https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-854-Lance-s-Ultimate-Torment-for-Hestinos-Part-1-/12937156/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-855-Tribute-to-Legendary-Songstress-Talia/12937158/
Chapter 854: Lance's Ultimate Torment for Hestinos (Part 2)
Chapter 854: Lance's Ultimate Torment for Hestinos (Part 2)
The problem was that he had to simultaneously protect himself while blocking Hestinos from reaching the barrier.
This often required him to expend more Mana to interfere with Hestinos, and even a single spellcasting could be interrupted by Hestinos' Collapse of Causality, causing Tolledo's Mana to backfire and deal massive damage to him.
Ignoring his injuries, Tolledo threw out multiple space orbs at Hestinos.
The orbs rapidly expanded in mid-air, transforming into small, pitch-black mini-white holes, attempting to bind Hestinos' actions.
The orbs were about to become gigantic spatial alternate dimension cages, trying to send Hestinos into another spatial plane.
"Foolish, do you think you can trap me with such a petty trick?"
Hestinos raised the Seros Spirit Sword, and a mighty force of spirits surged around him.
The spirits' figures were as solid as they tore apart the still-unfolding spatial cage, shattering the space barrier as if it were made of paper.
"Cough!"
Tolledo coughed up blood as he tried to cast another spell, his magic interrupted once again.
If this continued, he didn't know how long he could maintain even the six-dimensional space barrier, and his entire body felt like it was about to fall apart.
"I have prepared a gift for you, Tolledo—fresh blood and your cries of agony, all as a farewell offering."
Hestinos couldn't wait to hear the pleas for mercy from this damned Dimensional Bishop.
The Dimensional Bishop wasn't particularly powerful, but he had wasted a lot of his time.
"To be honest, besides Ivanoss, you're the first truly troublesome enemy I've met..."
Tolledo struggled to maintain his weak breath, once again channeling his Mana, feeling that this time he might really seal his fate.
At that moment, a deafening thunderclap reverberated through the horizon.
The sound was so loud that it seemed to tear through the heavens, causing the entire earth to tremble.
Brilliant lightning bolts descended from the sky, striking Hestinos directly, forcing him to raise his sword in defense.
"You've worked hard."
The Black-Robed Divine Priest appeared with the thunder, landing not far from Tolledo and shielding him.
"You've finally resurrected!"
Tolledo widened his eyes, looking at Loren, who had won the resurrection match for the second time.
On the battlefield, every millisecond felt like a year.
"Hmm."
Loren slowly walked up to Tolledo and placed a hand on his shoulder.
A healing wind enveloped Tolledo, and the damage he had suffered from the Mana backflow began to improve instantly.
"I'm off!"
As soon as Tolledo could move, he immediately opened a spatial arc of fire and ran away from the ruins of Crethia Memorial Square, his voice gradually fading into the distance.
On the battlefield, only Loren and Hestinos remained.
"Heh, Loren, it's been a while."
Hestinos laughed cruelly, his tone full of sarcasm.
"The mighty Divine Priest, after hiding for so long, finally deigns to show himself? You're already my fifth opponent in this battle."
Hestinos counted on his fingers.
"Hestinos, your madness must end here."
Loren's expression remained unchanged, seemingly unaffected by Hestinos' provocation.
"Madness? Do you really think I'm mad?"
Hestinos roared with laughter.
"I only want to do one thing—turn Brillada into a sea of red."
He lowered his head, his eyes hardening, and held his sword in front of him. The ground began to crack, and invisible blade aura surged forth like a tidal wave, quickly spreading across the entire battlefield.
The silver brilliance of the primordial splitting force rose from the sea of blade aura, attempting to strike down any living being above it.
"..."
This time, Loren did not dodge the sea of blade aura. The sea of lightning erupted with a brilliant light, transforming into a thunderous wave that surged towards Hestinos.
Lightning danced around Hestinos, and howling gales swirled beneath his feet, weaving together to form a white-hot ball of lightning that illuminated the entire sky.
"Destroy you, tear you apart, and embrace the end with all your heart!"
Hestinos roared, and a bell of death formed a dark golden vortex around him.
The barrier was on the verge of collapsing under the force of this confrontation.
"I won't let you harm innocent lives anymore."
Loren stood firm against him.
"Life itself is meaningless, but your death will be extraordinary, as it will bring me joy."
