifal extended his senses outside of his eyes and peered through another vision. Is that sand in the air?... What is this… powder? It was tough to deduce what was happening, but, Parsifal was currently seeing a cloud of fine-like dust spread wide. I sense a strong explosion incoming!

Returning his bow to the Item Box, a lustrous black trident was pulled out, and began whipping the spear above his head, “Hellfire Age.”

Trident Techniques: [Hellfire Screw Flower Spear Arts - Unholy Buddha of Time] -Conjures a spiritual apparition of a corrupted Buddha engulfed in the flames of hell. Protects and cordoned off from enemy attacks while in this state. Rank: EX Proficiency: 125%

KABOOM!! KABOOM!

The explosion let off a chain explosion effect that affected a wide area. This won’t be enough Thought Parsifal. The flames have the Holy element as well. I’ve overcome such weakness a long time ago.

Archery Techniques: [The Black Sea of the Heavens] -Gathers outside fire and reflected at ten times the damage. Rank: EX Proficiency: 125%

Fuck!!

Judge Atoru saw a black wave flying toward him. God damn it~! He had no choice but to endure the sudden turn of events that he had not expected. Enduring for what seemed like an eternity, it looked as if the attack was waning. Did it stop? It was a question Judge Atoru asked himself as he spat out blood. Spat! Cough! Cough!

On the other side, Parsifal was seen spitting blood from his mouth as well. This move drains too much internal force… Parsifal thought. Noticing the opportunity, Judge Atoru instantly executed his Ultimate Technique. He pushed himself too far! You may surpass me, but, you’re also past your limit! With his last arrow being colored black, this was a move reserved for extreme measures, so much so, that the bow becomes obsolete after the technique is performed.

Ultimate Techniques: [Star Obliterating Destroyer] -A darkness-based attack that allows Judje Atoru to fire a powerful arrow made of pure dark energy. It is implied that this skill is strong enough to injure or possibly kill a Martial God. Rank: EX Proficiency: 125%

It looked like black energy was engrossing the arrow and bow that lightning crackled in the air. An Ultimate Technique! The climax is here! Excited at the thought of taking the life of a fellow Bow Saint and absorbing his soul would allow him to copy skills and abilities from the Judge.

Parsifal pulled a highly detailed mana bolt and time began slowing down. You won’t be able to perceive this attack.

Ultimate Techniques: [Sacred Sacrificial Bolt] -Summons forth the ultimate magickal bolt at the cost of one’s HP. Slows down time while the user is aiming. Leaves the user with one point of health. Rank: EX Proficiency: 128%

The arrow flew and the whole world stopped but the attack kept moving. As the two Ultimate Techniques clashed, the attack made the entire battlefield stop and see the collision of two massive energies. Ironically, the Ultimate Techniques performed was the complete opposite at the beginning of the battle. You see, Parsifal was continuously executing darkness-based attacks and Judge Atoru countered with holy magic. However, their last attacks were switched in their elemental properties. In a struggle that was tug-and-pull, the Sacred Sacrificial Bolt was by far the strongest Ultimate Technique in terms of archery.

Thwack!

Judge Atoru’s side ribs were grazed by the magickal bolt. Krrgh!

Critical!

-6192483

The damage was outstanding, to say the least. Seeing that he was overmatched, Judge Atoru made his decision and immediately ripped a scroll from his magical Item Box and teleported to another place.

Damn, he got away…

The First Familiar, Parsifal, the debut was one of fireworks and will be talked about in the world that he had defeated a Judge. This would surely send Tiamat a surprise.