Shrouded in Darkness(2)

--- Riveria's POV ---

Unfathomable were the myriad ways in which magic could evolve.

When I first heard how Ren conjured a portal, my initial reaction was sheer astonishment.

But with each passing moment, my curiosity grew insatiable. I had never been one to shy away from challenges. This burning curiosity of mine compelled me to transcend the limitations of my own magic.

The sight of him employing offensive magic for the first time left me awestruck.

Although I could not discern the precise mechanics of his spellcasting, shadows coalesced around him, transforming into minuscule needles that struck the God with a force capable of reducing a level 7's throat to tatters.

No elaborate incantations or visualizations were required. The tumultuous rage driving Ren's spellwork revealed a relationship with magic that existed on an entirely different plane.

Such mastery became my aspiration, an indomitable flame that consumed my every thought. Eager to test the newfound insights that had awakened within me, I infused my incantations with resolute intent. My mind whirled with possibilities—erase the enemy, obliterate all opposition.

The scene unfolded before my eyes as the God discarded his facade, unveiling a grotesque visage that I paid no mind to.

Others readied their weapons, launching their devastating assaults. Finn brandished his spear, Ais invoked Ariel, and the Tione & Tiona sisters orchestrated a synchronized assault.

Yet, my consciousness scarcely registered their actions, for this time, my magic coalesced at an astonishing speed.

This was the crux of it all—the key that unlocked the mysteries. Though mastery of this novel approach did not come easily, witnessing Ren's awe-inspiring manipulation of magic shattered the self-imposed shackles that bound me.

"...Vas Windheim."

With those words, my magic surged to completion. Instead of conjuring an apocalypse-inducing weapon capable of laying waste to an entire city, I beheld a spear of crystalline ice materialize.

With an ethereal grace, the spear surged forward, leaving a shimmering trail in its wake. Its gleaming surface reflected a mesmerizing dance of refracted light. In an instant, it cleaved through the air with unparalleled speed, accompanied by a symphony of whistling winds.

Finding its mark with explosive power, it pierced the God, intertwining with his very essence.

A suspended moment of anticipation followed as the icy tendrils sank deeper, igniting a vibrant cascade of energy that convulsed the God's being.

Then came the crescendo—the spear exploded in a cataclysmic eruption, scattering shards of icy fragments in every direction. Guided by the effects of my own will, each fragment carried the fury of a tempest, assaulting him from all angles.

Impact after impact, the God's form trembled.

Yet, a sigh escaped my lips. It seemed my efforts fell short.

Not because the magic lacked potency, but rather because I discerned that even though I nearly obliterated the God's corporeal form, it still proved insufficient to inflict a true injury.

Though our coordination was far from flawless—Ren being a rather elusive collaborator—the combined might of our attacks was devastating.

As my gaze met the God's rapidly regenerating form, a flicker of contemplation sparked within me. How was he able to freely wield divinity in the depths of the Dungeon?

Such a feat should be impossible, given the restrictions imposed by this treacherous place.

Fixating on his waist, my eyes caught sight of an enigmatic jade-like artifact, cradled protectively by the God's divine energy.

It became clear that this object held the key to his resilience, serving as a vulnerable point amidst his seemingly impenetrable defenses.

A fleeting exchange of glances with Finn and Ren confirmed that they too had identified this weakness.

Though communication with Ren remained a challenge, our shared understanding compelled us to take action.

Recognizing the limitations of my own magic, I knew that I could only employ the same technique a handful of times. Yet, this revelation reinforced my resolve to exploit this newfound knowledge to its fullest extent...

[It appears your moment to strike has concluded. Now, permit me to take my turn]

He sneered, his voice dripping with an air of arrogant confidence.

...Once again, I delved into my magic, pushing beyond its limits, infusing it with my unwavering determination.

Ren's voice reverberated with defiance, his words echoing throughout the entire floor, unyielding to the God's machinations.

"Silence, you worthless wretch. Do you truly believe your divinity makes you untouchable? You're nothing but a fool."

In the blink of an eye, shadows answered Ren's call, enveloping him as he vanished from his position, reappearing with startling proximity to the God. A powerful kick resounded, shaking the very foundation of the floor.

With a mighty gust of wind, the kick landed with an earth-shattering impact, unleashing a deafening explosion that reverberated throughout the floor. The force of the blow sent the God hurtling backward, his form propelled through the air like a ragdoll, crashing into pillars and obliterating the surrounding walls in the process.

Yet, the God persisted, his malevolent intentions taking shape. From both above and below, countless roars echoed, heralding an onslaught of manufactured monstrosities.

We couldn't allow this twisted parade to come to fruition. Our collective focus honed on the imminent threat.

But amidst the intensity, the God's laughter erupted, a chilling sound that foretold impending danger.

In an instant, a tendril of divine power lanced through the air, piercing Ren's shoulder with an ominous precision.

[I've just had a revelation. It appears that Special Ones like you are devoid of the World's protection. Did you know that? It means I can attack you without holding back...]

A sinister revelation escaped his lips, a contorted smile sending chills down my spine. My heart sank as I realized the implications of his words.

In that moment, my gaze turned to Ren— the key to our success.

In a collective gasp, we witnessed Ren, for the first time, bearing visible wounds.

Despite his strength, it was evident he couldn't withstand the full might of a True God's power just yet.

Without hesitation, I sprang into action, dispelling my magic even if I knew the danger of doing so, determined to shield Ren from further harm even at the cost of my own life.

But before I could reach him, a blur of motion eclipsed my efforts.

Ais, surpassing my speed, materialized before him, her sword poised with lethal intent as she...

Cut through the tendrils of divinity.

Time seemed to stand still as I stood there, frozen in awe.

I couldn't shake the feeling that her gaze was Shrouded in Darkness, a glimpse of something beyond what we knew.

---

Author's Note:

We'll return to Ren's POV next chap. P.s. chap much later because I had an exam.