The two sides didn't immediately clash.
Monarchs possessed magic to communicate, and after sending a distress signal to the other Monarchs, it offered a bit of psychological comfort, even though it was unclear how many would actually come.
But that comfort didn't last long.
The moment she managed to tear her gaze away from Castorice, she saw Cha Hae-in, whose magic power was similarly unfathomable.
Monarch of Plagues: '...'
'Seriously... where did you two come from? I don't remember either of you in any previous cycles?'
She had just called for backup, feeling a sliver of confidence, only to have it doused like a bucket of cold water.
She wasn't the only one stunned on the scene.
Aside from Castorice and Cha Hae-in, all the hunters present, even Goto Ryuji, were breathing heavily.
The only one without a change in expression was the A-rank cameraman, whose ability was so lacking he couldn't even sense the oppressive magic in the air.
He and the viewers were still reeling from Castorice's previous attack, completely unaware of the danger here.
Looking at the black-haired woman seated on the throne, Goto Ryuji felt as if all his organs had stopped working.
The sensation—like prey facing a hunter, the hunted facing the predator, a lower life form confronting a higher one—triggered a primal instinct in his body: to play dead.
If not for his reason desperately suppressing that instinct, he might have already lain down on the ground.
"Monster...!"
The other S-ranks could sense something was off, but like the A-rank hunters, their weaker power prevented them from perceiving things as clearly as Goto Ryuji.
It could only be said that among the hunters present, the stronger you were, the more keenly you understood your own insignificance.
Castorice's mood at the moment was actually somewhat complicated.
She needed approval ratings, which were directly tied to the number of people who knew of her.
So, exposure was necessary.
However, she was born late, and the memories she inherited from Amber were already accustomed to the long-lived perspective of her kind.
Thus, she'd never felt a strong sense of urgency—approval would come eventually, sooner or later.
This time, she hadn't intended to compete with Goto Ryuji for the position of National-Level Hunter either. In her view, it was all something she'd obtain in time anyway.
But unfortunately, even though she wasn't vying for it, Goto Ryuji wouldn't get the chance either.
Under the gaze of all the hunters and the audience, Castorice walked to the front.
"Everyone, victory is within reach. Leave the humanoid ant and the beast with a human form to me and Hunter Cha. The Ant Queen will be handled by DFN."
As for the little bugs... whoever they reached could deal with them.
The A-rank cameraman wasn't a concern.
With so much S-rank hunter magic concentrated here, the bugs wouldn't ignore it to go after him. Even if they did, he could run if he couldn't fight.
The other Japanese hunters were taken aback. Wasn't the Ant Queen the weakest of the three?
Shouldn't Goto Ryuji and Castorice handle two, leaving Cha Hae-in to help them eliminate the Ant Queen?
But Goto Ryuji, sweating profusely, nodded. He was ambitious, not stupid.
Both the humanoid ant and the humanoid magical beast were beyond him.
Only the Ant Queen did he believe he could fight to a near standstill; given enough time, killing it wouldn't be a problem.
The Monarch of Plagues naturally understood human language.
Hearing Castorice's words, she gritted her teeth and, without further hesitation, raised a hand.
Six green gates opened before her, spewing forth toxins capable of dissolving a person instantly towards the crowd.
Cha Hae-in immediately stepped forward, one foot slamming heavily onto the ground. A massive golden throne rose before everyone, splitting the oncoming torrent of toxins to either side.
Simultaneously, she drew Sandalphon from the throne.
Knowing this female Monarch, the one with the strongest magic power, was the opponent Castorice had chosen for her, Cha Hae-in channeled magic into the blade.
With a forceful swing, a golden wave of sword pressure shot out, instantly cleaving the throne in two and splitting the toxin stream along with it.
Danger signals screamed in her mind. The Monarch of Plagues had no fondness for tanking attacks.
The moment she realized her toxins were ineffective, she took to the air, dodging to the side.
The golden sword pressure, carrying immense magic, tore through the throne woven from spiderwebs like it was nothing.
Its remaining force continued unabated, carving a deep fissure in the ground that divided the battlefield.
'Where did these humans come from?'
The Monarch of Plagues couldn't comprehend the source of this power. It wasn't from a Fragment of Brilliant Light, nor was it a Monarch's.
What was it? What was so special about this human?
This sword slash did more than leave a mark.
The fierce, sharp magic left behind lingering, razor-edged winds along its path. Not only could toxins not pass through, but even she would find it incredibly difficult to cross now.
For the weaker ones, touching it would mean having that part of their body severed instantly by the gales.
Glancing at Beru on one side and the Ant Queen on the other, the Monarch of Plagues's expression grew darker.
She wanted to flee. Not because she valued her life over her pride as a Monarch, but because she wasn't an idiot.
Only a fool would throw their life away meaninglessly.
"The Ant Queen side is entrusted to all of you," Castorice said, her face still wearing that serene smile, as if this place were not a demon's den but some harmless E-rank gate.
"Leave it to us."
Goto Ryuji felt both dejected and deeply respectful of Castorice's unchanging character—her ability to remain humble despite her overwhelming power.
Even now, mindful of the live broadcast, she was protecting DFN and their dignity.
No, even without the broadcast, Goto Ryuji believed Castorice would have reacted and spoken the same way.
In stark contrast to her abilities, this girl possessed a gentleness far exceeding that of ordinary people.
Words of thanks weren't appropriate now.
Saying no more, Goto Ryuji signaled to the others and led the hunters from Draw Sword Guild charging toward the Ant Queen's side.
Cha Hae-in had already picked her opponent. Nodding to Castorice, she raised her sword and charged at the Monarch of Plagues without hesitation.
Castorice then turned her gaze to Beru, whose body was trembling.
To be honest, she wasn't particularly interested in this opponent.
Not just Beru, but from what she could see, nothing in this world currently posed a threat to her. So, no matter who she faced, the outcome of any fight would be the same.
But at that moment, she thought of Sung Jinwoo.
Sung Jinwoo probably needed this Beru more. After all, he was in a hurry to level up by fighting strong foes.
Plus, with his decent perception, he'd likely already realized this island was different from before.
With just one Ant Queen, Sung Jinwoo wouldn't bother competing with DFN for the kill. But the current situation...
As she pondered whether to give her 'Employee of the Year' something good to eat, Castorice sensed a new magical fluctuation.
Then, a red gate opened. From it stepped a man with bizarrely styled golden hair, wearing a white coat with a red inner lining. On his chest was a glowing red, winged T-shaped emblem.
He looked... like another Monarch.
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.