Obstaculum Vinculum
The yellow light rippled outward, and Rumno was thrown back, crashing into an invisible barrier. As he attempted to get up and charge at Abel once more, a multitude of vines erupted from the ground, binding him tightly like the strongest ropes, forcing him to kneel and immobilizing him.
Abel approached Rumno, observing the doctor, whose nose and mouth were exuding heat. He waved his wand over the doctor's body, assessing his current state.
In essence, the physical changes Rumno was undergoing stemmed from the injection he had taken. It resembled a fast-acting genetic serum, providing users with enhanced abilities but also distorting their bodies. Whether this distortion conferred benefits or drawbacks would require more thorough research.
Abel noted the way Rumno roared like a beast, realizing that the potion had driven him into a primal state, suppressing his sanity. With little chance of extracting information from him in this condition, Abel decided not to waste time and raised his wand to cast a spell.
Sheshenshu Nian!
A green light blossomed from the tip of the wand, transforming into strands that penetrated Rumno's eyes, ears, and nose, swiftly spreading throughout his brain. This was different from Abel's earlier experiences; today, his contemplation spell comprehensively invaded both the mind and body. Unless faced with an extraordinarily powerful spiritual entity, it would collapse any weaker spirit. Given Rumno's actions against Treya, Abel felt no pity and held nothing back.
As the green filaments invaded, Rumno's body trembled initially in resistance. However, against Abel's magic, he was ultimately powerless. Soon, he became sluggish, drool and tears streaming down his face, his newfound strength failing to protect him from the mental onslaught.
Images began flooding Abel's vision—memories and emotions from the doctor's past. Adjusting his wand slightly, Abel quickly sifted through Rumno's recollections until he located what he sought: the memories connected to the organization behind Rumno!
The Ten Commandments!
Middle East base!
Singapore!
Scenes flickered before him, revealing the inner workings of the Ten Commandments. Among those memories, Abel discovered that Rumno was a double agent, working for both the Ten Commandments and Pioneer Technology. The doctor's expertise in medical technology and biochemical enhancements originated from Pioneer Technology!
After gathering the information he needed, Abel released the spell. Rumno collapsed to the ground like a lifeless puppet, a vacant smile plastered on his face, resembling a dementia patient rather than a top agent.
With a slight droop of his eyelids, Abel tightened the roots and vines binding Rumno, who struggled and roared in protest until they constricted around his neck, snuffing out his life.
Abel waved his wand once more, causing the ground beneath Rumno to swell and boil. Thick roots erupted, wrapping around his body and dragging him into the earth, erasing any trace of him above ground. This was druid magic Abel had learned in Asgard, particularly powerful in forested environments.
Having dealt with Rumno, Abel's frost ring appeared on his left middle finger. He snapped his fingers, conjuring an ice mirror before him. Tapping the mirror with his wand, it revealed a scene from home—Treya, accompanied and protected by Sharon, the pendant on her chest glowing faintly, providing her with the means to protect herself in case of danger.
Satisfied, Abel decided against returning home just yet. He needed to resolve the current situation first before explaining things to Treya. He was aware that he couldn't reveal everything, so he needed to devise a reliable explanation before heading back.
With this thought in mind, Abel opened a portal and stepped through, guided by the information he had gleaned from Rumno's memories.
Upon emerging, he found himself surrounded by yellow sand, with a town blending seamlessly into the landscape. His gaze fell on a guard tower, where machine guns were mounted, adorned with the Ten Commandments' banner.
Confirming he was in the right place, Abel transformed into black smoke and ascended into the sky. Surveying the Ten Rings Gang base below, he took stock of the situation before crashing down into the center of the base, all while under the watchful eyes of the guards.
Turning his left hand over, the portable metal tube Tony had given him appeared. After unlocking it with his fingerprint, the golden metal mask with red lines and the golden-red boots sprang forth, swiftly enveloping his face and feet.
Raising his wand, Abel summoned a spherical invisible shield around him. In the next instant, gunfire erupted, bullets ricocheting off the shield, which shimmered with ripples as it absorbed the impact.
As he scanned the terrorists at the base, the mask on his face activated a scan, confirming there were no civilians present. With a decisive nod, Abel raised his left hand, and the Frost Ring glowed brilliantly. He clenched his fist, unleashing a freezing blue halo that radiated outward, freezing everything in its path.
Within moments, the entire town descended into icy silence. People, buildings, and weapons alike were ensnared in frost, their faces frozen in expressions of terror.
Floating higher into the air, Abel surveyed the now-frozen base of the Ten Rings Gang below before opening a portal and stepping through it.
Simultaneously, in a remote mountain range in Singapore, Abel reappeared high in the sky, gazing down at a magnificent palace ahead. He transformed into black smoke once more and surged forward.