The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 650: The Hooded Figure

Rewinding time a bit to when Asmodeus revealed his true form, I was faced with several choices. The first was to target his enlarged form with massive firepower… but considering that he had absorbed his subordinates, he likely had substantial defenses. Whether I could gather enough firepower to breach them was uncertain.

The second option was enduring a war of attrition. I had a hunch that maintaining such energy in a single entity would be challenging. However, this was risky since the full extent of his offensive capabilities was unknown. Falling into a defensive position and being overwhelmed meant there would be no second chances.

The third was removing my mask, risking all my plans especially since I haven’t yet revealed Wepal's location yet, potentially causing everything to crumble. Asmodeus's current state was comparable to the demon lord of the past and doing nothing could lead to a quick defeat. I had never fought at full strength without my mask and the repercussions were unpredictable, yet it seemed the most likely path to victory.

Within my field of view, Asmodeus withstands the attacks from Elna and Noname, showcasing his impressive defensive capabilities. I had Silvery End Saber as a trump card which is comparable to removing my mask. Given the battlefield's state, its power could rival the Holy Sword but seeing that even the Holy Sword's attacks were blocked, overpowering him with sheer offense seemed futile.

"If Orihime can't defend against it, no one can..."

Orihime managed to block Asmodeus's first strike, but he immediately prepared for a second. As Orihime's barriers and Asmodeus's attack collided, I reached for my mask while realizing hesitation was a luxury I couldn't afford. Yet, just then:

"Stop."

Turning at the voice of restraint, I saw a man cloaked in a white robe, his face hidden by a deep hood—the same person who had approached me on the flagship Alphonse.

"Look around. The collapse of space has begun. If you unleash yourself too early, the collapse will only worsen."

Observing my surroundings, I noticed the vibrations and cracks in space which can potentially affect the whole world.

"But I have no other choice."

"If space collapses, Asmodeus would gleefully connect this world to the demon realm. Since space is already destabilizing, he can absorb energy endlessly and become infinitely stronger. Stop."

The hooded figure's words carried an undeniable truth. But how did he know the secret of my mask? Who exactly was he?

"Who are you?"

"Would knowing my identity make you accept my advice? Is my true identity that important to you?"

"It could be a trap set by enemies."

"I thought I helped you before. Well, I understand your suspicions. Does this convince you to trust me?"

Saying that, the hooded figure removed his hood.

Blond hair, blue eyes.

But, that face was familiar.

"You look like me...?"

"No, you’ve got it wrong. You look like me. Heed the words of your ancestor. Especially you as you're too much like me. Could it be a case of skipping generations? I was supposed to be the last magician to influence the world this much..."

Saying so, the man who claimed to be my ancestor chuckled wryly. Then he continued.

"If we're talking about whether you can win, rest assured you can. As long as your childhood friend can fully harness the power of the Holy Sword."

"If that was possible, Elna would have done it by now..."

"When pushed to the brink, people can exceed their limits. Don't you trust your childhood friend?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I trust her more than anyone."

"Then don't remove your mask. That demon’s prime will be short, so just hold out until he weakens."

"Easy for you to say..."

After the clash between Orihime and Asmodeus ended, Orihime indeed managed to block it. However, Asmodeus was already preparing for another attack. The level of attack that Orihime barely managed to defend was being launched continuously….

What a monster. To suggest holding off against such an opponent is a bit beyond what I can do.

"What a hopeless case. That mask is the 'Silver Mask of the Demon King', a magical tool used for training by the royal families of the ancient magical civilization. They had an insatiable thirst for power. To reach further and to climb higher. It was created as a restraint tool to help chase after such an obsession. Using such restraints, they managed to reach greater heights and as a result, the world couldn't bear it anymore and the ancient magical civilization were forced to abandon their magic."

"I don't have time for a history lesson."

"Listen well to the advice of your predecessors. Though it's a restraint, it has a function to temporarily loosen its shackles. Originally, it was for royal use only and was a special feature. Only a master who was overseeing the training can use it."

With that, my ancestor extended his right hand towards my mask and pressed it with his index finger.

――Liberatio.

The moment he chanted that, I felt an unprecedented sense of liberation. Even though I was told that my magical power was being somewhat hindered by the mask, fighting with it had become second nature to me. I had always fought wearing the mask so I couldn't really grasp the concept of being hindered...

"I see... It indeed was a restraint."

"Don't be overconfident. It hasn't been removed, and it will revert back to normal after some time."

Saying so, my ancestor stepped away from me while leaving with a familiar smirk.

"Arnold. Don't let a mere demon take over this world, okay?"

"Of course... Can I hear your name at the end?"

"You can guess, can't you?"

"Do indulge me."

He chuckled lightly and then revealed.

"The First Emperor of the Adrasian Empire――Alphonso Lakes Adler. Our thoughts dwell throughout this land, drawn up by the imperial sword using magic and leading us here. Go, Arnold. Teach that demon brat what it means to fear the Adler."

With those parting words, Alphonso then completely disappeared. As expected, he was the person I thought of. A thought form doing whatever he pleases, probably only possible due to his magical power from when he was alive. The man who had established the empire and the hero who had ended the horrific wars of the continent after the decline of the ancient magical civilization. And, like me, a user of ancient magic.

"I'm not keen on following the advice of a suspicious ancestor, but..."

For now, I have no choice. The spatial cracks caused by Asmodeus's attack were getting worse. If I removed my mask now, it will only exacerbate the situation. If that benefits him, then I have to defeat him without removing it. I teleported from my location.

"The rest is up to you... Silver."

"Understood. Leave it to me."

Responding to Orihime, I began preparing my magic, smoother than ever, ready to engage in the battle that lay ahead.

TL's Notes:

Welp, Arnold fighting at full strength is something you guys have to find out next week on the next episode of Dragon Ball - oh wait

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