From the beginning, Izroth knew that he would have no choice but to use his Compressed Lightning Movement if he wanted even a remote chance of surviving long enough for Astratis to make his move.
But, knowing that there would likely be no one remaining within range after using his Third Baneful Sword: Annihilation, Izroth came up with a safeguard. And, this safeguard was Hakros.
The reason Izroth asked Hakros how confident he was in his defense was due to the fact that he needed someone who could take Ourami’s attacks head-on while he recovered. In this way, the pillar’s attention would not turn towards Astratis or the other celestials who were working to clear up the rest of Ourami’s forces.
Izroth arrived within the center of a crowded area of ancient races. But, despite being there, no one seemed to have noticed him as he made no sound upon his arrival. In addition, the space around him was distorted and although he was standing right in front of them, it was as though he were a ghost.
However, this effect was only fleeting as the distorted space returned to its normal state and the sound from Izroth’s movement finally caught up to him.
“?!”
“It’s the Teraidi!”
“The Teraidi has returned!”
“Run! Don’t anger it!”
The ancient races who were just filled with an erratic killing intent suddenly became fearful as they ran away from Izroth with all their might. However, their movements were abnormal and their steps appeared to be all over the place with a poor sense of balance. There were even those who directly tripped over their own feet or tail in the process.
‘Teraidi? Isn’t that the creature that Astratis fought?’
Izroth did not know much about this Teraidi; however, what he did know was that it was a creature powerful enough to severely wound someone as powerful as the Son of Thunder. Therefore, it had to be something or someone that stepped into the peak stage of the legendary realm.
But, what were the ancient races mistaking him for the Teraidi? Could it be that his current appearance was similar to that creature?
As this thought entered Izroth’s mind, the aroma of sweet liqueur filled his nostrils.
‘Hm? This scent… Is it her doing?’
Izroth had inhaled this scent before and knew that it belonged to the Daughter of Spirits, Methysria. But, spirits did not refer to the beings that one would typically think about in RML. Rather, Methysria’s title was given to her because of the strong connection to the liqueur she personally distilled and refined.
Of course, it was not solely for drinking out of pleasure. The liqueur the Daughter of Spirits used carried mystical effects and greatly amplified her natural abilities.
Izroth could see Methysria not too far away from where he was located. Even though she was surrounded on all sides, the ancient races stumbled right past her as if she did not exist. Though when one saw the look of intoxication in their eyes, it was easy to understand why this was the case.
Methysria took one large gulp from her gourd before inhaling from her nostrils. The next moment, she exhaled, releasing an intoxicating mist that quickly spread out in all directions. Those who inhaled this mist became instantly drowsy and collapsed to the ground, no longer able to even walk on their own feet.
“It’s a thousand years too soon for you all to drink with this lady,” Methysria commented.
At the same time, her gaze shifted to Izroth. From his appearance alone, it was difficult to believe that it was the same person.
A strong shockwave swept out around Izroth and knocked down some of those weaker ancient races who were attempting to stumble their way away from him.
At the same time, he slashed out with his Sword of the Storm, instantly cutting down a member of the serpent ancient race.
Soon after, Izroth’s arms of lightning mimicked his attack, lashing out at the closest enemy.
With his current attack that exceeded 200,000 and the lightning arms dealing 10% of that as damage, the majority of the ancient races struck could not survive more than two to three attacks.
Even those who were more sturdy than normal would fall after an additional two or four attacks.
As his arms of lightning were culling enemies left and right, Izroth began to replenish his lost HP to full while simultaneously reducing the number of enemies.
While doing so, Methysria landed in front of Izroth with light steps.
“That’s quite the ability you have there. If I didn’t already know any better, I would have thought you were a spawn of the Teraidi.” Methysria stated.
“Oh? Does it look that similar to my current form?” Izroth asked.
“No way. But, to those who have never seen the Teraidi and inhaled the scent of my spirits, it would seem that way.” Methysria replied.
She then continued, “From upon its massive frame, a hundred serpents spit forth flames of destruction. With a size so immense, it could touch both ends of the world from one spot. That is the real Teraidi.”
‘Such a large creature would make the world boss during the Protector of Amaharpe event seem like an ant in comparison.’
If Methysria’s description was not exaggerated, then the Teraidi would be the largest creature Izroth heard of so far within RML!
The last of Izroth’s arms of lightning finished its attack was the cycle was complete.
“I have to return,” Izroth said as he gave a small nod before vanishing just as fast as he came.
Methysria moved away the moment just before Izroth left and looked off into the distance where the storm clouds loomed over the Fourth Heart of the World. She released a slight sigh as she shook her head.
“Let’s hope we can all drink again when this is over…” Methysria internalized.
…
A few moments ago…
A streak of lightning soared across the battlefield with incredible momentum.
If one looked closely at this lightning, one would notice that two figures were at its core.
One of which was the Son of Thunder, Astratis. As for the other, it was the Pillar of the East, Yia!
At the moment, Astratis held Yia by his neck as they traveled away from where the main battlefield was located.
“You! But, how?!” Yia inquired as the shock on his face could not be hidden.
“Surprised to see me? Allow me to give you a proper greeting.” Astratis said as the lightning element around him increased more than tenfold!
The next moment, a group of storm clouds formed in the sky overhead as a single bolt of lightning struck down where Astratis and Yia were positioned.
“Crash of The Lightning King.”
…BOOOOOOOOOM!
A massive explosion rang throughout the Fourth of the World as the earth shook violently.
The explosion sent out several pulsing shockwaves as the surrounding earth was completely decimated!
By the time the dust and smoke cleared up, it showed Astratis standing tall.
As for the Pillar of the East, he was able to narrowly escape from Astratis’ grasp at the last moment. But, it was not without its price.
The true fight had not even started, yet his right arm had already been severely injured. This put Yia at an immediate disadvantage against the Son of Thunder!
“How are you still alive?” Yia asked with a darkened expression.
“That’s quite the acting ability you have. You seem genuinely surprised by my survival. But, aren’t you a bit too obvious? You sent the Anzeyta to claim my life and failed. That’s all.” Astratis responded indifferently.
Yia furrowed his brows as he sized up Astratis. Right now, Astratis was not injured in any way despite his life and death battle against the Teraidi. However, it did not make any sense.
He was absolutely certain that the Son of Thunder had suffered life-threatening wounds! Even if he did recover, it should not have been so quickly!
“I do not know what you did to recover so fast, but it is useless. You should have stayed hidden. Do you truly think you can defeat two pillars alone? A foolish endeavor.” Yia commented.
“Alone? You are mistaken. Unlike you pillars, there are those I would gladly trust with my life any day. When it comes to being alone, shouldn’t you be more concerned about yourself?” Astratis responded.
At the same time, a refined and dense gathering of Ethos encompassed Astratis’ body.
“Today is the day your reign as pillars come to an end,” Astratis stated with a serious expression.
“An end…? What nonsense. We have ruled over this world for many cycles. We are its rightful rulers. You and all the celestials who follow you are nothing but rebels who want to disrupt the order of this world without knowing the consequences it will bring about. I warn you, Son of Thunder. Give up on your futile attempts and submit. Otherwise, you will responsible for the destruction of this world. Mark my words.” Yia said in a foreboding tone.
“Then, it’s a responsibility I’ll just have to bear,” Astratis responded without hesitation.
