Souta and Gilaine ventured deeper into the eye of the storm, navigating the unstable spatial structure. The darkness was pervasive, and the energy fluctuations were intense, giving a sense of impending collapse. Despite these challenges, they continued to make their way toward their destination as guided by Gilaine.
As they traveled through the tumultuous space, Souta and Saya pondered the connection between Gilaine and the mythical-grade fruit. It was becoming clear that this situation was more complex than initially thought.
Eventually, they reached a new and strange land. The sky above was filled with thunderclouds, and the terrain was covered in ice, with even more potent energy fluctuations than before.
Souta looked around before he turned to Gilaine. "Are you sure the fruit is here?"
Gilaine nodded. "I can feel it. It's beyond on that direction."
"This energy signature..."
Souta recognized the energy signatures of Kasci and Ice Death in the atmosphere, indicating that they had recently battled in this location. He also observed the tumultuous conditions in the sky and felt the intensity of the energy fluctuations.
As Gilaine pointed to the west as the direction to continue their journey, Souta couldn't help but curse inwardly. The west was precisely where the aftermath of the battle between Kasci and Ice Death was still affecting the environment. The dark clouds and the thunderous roars signaled the danger of the area.
With a determined expression, Souta turned to Gilaine. "Hold on tight. We're going to that direction."
He formed a shield of blood around Gilaine to protect her from the chaotic energy and dangerous conditions. With Gilaine safely secured, he began moving towards the source of the intense energy.
"But the battle must have concluded... I couldn't feel any shockwaves." Souta rubbed his chin.
Although he didn't want to fight anyone at this moment, he could still do it if the situation calls for it. It also showed that this dimension was closer to the mythical grade fruit. The closer he gets to the fruit, the more likely he will encounter those top experts from both sides.
Deadly Sins were his opponents. The same could be said for the top experts of the alliance army. They probably wouldn't actively fight, but they would still hinder each other, just to acquire the fruit.
Ohm!
Souta snapped out of his thoughts as he felt the atmosphere get heavier. The concentration of energy in this area was high.
"Stay behind me," he said to Gilaine while controlling the blood. His eyes gleamed in the dark.
Gilaine nodded at him.
Souta observed the distorted time and space around him. He realized that even a slight misstep could have dire consequences for Gilaine. Certain areas experienced accelerated time, while others moved in reverse, posing risks of rapid aging or de-aging.
He wasn't concerned for himself, but for Gilaine. Her special physique set her apart, but she was still susceptible to these fluctuations.
"While these concepts don't quite match Imperium, they're still incredibly impressive. I fear even a Two Shackles Realm expert might struggle here," Souta mused.
Suddenly, an icy chill ran down his spine, alerting him to imminent danger. He focused his gaze and spotted a figure standing several kilometers away within a tempest of high-concentration energy. This energy destroyed everything around it, yet left the figure unharmed.
"Another problem," Souta muttered, recognizing that he couldn't avoid yet another battle.
In an instant, a sharp ice spear manifested and hurtled toward Souta. Swiftly, the surrounding blood responded, intercepting and then absorbing the ice spear before dispersing it.
"He's aware of our presence," Souta murmured.
Gilaine was bewildered, the events having transpired too quickly for her to comprehend. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.
Souta took a deep breath and made a move, enveloping Gilaine in a cocoon of blood and moving her to safety.
"I'll send her to safety first, and then figure out how to escape this man," he resolved.
He had no intention of fighting, especially after expending so much effort against Boulder Jack and Nine Yin. Some of his equipment skills were currently on cooldown.
"So, you're the Blood Lightning Monster," spoke Ice Death. His voice was as serene as water, yet there was an underlying pressure. Blood stains marred his cheeks and hands, and his body bore wounds.
"Where's Kasci?" Souta inquired.
"Him? Oh, he managed to escape from me. I was so close to killing him," Ice Death replied, shaking his head. "It doesn't matter anymore because he's gravely injured. He's exhausted, so even a lower-ranked expert could take him down."
Souta was taken aback to learn that Kasci had been defeated and that Ice Death was close to killing him. Fortunately, Kasci had managed to escape. However, it was apparent that the intense battle had left Kasci in a precarious state, with his natural defenses shattered and his body weakened. Souta knew from experience that even lower-ranked experts could take advantage of such vulnerabilities to eliminate high-ranked opponents.
With swift precision, Souta amassed a significant amount of blood in his palm and launched it toward Ice Death.
Swoosh!
Ice Death shifted his attention to the blood projectile, which was encased in a frosty barrier, preventing the blood from nearing him. He narrowed his eyes as he assessed the situation.
"What's that?" Ice Death muttered to himself.
Souta felt a sense of relief as he observed Ice Death's reaction. He had successfully sent Gilaine to the other side while also confirming that Ice Death was not in his prime condition. This meant that Souta still had a fighting chance. Both of them were injured, but Souta had deliberately left his injuries unhealed.
A triumphant smile appeared on Souta's face as he brandished his sword. His aura began to surge, causing the surroundings to tremble.
Boom!
Ice Death redirected his attention to Souta and questioned, "What did you just do? Did you send someone to another dimension just to fight me?"
Souta maintained his enigmatic smile and bent his knees, launching himself into the air. Simultaneously, he activated his skills one by one.
Boom!
Ten black spheres materialized on his back. A shroud of darkness enveloped his body, and black mist began emanating from his pores. His energy permeated the surroundings, making them grow darker and heavier.
Hundreds of black tentacles emerged from the inky darkness.
Ice Death released his aura, instantly freezing all the tentacles. He raised his hand, conjuring thousands of ice spears in the air.
Swoosh!
Souta leaped into action, summoning seven humanoid shadows that darted forward, obliterating all the ice spears in their path.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
He swiftly closed the gap between him and Ice Death. Concentrating his energy onto his sword, he swung it horizontally. A bluish dagger materialized in Ice Death's hand, and he deftly swung it to intercept Souta's sword.
[Crimson Moon]!
[Calamity Ice Strike]!!
Boom!
The impact caused a massive explosion in the sky.
Souta's form was immediately sent hurtling several kilometers. He came to a stop only after traversing this considerable distance.
"The hell!"
Souta muttered under his breath, and a trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth as he glanced down at his chest. There was a substantial gash running across it.
"He's injured and yet can still engage in combat at this level!"
It was clear that his base form wouldn't suffice. He straightened his posture as the wound on his chest slowly began to heal. However, he refrained from fully mending it, as some injuries boosted his strength.
Souta was preparing to make another attempt when the entire space around him started to vibrate.
Boom!
A massive fissure materialized.
Bang!
Followed by another.
Souta and Ice Death both shifted their attention to the newly formed cracks.
One person emerged from the first crack, Hoei Methal, and another from the second crack, Poisonous Vine.
Souta's first reaction was to inspect the cracks they had created. Upon confirming that it wasn't where he had sent Gilaine, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Blood Lightning Monster, you're here!" Hoei exclaimed upon spotting Souta on the battlefield. He then turned his gaze toward Ice Death. "And an expert from the Deadly Sins..."