Hestinos' dark golden longsword danced, stirring up a deathly force like a towering wave.
Lightning and blade aura clashed violently in the sky, two distinct forces vying to devour each other, enveloping the battlefield in a brilliant white and pitch-black light.
The dazzling light was blinding, nearly incinerating everything in its path.
The balance of victory tilted back and forth.
Sometimes lightning held the upper hand, shaking the earth, and sometimes death prevailed, consuming all signs of life.
Outside the Crystal Canopy Barrier.
Witnessing this apocalyptic scene, everyone's expressions were tense, knowing that this was the final showdown of the day.
Everything would come to an end in the ultimate battle between Loren and Hestinos.
The fate of the Southern Continent, whether it would survive or perish, rested on the outcome of this decisive ninth-tier battle.
"Loren's injuries are clearly more severe than Hestinos'."
Tolledo had thought Loren looked like a corpse when he saw him earlier.
Loren had just been rescued from the brink of death, and after this fierce battle, if not for Loren's determination, he might have remained unconscious even after being saved.
Hestinos, on the other hand, hadn't suffered many fatal injuries, and the time he had been held back had been used for recovery. Aside from Sigrid, who had dealt effective damage to Hestinos with Lance's assistance, Salone and Tolledo had focused purely on delaying him.
"Continuing to stall might not be beneficial for Loren. His injuries are severe, and the puzzle has already been solved, with his growth rate clearly approaching saturation."
Salone was also receiving treatment at this moment, gazing at the center of the battlefield.
It wasn't that Loren wasn't powerful at this moment, or perhaps Loren now was even stronger than when he first reached the ninth tier, but Loren's condition was simply too overburdened.
Suddenly, dazzling lightning flashed across the sky, like several snakes dancing in the dark night, capturing everyone's attention.
The entire area outside the barrier fell into a deathly silence, and they held their breath, their eyes fixed on the powerful, barrier-piercing, coalesced magic.
Loren hovered in mid-air, his black robe billowing in the windless environment, his expressionless face reflecting the image of Hestinos in his azure eyes.
Hestinos, like Loren, was battered and bruised, his body being corroded by the chaotic elemental forces, with crimson blood trickling from his ears and the corners of his eyes.
"Loren, do you want to die again?"
Hestinos gazed at the dazzling light emanating from Loren, a light that contained the purest elemental power.
Despite the extraordinary scorching sensation and pain, which felt like extreme heat and cold, like being slashed by a blade or corroded by strong acid, Hestinos was unafraid of this spell he had witnessed once before.
"I must defeat you."
At Loren's command, all the elements converged once more, forming the purest natural disaster force, creating and simultaneously destroying everything in its path.
Particles of light violently fluctuated and collided in the air, tongues of fire licked the horizon, and frost swiftly enveloped the space, with black insect chirps coalescing into a dark chain-like wall.
A sharp cutting wind formed in front of Loren, sealing the entire battlefield with a raging storm.
"It's Heaven's Retribution again!"
Even outside the distant battlefield, beyond the Saint Asteris Barrier, all eighth-tier powerhouses immediately assumed defensive postures, shielding their eyes from the blinding white light.
They were well aware of the terrifying power of Heaven's Retribution.
"Loren's only option is to use Heaven's Retribution to replace the Imbalanced Devourer, and then use a less powerful spell to hit Hestinos, causing damage and trading mana for health."
Mikaya had already discerned Loren's desperate tactic.
When the elemental forces converged, they reverted to their most primal natural state, the divine calamity and punishment bestowed by the gods.
As all the elements erupted simultaneously, merging into an immense creative light, an ancient brilliance burst forth, unparalleled in its splendor.
In that instant, the world seemed to dim, and the sun and moon lost their radiance.
All colors were absorbed into this convergence point, only to explode the next second, projecting a dazzling kaleidoscope of vibrant light, centered on the battlefield and spreading in all directions.
"Hahaha, go and kill your companions with your own hands!"
Hestinos spread his arms, laughing wildly, as the invisible vortex before him completely absorbed Heaven's Retribution, and then he returned to the southern side of the Saint Asteris Barrier, unmoved.
He knew Loren would block it.
As expected, Loren unleashed his pursuit domain blast, hitting Hestinos while simultaneously blocking Heaven's Retribution.
