The ten Diamond Ranks were speechless of what they saw. The Eternal Mana Crystal in Aldred's hand seemed brimming with power. It was to the point where they couldn't sense the end of it.
Every mana crystal contain a limited amount of mana. The more you absorb it in less amount of time, the quicker it will dry. It would then take some time to replenish the crystal depending on the grade.
Eternal Mana Crystal was only known to exist in fairy tales. Some do believe of its existence, but most Diamond Ranks thought of it as bull shit. But now they saw it with their own eyes, and they could not react properly.
"Aldred, are you truly do not want to join us?"
"Are you stupid? I just killed five of your friend."
"They don't matter. What matter is the future."
Aldred scoffed. "I valued friendship and camaraderie. The fact that you think so lightly of your friends proved that I am already on the right side."
"Do you really think that an Eternal Crystal is enough to kill us? Even Pharder isn't brave enough to reveal it."
"Because he was weak. His talent isn't suppose to let him to break through the Diamond Rank, but he forced it with this crystal. He is the weakest among you."
"Do not underestimate us."
"I just killed five you right in front of your fucking eyes. You are all weak."
They gritted their teeth in anger. No one had ever dare to talk to them like that ever since they became a Diamond Rank. Even their seniors treated them as equal, and always spoke politely.
But this young man dared to be improper towards them?
Insolence!
"Let's gather our power and kill him once and for all."
The ten Diamond Ranks agreed, and activated their spell together, connecting with each other. The mix of energy and life force created an ever expanding colorful orb.
Aldred laughed. "Alright, let me see your desperate last attempt to survive."
The expanding orb reached 100 meter in diameter, and then suddenly, it condensed into a smaller orb but contain the same power. And then it teleported right in front of Aldred.
Aldred reacted quickly and smiled.
BOOM!
The power explosion created a blast that knocked all the Diamond Ranks into the barrier. The Diamond Ranks defended themselves with all kinds of treasures but they all cracked and then shattered. Even the barrier showed a little bit of cracks.
After a few seconds, the powerful energy finally disappeared. The ten Diamond Ranks were battered and their clothes could barely be discern as clothes anymore.
With a quick wave of their hand, their clothes were replaced with new ones.
"Did we get him?"
When the dust settled they saw Aldred was still standing while closing his eyes.
Opening one eye, Aldred said: "Oh, it's over already? I got bored so I took a short nap."
"How did you do that? Even the barrier almost crack because of our combined power."
The Eternal Mana Crystal on Aldred's hand flickered.
"Pharder is too weak to use the crystal's full potential. He couldn't even take a tiny amount of mana before his body couldn't take it. But I can absorb a huge amount without any problem. So, do you see the problem you are in right now?"
Aldred stared at them. "It is your mistake to put this barrier and entered it. You need to see this differently. I am not trapped in here with you. YOU ARE TRAPPED HERE WITH ME!"
Aldred slammed the crystal onto his blade and it absorbed a crazy amount of mana at once. It absorbed so many mana that it began to shook violently. Aldred held on tight, and then with a roar, slashed towards the enemies.
Basked in flame, the Phantom Doomblade shone and then sent an arc of fire towards the enemies.
"Earth Barrier!"
"Wind Blockade!"
"Water Elemental: Wall of Ice!"
"Fiery Wall!"
They used all kinds of spell to defend against the attack, but the arc of flame devoured through everything in its path.
The Diamond Ranks widened their eyes, and they failed to react as the flame began to devour them as well.
They vaporised, completely erased without the slightest trace. The only proof of their battle was the destruction they had incurred towards the landscape.
"Hmmm, I shouldn't have done that. They could be a good undead. And most importantly… I can't loot their treasure."
The flame even manage to devour the five Diamond Ranks that he killed earlier.
But At least I got Zehmud. Earlier, when Aldred beheaded the man, Aldred immediately turned him into undead. So now, he had Zehmud as a loyal undead who could summon a large army of demon for him at any time of the day.
That would be useful in the future if he wanted to conquer kingdoms and empires.
Aldred then sent a telepathy to Stella, telling her that the job is done.
A second later, Stella appeared right beside him.
She looked around and nodded. "Quite the damage you've done here."
"Yeah, well I was fighting against 15 Diamond Ranks."
"What???"
"Why didn't you ask for help? The Empress has prepared 100 Diamond Ranks to your aids if you couldn't take the mission. She wanted to send you alone to give the enemy a message, but if you can't do it, then we can pull you back. The 100 Diamond Ranks are on standby and ready to come to you at any time."
"Hmmm, why didn't she tell me that. I didn't let her, because I knew you love fighting. But… I did not expect you could even kill 15 Diamond Ranks. They are not Gold Rank, but Diamond Ranks!"
"It should take me a while to kill all of them, but I have this now." Aldred showed her the Eternal Mana Crystal.
"No wonder. I thought you would decide not to use them."
"I don't want to at first, but the fight is just too boring."
Stella laughed. "Even you found the fight as boring? A fighting maniac like you?"
"What can I say? They truly are boring."
"Maybe you will found someone you can find as interesting."
"The only fight that interest me is with that robot lady. I forgot her name."
"The one that Thinker brought?"
"Yeah, that one."
"They are out of your league now Aldred. You are at Diamond Ranks now. They won't bother you anymore."
"I would prefer it if they do, so I can completely crush them with my hand."
Stella laughed. "Alright, tough guy."
"Stella," Aldred called. "Do you think we can trust the Empress?"
Stella looked at him. "Why do you ask? You know her more than I do."
"I am just looking for a new perspective."
"I have looked into her. Mary seemed to trust her so much, and so does Bartrem. She was like their idol."
"I know." Aldred nodded. "But, do you think she would share her power with me?"
"Power?" Stella burst into laughter. "Aldred, do you really want to stay in this continent and rule the Ceraisian Empire? Or do you want to go out there and explore the other continent? Remember your promise to me."
"What was it again?"
Stella pouted. "You promised to bring me to every continent in this world. I wanted to map every inch of it."
"Right…"
