Chapter 96 : Beheaded Antler Knight!!

Before them stood a bizarre creature, towering at about five meters tall. It had the body of a primate fused with the lower body of a deer, covered in fuzzy black hair, presenting a highly unusual appearance.

Where its head should have been, there was a dark red fracture gushing with blood and flesh. Thick vines extended from its body, one resembling a broken tentacle, swaying agilely.

In its right palm, it held a large head—its own head, but enlarged like that of a moose. The head's cloudy eyes, crawling maggots, and buzzing flies indicated it had been dead for some time. 

Two-meter-long antlers curved like heavy spears protruded from each end of the head.

Its left arm, below the elbow, was entirely missing, replaced by a massive golden and silver sphere, perfectly round and unblemished.

The entire creature was enveloped in a light "defense air shield," resembling the armor of a tank. 

Upon seeing this strange monster, everyone frowned and assumed defensive positions.

At that moment, Germain received a projection prompt:

"Pressure +18 points"

But Germain didn't bother to read further. He wasn't interested.

The Cleaver conjured in his hand, its jagged teeth revealing his heightened ferocity.

Bisky suddenly felt a familiar, strange sensation. She sharply turned to look at Germain and indeed saw a ring-shaped outline forming above his head.

The last two times "torture" appeared, a "crown" had appeared on Germain's head, a memory Bisky vividly recalled.

Seeing the familiar sight, Bisky's heart clenched: No, Germain, not now, not into "torture"!

Wing and Shizuku also noticed the anomaly and, seeing Bisky's nervous expression, guessed the reason, glancing at Germain together.

But Germain's resolve couldn't be swayed by anyone.

This time, instead of the dark red "crown," something changed suddenly. It emitted a pure white holy light, gently shining on everyone! 

Germain's "pressure" instantly dropped from 100 to 45 points! Not only that, Bisky, Wing, and Shizuku, enveloped in the holy light, felt greatly comforted both physically and mentally!

Germain observed himself and then the others.

They were all bathed in the "virtuous holy light" known as "bravery." Under its "enhancement," everyone temporarily gained increased combat power!

"I understand now. It seems I've triggered virtue and used it on you," Germain explained succinctly, gesturing toward the towering monster before him.

"It's likely one of the 'Botanical Weapon Brions.' So, are you all fighting or retreating?"

He directed the question to "you all," his stance clear.

The "Botanical Weapon Brions" possess immense destructive power (A), brutal efficiency (B), yet their numbers are limited (C), totaling roughly between a dozen and possibly up to a hundred.

The ancient maze-like city is vast enough that a single "Botanical Weapon Brion" could potentially act independently here.

In this unique encounter, it was a rare four-on-one situation, enhanced by a group based enhancement ability labeled as "bravery."

However, Germain respected everyone's decisions and offered them a choice. 

If they declined to fight, Germain would immediately activate the "Teleportation Lantern," ensuring their safety without risking their lives.

Upon hearing this offer from Germain and feeling the surge of power within them, Bisky, Wing, and Shizuku couldn't help but hesitate.

In that moment of hesitation, the "Beheaded Antler Knight," possessed by the "Botanical Weapon Brion," scraped its hooves and suddenly lunged towards them all!

"Watch out!" Wing shouted loudly.

Being seasoned warriors, they remained vigilant. As the "Beheaded Antler Knight" charged at them, all four dispersed in different directions.

Undeterred, the "Beheaded Antler Knight" raised its heavy antlered spear and swiftly thrust it towards Shizuku, who reacted a fraction slower.

Bisky glanced back and saw Shizuku in danger, prompting him to roar in defiance. His powerful arms unleashed a shockwave, striking the towering figure of the "Beheaded Antler Knight" through the air!

With a resounding impact, the "Beheaded Antler Knight" staggered from the force but managed to remain upright. Yet, this momentary distraction was enough for Shizuku to evade.

The antlered spear thrust again, but this time Shizuku swiftly sidestepped the attack!

She narrowly dodged, the antler grazing her abdomen, slicing through her clothing and skin, leaving a shallow bleeding wound.

On the opposite side, Wing stood ready, his stance poised to use his ability.

Though no significant damage accumulated, the radial shockwave alone showcased a formidable destructive force that should not be underestimated!

Wing aimed his fist at the large golden and silver sphere on the left arm of the "Beheaded Antler Knight".

"That must be the core of the 'Botanical Weapon Brion'. It parasitizes other creatures and controls them! If we destroy it, the battle will end!"

With determination, Wing threw a deliberate punch towards the sphere, causing a resounding explosion.

However, in the next moment, he helplessly watched as the "Beheaded Antler Knight" suddenly exerted force with all four legs, launching its massive, over five-meter-tall body into the air!

Wing's intentional punch had missed!

The "Beheaded Antler Knight" landed heavily in front of Wing after leaping high into the air. As it touched the ground with all four feet, a loud bang reverberated, causing the earth to tremble.

Wing, who had practiced Shingen-ryu martial arts for countless years, struggled to maintain his balance under the intense tremors. He barely managed to stand firm at the last moment.

The "Beheaded Antler Knight" showed no signs of stopping. Its enormous antler spear, akin to a battering ram, thrust towards Wing's head!

Though pale-faced, Wing was fearless. His arms bulged as he swiftly grasped the curved protrusions of the antlers, squatting down to wrestle with the colossal beast.

Bang!

For a brief moment, man and beast grappled in a stalemate. Yet, the overwhelming strength of the "Beheaded Antler Knight" prevailed, lifting Wing high into the air with terrifying force!

Mid-air, Wing coughed up blood!

The "Beheaded Antler Knight" firmly planted all four feet on the ground, preparing to charge forward and impale Wing from front to back with its antler spear!

Just then, it noticed movement from its left—a transformed Cleaver wielded by Germain was aiming for the "Botanical Weapon Brion"!

Clang!

The Cleaver failed to pierce its skin, sparks flying as it was deflected away!

Simultaneously, several vine-like shadows extended from the monster's broken and decaying neck, striking at Germain's face and neck.

Germain swung the blade of the Cleaver, cutting through the vines in a swift and fierce dance!

Bisky, leaping above the 'Beheaded Antler Knight', hammered its back with fists like heavy hammers, as if a mountain crashed down on its head.

With a snap, the back of the 'Beheaded Antler Knight' noticeably dented!

Shizuku seized the moment, wielding the 'Blinky' to strike at the joint of the right hind foot of the 'Beheaded Antler Knight'. With a snap, the foot broke, bones protruding!

In an instant, the 'Beheaded Antler Knight' was struck three times, emitting a muffled gurgling sound, almost like a cry!

Everyone was astonished by the damage they inflicted, even penetrating the 'Defense Air Shield' surrounding the 'Beheaded Antler Knight', except for the massive sphere!

This bolstered their confidence to press on in the battle!"

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