This suicidal tactic couldn't inflict much effective damage on Hestinos, and Loren would only immediately repeat his previous defeat, collapsing thoroughly!
However.
In Hestinos' gaze.
The Dawn Storm, which dispersed the disaster radiance, descended like a verdant stream, gently landing around Loren.
The stream burst forth with a dazzling Divine Age light, akin to the first ray of dawn, illuminating the dim battlefield!
A surging gale suddenly erupted from the point of impact, like an awakened raging beast, howling as it swept across the entire battlefield.
It wasn't an ordinary stream but a Divine Age Wind, imbued with ancient divine power.
Wherever the wind passed, the air became fresh and vibrant.
The radiance resembled the sunrise at dawn, illuminating the battlefield with clarity.
It was pure and brilliant, pristine and flawless, with the wind and light weaving into an impenetrable barrier, protecting Loren within. The barrier resembled a crystal, ethereal and graceful, shimmering with a faint glow.
Even more astonishingly, when Heaven's Retribution struck this barrier, it couldn't affect Loren in the slightest.
In front of this absolute barrier, where even the slightest ripple couldn't be stirred, the barrier stood tall and unyielding, eternal and unshakeable.
"Why... Loren, you have absolute immunity. What did you just obtain?"
Hestinos' face darkened instantly.
He discovered that this immune wind couldn't be interrupted, and even if it was disrupted, the associated spell wouldn't be affected.
"..."
Loren didn't respond, as he disliked communicating with his opponents.
The figure in the black priest's robe stood in the wind, adorned with winding golden patterns like a river. His light brown hair fluttered slightly, yet his demeanor remained unaffected.
His eyes, two deep and clear blue lakes, shimmered with a compassionate light, causing even those far away to feel a tremor.
The power of Heaven's Retribution was isolated by an invisible force, and within its range, everything became serene and harmonious.
...
Meanwhile, in the northern part of the Southern Continent, in the Herton Kingdom, at the Jera Memorial Square of the Iceteria Academy.
At the center of the open-air giant screen.
The radiant light bathed the morning world in a captivating gale of colors.
The open-air giant screen, now filled with divine light, seemed to become the center of the campus, capturing the attention of all the students and silencing them, as they gazed at the dazzling crystal screen.
Students sitting on the square's steps covered their hearts with their hands, their eyes fixed on the giant screen.
Their eyes shone with awe, astonishment, confusion, and excitement.
"This is Hell Loren!"
Finally, a student spoke.
Even though they couldn't comprehend much at this moment, they knew that the complete form of the Great Priest Loren had returned!
The immune force field, the original stone tablet, and the radiant wind undoubtedly proved that this was Loren's wind magic.
A tidal wave of cheers and supportive shouts erupted in Jera Memorial Square.
"What Great Priest? What Holy Emperor!"
Indeed, the rumors were true. Loren had survived with this life-saving spell, and no matter how many times he was defeated, he would always return from hell.
They couldn't understand the ninth-tier battle, but they felt like they were witnessing a divine battle.
"Why are the eighth-tier powerhouses outside, maintaining the barrier, still looking so worried?"
A student raised a question.
What the eighth-tier powerhouses saw might have been a more transparent and profound scene.
If the eighth-tier allies all wore worried expressions, it meant the situation was still grim.
……
"Loren still can't use Heaven's Retribution."
Mikaya stood outside the Saint Asteria Barrier, pouring all her energy into maintaining it, her expression filled with worry.
At this rate, Loren had a higher chance of winning.
But Loren wanted to protect the Brillada residents and her companions outside the barrier, while Hestinos had shifted his focus to destroying the barrier at all costs. Loren's desperate efforts to stop him made her struggle even more apparent.
The disasters caused by their battle might take a long time to dissipate, and continuing the fight could lead to unforeseen catastrophic consequences, possibly causing the entire map to start collapsing from this point.
If the battle wasn't ended soon, and the barrier couldn't hold, the worst-case scenario could be the shattering of the map, the destruction of the Botswana Province of the Kreitni Empire, and the survival of the eight-tiered individuals in the center of the battlefield would be left to chance. It might even allow Hestinos to escape.
This was the reason Loren wanted to end the battle quickly.
"What should we do?"
Antanas asked.
