[152] vs. Demi-Spirit!
From all directions, countless insects and man-eating flower monsters emerged.
The entire expedition team suddenly found themselves surrounded, but fortunately, they were not weak. They easily blocked the onslaught of these insects and man-eating flowers.
"Ais is my beloved. I'm not very pleased with the idea of you devouring her."
As August spoke, he took a step forward. Numerous insects and man-eating flowers around him tried to attack, but without exception, they were all killed by the blades of shadows.
In his Demonization, August's strength peaked at level 7, while the corrupted spirit in front of him was only a clone with a level 6 strength. Even though it was infinitely close to level 7, it still fell short.
It was just a clone created for self-preservation in the deeper parts of the dungeon. Despite consuming a large number of magic stones, its power remained limited. According to August's estimation, the true body of the corrupted spirit might be at least level 8, or even level 9.
"Finn, there are too many of them."
"Hold on with all your might. We mustn't let these insects pass and give August an opportunity."
"Let these bastards all die."
On this side, everyone fought fiercely, creating an imperfect battlefield for August.
Although some monsters managed to get past them, most were intercepted.
"The flame will soon be released!"
"Creeping war, unavoidable destruction. The horn of battle sounds aloud, the cruelty of conflict will envelop all!"
"Come, crimson flames, the ruthless inferno!"
"You are the avatar of hellfire!"
"Sweep completely, bring a close to the great war!"
"Burn them through, Sword of Surtr - my name is Alf!"
"Rea Laevateinn!"
With Riveria's chanting ending, flames surged, instantly clearing the surrounding monsters. This was the power of the Nine Hell.
However, even though a large area was instantly cleared, more monsters surged forward.
These insects seemed endless, as if they couldn't be killed, with waves after waves being slaughtered.
"Arise, flames."
And just as everyone took a breath, a voice echoed from afar.
Everyone was extremely shocked as they looked over, for the monster they were condemning was actually casting magic, and an extremely long incantation at that.
"Chanting? Monsters can use magic?"
"Hey hey~ Is this for real?"
"Is this the Spirit? Even in such a corrupt state, she is still a favored child of the gods."
"Unbelievable."
Without exception, everyone found it hard to believe, especially Ais. The corrupted being before her could still use magic.
August smiled at the sight, patiently waiting for the corrupted spirit to finish chanting.
Finn and the others, having witnessed August's capabilities, quickly understood his intention. He planned to use the monster's power to attack her.
"Rage, rage, rage. Vortex of fire!"
"The crimson wall. Hellfire's roar. May the ardor of the gale plunge the world into grief and misery. The sky shall burn. The earth shall ignite. The seas shall boil. The fonts shall churn. The mountains shall erupt. All life shall turn to ash!"
"May the lives of the great ones serve as atonement for the coming choler and grief!"
"Your envoy beseeches you, Salamander. Incarnate of fire. Queen of flame!"
"Firestorm!"
A crimson magic circle appeared around the corrupted spirit. This was true ancient magic.
Most magic nowadays was granted through falna, not created by humans or elves themselves.
In that ancient era, to cast magic, one needed to create a magic circle. Using the magic circle as a medium, various elemental powers could be controlled.
After the chanting ended, a torrent of flames rushed towards August. Wherever it went, all monsters were incinerated.
The ground was also torn, and even the edges were severely carbonized due to the intense heat.
"Fullcounter."
As the flame storm approached, August swung his Zanpakuto. Magic power began to reverse.
The next moment, the flames turned around, directly targeting the corrupted spirit.
Boom~
The corrupted spirit quickly used her petals to protect herself.
When the flames arrived, most of her upper body was burned.
"Ah~"
The corrupted spirit let out a miserable cry, audible throughout the entire floor.
At that moment, the insects that had previously been attacking Finn and the others suddenly changed direction, heading towards the corrupted spirit.
On this side, all the insects around the corrupted spirit turned into white magical power with a 'bang.'
The two flower buds on the corrupted spirit opened, absorbing all the magical power.
Then, the burned and damaged body visibly recovered at an eye-catching speed.
After just a few breaths, the Corrupted Spirit had fully recovered.
"What a unique constitution. Not only can it grow stronger by devouring magic stones, but it can also restore injuries and magical power by absorbing magic. Truly fascinating."
However, upon seeing the corpses of other monsters, August speculated that this ability might only be effective against these specific insects.
These insects were created with the purpose of collecting magical power.
The Corrupted Spirit rapidly grew stronger by devouring these special magic stones. Afterward, upon reaching the surface, it would summon her true body, located in the deepest part of the dungeon.
Thus, the Jewel Fetus, these new types of monsters, and the bizarre individuals were all born as part of this series of events.
Everything was for one purpose: the Corrupted Spirit's desire to return to the surface.
"Moan, mighty earth-"
After the recovery, the Corrupted Spirit began the second round of chanting.
It wasn't that she hadn't learned her lesson, but she had no other means of attack besides this.
With the chanting, more insects around were decomposed into magical power for her absorption.
"Everyone, don't let these monsters pass, block them."
Finn took the lead and charged forward. The insects that were initially attacking them became obstacles in their way.
On the other side, August, utilizing his wings, flew into the air, preparing for an attack.
Magic was something you only needed to experience once. Moreover, this round of magic was a large-scale, all-encompassing spell. August couldn't guarantee he could counter all the attacks at once. Therefore, to avoid complications, he aimed to interrupt her before the chanting ended.
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