The second phase

After touring the hall, Fray found no other inscriptions or antiquities of interest. Disappointed, he decided to leave and return to Elisa. He only took the ax with him, even though it was too heavy for him to carry. Fortunately, the ax had a flotation rune, allowing it to float in the air and follow Fray. However, this was only a temporary solution as the rune required an enormous amount of energy to lift the heavy weapon. Fray didn't want to drain the energy of the cemetery army for such a task and resolved to find an alternative method soon.

Exiting the hall without encountering any more traps, Fray realized that the hall had recognized him and would no longer attack. Nonetheless, he remained puzzled about the connection between his contracting spirit and the kingdom.

As Fray stepped out, the door opened by itself, revealing a massive energy explosion originating from Elisa's location. Reacting swiftly, Fray sprinted towards the source. He knew that this was Elisa's strongest attack and feared for the safety of her team members.

Upon reaching the scene, Fray witnessed a grim sight. Elisa was covered in her own blood, her hand mutilated. The three Parada knights were lifeless, and the others were barely holding on, their survival uncertain.

"Mr...run..." A pained voice reached Fray's ears. Following the sound, he found Isha with a deep, profusely bleeding wound stretching from her shoulder to her feet. The blood flowed from her like a fountain.

Fray's mind became clouded and chaotic. He couldn't bear the thought of letting the people who revered and followed him die because of his actions. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, his expression transformed into one of anger—an expression Elisa dreaded more than anything else. Normally, Fray wore a cold and emotionless facade, concealing his true feelings beneath a stoic visage. However, in rare instances where Fray's thoughts spiraled into chaos, his ability to control his expressions faltered, and his anger seeped through.

As the horned Beast observed Fray, it initially dismissed him due to perceiving his strength as not surpassing that of the Fifth Kingdom. Consequently, it paid little attention to his presence. But suddenly, a thick wave of killing intent surged toward the Beast, causing it to tremble in fear. The intensity of this killing intent was so immense that it sent shivers down the Beast's spine. Within Fray's eyes, the Beast could discern an overwhelming and merciless intent to kill radiating from his very being.

"Narod, awaken," Fray spoke in a low voice.

During the first phase of fusion, Fray usually merged physically with Narod's body, omitting the summoning of Narod's soul. This was done for a simple reason—the combination of Fray's legendary rank soul and Narod's spirit, stronger than a ninth-rank spirit, would result in catastrophic consequences if both souls merged.

Upon sensing Narod's presence, Fray commanded, "The second phase."

Eerie sounds reverberated from deep within Fray's body, accompanying his astonishing transformation. He grew taller, his figure expanding and his muscles swelling with unnatural strength. His once short black hair cascaded down, now ten times longer, while intricate tattoos materialized, spreading across his flesh in a profusion of mysterious symbols.

"What...what is this..." the horned Beast stammered, aghast at the sight unfolding before its eyes.

At a single glance, Fray's appearance transcended the realms of normalcy, morphing into something beyond the comprehension of mere monsters. It was a visage that struck terror into the hearts of those who witnessed it. Yet, what truly sent shivers down the Beast's spine and caused Elisa to tremble uncontrollably was the potent aura that now enveloped Fray.

The fusion of two souls of such immense magnitude had birthed a soul of unimaginable power. The sheer intensity of its aura alone possessed the potential to extinguish the lives of countless ordinary soldiers, should they dare approach. At this moment, the Beast lost all desire to engage in battle and silently prayed for the very existence standing before it to fade from this world.

As the fusion was completed, Fray's jet-black hair extended well beyond a meter, floating above his head under the weight of his aura. His physique became a testament to unyielding might, with muscles that rivaled hardened steel, and his stature surpassing an imposing two meters. However, the most perplexing transformation occurred at his feet, which sank into the solid ground as if standing upon ethereal quicksand, a testament to the extraordinary power bestowed by his second phase.

{Skill: Narod's Weight

Rank: ★★★★★

Description: Narod's height reaches 630 meters, weighing more than a hundred thousand tons. This skill allows the host to gain Narod's weight without possessing his physical attributes. The skill does not impact speed or flexibility but is a passive ability beyond the host's control.}

Though weaker than the skill obtained in the first phase, it was currently the strongest skill Fray possessed at his level.

Just after his transformation with expressionless face Fray ignoring the Monstare's presence, he fixed his gaze in a specific direction, seemingly focusing on something. Suddenly, he effortlessly grabbed the previously burdensome ax and hurled it with terrifying force in that direction.

Douf!!!

The ax broke the sound barrier, producing a resounding boom.

---- Very far away from Fray's location

"You've thoroughly angered me. It seems I must defy orders," growled the enraged werewolf, triumphantly looming over the two girls who defiantly brandished their weapons despite their grievous wounds. The girl's resilience, especially that of the masked one who had inflicted indescribable pain upon the beast with her peculiar attacks, infuriated him to no end.

"H-h-h, can you... perform that strange transformation again?" gasped Lisa, her breath labored from exhaustion and searing pain. Blood loss had taken its toll, and even standing proved excruciating.

"No, I can't. It's not possible," Sina replied, her condition even more dire than Lisa's. She had faced the monstrous creature head-on, enduring a barrage of severe injuries.

Having dispatched the knights, the werewolf swiftly tracked the girls. Though Sina had skillfully concealed their escape routes, the beast's heightened sense of smell effortlessly led him to their location.

"I'll make this crystal clear," the beast snarled, his fur standing on end as his instincts warned of imminent danger. Swiftly pivoting toward the perceived threat, he braced himself, but...

Bang!!!

Before the werewolf could react, a metallic projectile struck him, obliterating his body into pieces. The force of impact carried the metal object beyond the beast, creating a gaping hole in the distant ground.

"What... What in the world is this?!" Lisa stammered, her eyes widening in disbelief.