Masquerade of Temptation (2)

A lively 4/4 rhythm flowed as gentlemen and ladies danced in circles to the music. Each of them danced differently, yet it didn't feel complicated at all.

Why was that?

The reason was surprisingly simple.

Nobody present here had any interest in the dances of other gentlemen and ladies.

Only one person mattered.

People gathered to watch the Duchess of Aeron dance in the center. They were enraptured by her dance, lost their senses, succumbed to her temptation, and even devoted their souls to her dance.

"The Duchess of Aeron only dances modern ballroom styles."

The boss battle against the Duchess of Aeron took on a unique form. It was undoubtedly a dance battle, but at the same time, it unfolded as a magic battle.

The Duchess of Aeron could wield the "Dance Magic" of the Class 4, and used dance movements to unleash wide-ranging magic.

Unfortunately, ordinary defensive magic couldn't bypass them. Those who have played the rhythm game called DDR in the past might understand.

One had to step on the eight arrows on the floor in time with the rhythm.

{TN:- DDR stands for Dance Dance Revolution. It is a popular rhythm-based video game that involves stepping on a dance pad or platform with directional arrows in sync with the music. Players must follow the on-screen arrows and hit the corresponding arrows on the dance pad at the right time to earn points. DDR is known for its energetic gameplay and is often played in arcades or on home gaming consoles.}

To counter the Duchess Aeron's dance, one had to perform a dance that was the opposite of hers at precisely the right timing to block her magic.

The fortunate thing was that hints about the Duchess Aeron's dance had been given throughout the numerous stages they had cleared so far.

However, that didn't mean it was easy.

"I'm going crazy, seriously!"

While casting spells, she had to continuously think about and dance with her body and mind. It was extremely difficult.

Bing~♬

The music suddenly changed.

In response, the fourteen students changed their dance.

"... The Serene Tango."

The dance that contrasted the Serene Tango was a hint obtained from the previous stage, "The Requiem of the Dead Serena."

Although the beats were the same, it required the steps of a completely different dance while infusing mana into the staff held in the right hand.

"The moment the pattern is evaded is the opportunity."

Tang!

As the students simultaneously stomped their feet with their boots, Jecky, resisting the dance, staggered.

In the meantime, the students cast spells and attacked, but it seemed ineffective as the music and dance changed once again, nullifying the magic.

Sparks flew with each dance move, lightning struck from the sky with each step, and the surrounding area was filled with crimson sparks, while the ground tilted as the feet synchronized with the beat.

It was a spectacle of dance and magic.

For a mere first-year student, it was an incredibly complex and difficult feat.

"Ugh!"

Thunk!

The students fell down one after another and were pushed out.

"Ugh!"

Edna also barely blocked Jecky's dark wave and bit her lip tightly. She managed to evade the attack by stepping on the right steps, but it would be difficult to withstand such continuous attacks.

But, she couldn't stop.

If she couldn't keep up with the dance even once and let the rhythm falter, she would be devoured by Aeron.

"Ugh, this is driving me insane. Did Lady Aeron originally give such diverse dances? Is it because Jecky possessed her, causing something to change?"

If asked who was the best dancer in this place, it would undoubtedly be Eisel.

With genius talent in every field, possessing the characteristics of being a "jack of all trades," she could perfectly digest every dance in the world.

Therefore, Jecky thought that she would be able to defeat Lady Aeron without any issues as long as there was no interference from Hong Bi-Yeon.

But it turned out to be completely different.

Realizing that three girls were resisting her dance, Jecky twisted her original Aeron's dance even more diversely and intricately!

Ironically, Hong Bi-Yeon ended up becoming the spokesperson helping the students. If it weren't for her, the dance battle would have ended in defeat long ago.

It was clearly known as a "Persona Gate" at the Danger Level 4 in the original web novel, but no matter how you looked at it, this was not just a level 4.

'At least, a level 5...!'

Thwack!

Jecky Aeron attacked by striking the floor with her right foot and firing a dark wave, but the remaining girls turned and deployed their shields to counterattack.

"Argh...!"

At that moment, Jecky's movements trembled ever so slightly.

"Now!"

An icicle shot out from Eisel's staff, but unfortunately, it collided with Hong Bi-Yeon's fireball in that direction.

Boom!

Fortunately, due to the collision of the opposing mana, the explosion's damage was not fully inflicted on Lady Aeron, and it didn't cause a significant impact.

"Hey, you idiot! Get it together!"

"You're the one who interfered with my attack!"

Although there were a few trial and error moments, the attack clearly landed.

Little by little, ever so slightly, the 'seduction' ability possessed by Lady Aeron was being eroded.

"If I keep it up like this...!"

At that moment, Jecky's voice changed.

"Tch, even here, you're being a nuisance!" Suddenly, the rhythm of the music doubled in speed, and two legs popped out from under Jecky's skirt.

Watching Jecky start dancing with four legs, the students couldn't help but be dumbfounded.

"What on earth is that..."