She also knew that Loren's exchange of Heaven's Retribution for Imbalance Devourer, followed by stealing damage, was a massive drain on her mana, and it was definitely not a good trade. Loren could only resort to this desperate measure to speed up the battle.
And Tata's Dawn Storm could only be used three times at most. Within this time frame, it was highly unlikely for Loren to defeat Hestinos, whose offense and defense had already proven to be flawless.
Beep—
A sudden honk interrupted their conversation.
They turned to see Frey driving a large truck towards them.
"Lance, I've found the Alchemy Beast you wanted."
Frey stopped the truck and spoke to Lance, who was standing below, while opening the massive rear cargo hold.
"Alright."
Lance looked towards the battlefield where Loren and Hestinos were fighting.
Their eyes met, and the outcome of the battle seemed imminent.
"Tolledo, do you still have the strength to help me deliver something to the center of the battlefield?"
Lance turned to ask Tolledo again.
"No problem."
Tolledo checked the tiers of the two Alchemy Beasts in the truck and nodded in confirmation.
Throwing these low-tiered Alchemy Beasts was a piece of cake for him.
"Okay."
Lance immediately began a countdown, waiting for the moment when Loren could release Heaven's Retribution again.
...
The two-minute battle felt like an eternity for the two combatants.
Hestinos' summoned sword tore through space endlessly.
While his Seros Spirit Sword unleashed planar slashes and ring slashes, trapping Loren and releasing horizontal strikes as he advanced.
Loren weaved through the slashes.
Three distinct swords fell rapidly onto the battlefield, and Loren resolutely dodged the circles created by their descent. Hestinos then unleashed planar and linear slashes, causing the ground to explode.
The shockwaves from each sword's impact forced Loren to seek shelter in the shadows of the swords, or else she would face a fatal blow.
But Hestinos' interference magic began to take effect, and Loren opted for simpler and less mana-consuming spells.
"Loren, your mana is running low, right? Do you still dare to use Heaven's Retribution?"
Hestinos was certain that Loren's recovery speed had slowed down significantly.
All he needed to do was advance towards the Saint Asteria Barrier, and Loren would surely intercept him, forcing her to reveal her weaknesses.
Loren would rather use more mana for offense, seeking mutual destruction, than waste it on ensuring her survival.
"..."
Loren remained silent, searching for another opportunity to use Heaven's Retribution.
Suddenly—
"Teacher Loren, use Heaven's Retribution!"
Lance's voice echoed through the spatial gate, and a silver orb-shaped Alchemy Beast was dropped through the gate.
At Loren's command, all the elements instantly converged, transforming into the purest force of natural disaster.
Without hesitation, Loren followed Lance's instructions and unleashed Heaven's Retribution.
This time, she had to trust Lance.
Trusting Lance had always been the right choice; he was their most reliable strategist.
"You two, welcome your demise!"
Hestinos laughed maniacally, directed not only at Loren but also at the white-robed Pope, who had been jumping around since the beginning.
This reckless move could only hasten Loren's defeat.
It was just two low-tiered Alchemy Beasts—the outer silver-shelled beast was covered in black centipede runes, making it indestructible, protecting the inner beast.
But even the inner five-tiered bulky Alchemy Beast couldn't possibly affect a nine-tiered battlefield.
Hestinos had already seen through their trick.
The white-robed Pope was nothing more than a trickster.
As long as he didn't fall for his schemes, he wouldn't be trapped.
Just as Heaven's Retribution roared towards him, the black runes on the silver shell quickly faded, and the weak Alchemy Beast shattered under the impact, causing the deep purple beast inside to burst open.
It was only at this moment that Hestinos and Loren realized what it was.
Carrion Alchemy Beast
Category: Alchemy Beast
Grade: White Common
Attribute: Alchemy
Class: 5
Effect: Can consume and decompose filth, purifying city sewers.
Note: A beneficial Alchemy Beast for city purification, but in a sense, it's a modern-day cesspool.
The scattered pieces of the Carrion Alchemy Beast filled the sky, leaving Hestinos both puzzled and instinctively disgusted, holding his breath.
Suddenly, his mind began to turn.
Hestinos had to make a choice at this moment.
Either he opened the Imbalance Devourer and ate feces.
Or he didn't open the Imbalance Devourer and ate Heaven's Retribution instead.
Both choices were equally unbearable.
In that instant, Hestinos' face turned bright red.
(End of Chapter)
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