Severe injuries
After ensuring Sophia and Ezequiel fully grasped the information, Zatiel continued outlining their strategy. "Our main advantage lies in his arrogance and underestimation of us. We must capitalize on that overconfidence swiftly; once he realizes our true capabilities, he'll become cautious and defensive. At that point, you two must follow the plan and execute my instructions without hesitation."
"Yes!" Sophia and Ezequiel understood the gravity of the situation and were prepared to follow orders meticulously, knowing any misstep could be fatal.
"Let's go," Zatiel announced, and the trio proceeded to the tower's first floor.
Upon reaching the ground level, they attracted the attention of nearly every apprentice present. Their strength and independence from any family or clan made them stand out.
Among the onlookers, a man in the corner discretely activated a small crystal sphere. "Lord Magus, the target is leaving the tower with two companions," he whispered into it.
After a brief silence, an old voice responded from the sphere, "Well done, I will reward you later."
...
On the fourth floor, Jhon and Clive observed Zatiel's departure through a floating crystal.
"Lord Clive, given Erick's surveillance, I believe he might attack them," Jhon remarked, indifferent to Zatiel's fate but mindful of the promised runes.
"If they're leaving the tower despite the threat of a rank 1 Magus, then they no longer warrant our protection. Should they return, we will uphold the contract," Clive stated, unconcerned with Zatiel's survival. "Still, if Erick does eliminate them, gather evidence for potential compensation," he added before disappearing.
...
Zatiel, Ezequiel, and Sophia were en route to a frozen lake in the Endless Forest, near the periphery where rank 1 magical creatures roamed. Near this lake was the ancient Magus's laboratory discovered by Sophia. Choosing this location as their hideout post-battle, Zatiel was unconcerned about Erick discovering it, as they were now far from prying eyes.
The trio advanced cautiously, their bodies primed for action. Around Ezequiel, arcs of lightning enhanced his speed, while Sophia was enveloped in a frost aura, intermittently releasing blasts of cold air.
Zatiel had two spells active: a partial Shadow form on his legs and a ring of black fire at his back – his chosen Rank Spell. This spell, originally rank 1, had been downgraded to rank 0 through the chip's modifications. Despite its high energy demand, Zatiel managed to harness it after reaching the peak of rank 0 and increasing his physique to over 19 points.
'Managing this spell is still challenging, as expected of a formerly rank 1 spell,' Zatiel reflected while practicing with the Ring of Abyssal Fire. The chip's analysis of the spell had been enlightening:
[Ring of Abyssal Fire: Rank 0 spell (Downgraded from rank 1). Generates a ring of black flames around the user. Can control segments to attack enemies or coat parts of the body or weapon. The flames, connected to the abyss aura, are corrosive, can amplify their power using the target's energy, and affect the target's consciousness. Consumption: Abyss Aura - 2 points per minute.]
His proficiency in the spell had reduced its energy consumption significantly. Initially, it could barely remain active for a few minutes before depleting his energy. Now, with basic regeneration of abyss aura, the cost was almost negligible.
...
On the seventh day of their journey through the forest, Zatiel sensed something - a subtle killing intent. Thanks to his heightened consciousness at the peak of rank 0, he caught the faint sign.
"Now!" At his signal, the trio each swallowed a black pill.
Just as they did, Erick materialized above them in a burst of flames, wasting no time in launching a powerful spell.
"Fire Storm!"
Flames cascaded from the sky, threatening to engulf them. However, rather than the expected cries of agony, Erick was met with three raised palms.
"Abyssal Blast!!!"
Three beams of abyssal aura, black, blue, and light-blue, converged and obliterated Erick's fiery onslaught, continuing their relentless path towards him.
Erick, caught off-guard and without his lava shields, was struck hard. A yellow, cracked sphere emanating from a pendant around his neck, along with a partially damaged cloak of flames, barely saved him. He was severely injured, bleeding profusely, and the pendant shattered, its protective sphere vanishing.
Managing to halt his backward momentum and levitate on a ball of flames, Erick struggled with chaotic thoughts and intense pain in his head, impairing his concentration.
"Those pieces of sh*t, I wi.." he started to curse.
But the assault didn't relent. Ezequiel, shrouded in lightning and armored, materialized behind Erick, lunging at his lungs with a small sword. Simultaneously, Sophia launched ice spikes from above, targeting his head, while Zatiel, cloaked in chains and armor, with hands wreathed in dark fire, delivered punches to Erick's stomach.