When Izroth first arrived within range of Ourami just moments ago, he used the Crystallization effect attached to his Apparel of Insatiable Transcendence to seal the pillar’s movements.
Izroth understood that the effects of Crystallization would not hold Ourami for long; however, his purpose was to create a window of opportunity to use his Boundless Nullifying Expanse.
‘His form has not changed even when under the influence of the Boundless Nullifying Expanse. That being said, he does not seem entirely unaffected by it.’
Izroth had been observing Ourami carefully and noticed that the abilities he used appeared to be contained within certain parts of his body.
This made Izroth think back to the Mandates he came across previously.
While the Mandates were not an actual part of Ourami, it was likely that each was gifted a portion of one of the pillar’s abilities.
If that was the case, Izroth concluded that the names of the Mandates were somewhat related to Ourami’s powers.
With this information along with witnessing and experiencing Ourami’s abilities firsthand, Izroth gained a rough understanding of the pillar’s capabilities.
‘Force, Seizing, and Scrutiny—they all work just as they’re described. That just leaves his right eye… Foresight? He seems to be able to predict our moves well before we act. However, judging from his reaction this time around, there’s a possibility that there’s a brief cooldown period or a prerequisite for its use. Either way, it worked to my benefit.’
“A mere irritation!” Ourami scowled as he slammed his hands together.
BOOM!
The force generated by the pillar’s simple action caused a strong pressure wave to rush out in Izroth’s direction.
The shockwave covered a vast area, leaving Izroth with no room to evade it as he was forced to receive it head-on.
[-125,952]
Initially, Izroth felt himself being swept away by the shockwave. But, the feeling did not last for long as a system alert sounded off.
〈Battle Alert: The effects of «Breath of the Great Sea» has been activated!〉
When the Breath of the Great Sea activated, Izroth immediately gained solid stability as the shockwave was unable to blow him away as Ourami intended.
Thanks to the “Resistant to Flow” passive provided by the Breath of the Great Sea, Izroth resisted the knockback effect of the pressure wave. This was a good thing; however, there was some more unfortunate news that overshadowed it.
‘Fortunately, the Veil of the Seventh Origin Flames does not rely on an energy source to function; otherwise, this approach would have ended poorly. Surprisingly, it’s still holding up, but… At this rate, it won’t be able to last much longer.’
Thankfully, Ourami vastly underestimated Izroth and Hakros. If not, with a more heavy-handed and direct method, the Veil of the Seventh Origin Flames would not have lasted more than one or two strikes!
Though even if it provided them with an opportunity, if there was one thing Izroth did not enjoy, it was being looked down on.
Nevertheless, Izroth did not grow careless. He knew the instant his protective aura vanished, he would not be able to withstand a single strike from the current Ourami.
Even that casual shockwave from a moment ago would be enough to eliminate him more than three times over!
Therefore, whether he succeeded or failed, Izroth understood that, without a doubt, this was his last chance!
Swoosh!
The sword intent from Izroth’s Tenth Sword Form: Life Closing Raze crashed into Ourami with a heavy force as the pillar crossed his arms to defend against the attack.
[-499,149]
“Enough!” Ourami bellowed as the pressure in the atmosphere grew heavier and almost suffocating.
At the same time, the colorless ring generated by Izroth’s Boundless Nullifying Expanse started to rapidly vibrate. It was being forcibly torn apart!
‘Not yet.’
Izroth readjusted his position mid-air and send out yet another terrifying wave of sword intent.
Although this strike was not as terrifying as his first one, it had a strikingly similar aura about it. Though this was not surprising considering the skill he just used.
‘Sixth Sword Form: Double Blooming Lotus.’
Izroth’s sixth sword form was able to instantly mimic the last sword skill he used. Which, in this case, was his tenth sword form.
The effects were greatly reduced due to the high skill rank of his tenth sword form. However, since Ourami was unable to “Seize” any of Izroth’s skills or effects because of the Boundless Nullifying Expanse, the Disintegration effect of his Tenth Sword Form: Life Closing Raze went off in full force!
Small parts of Ourami’s silver scale-like armor started to fracture as it was suddenly splashed with some type of corrosive substance. In addition, the pillar’s speed had fallen drastically, causing him to have a delayed reaction to Izroth’s following sword strike.
Swoosh! Crrrck…
[-316,851]
-65,649
As Izroth’s sixth sword form washed over Ourami, the natural protective aura that encompassed the pillar had finally been shattered!
“?!” Hidden underneath Ourami’s silver mask was an expression of disbelief as a thin cut appeared on the right side of his neck!
From the moment he was born, there existed no one in the world who was able to penetrate through his natural defenses. Yet, this person whom he simply dismissed as a mild annoyance, had done just that!
And, it was not just that. Even though he had no definitive proof, Ourami was certain that person was also responsible for disrupting his Epithets!
But, what confused Ourami more than anything was why this person, who was from an entirely different world, was set on opposing him? He could not comprehend it no matter how hard he tried.
With a wave of thoughts rushing through his mind, the pressure around Ourami vanished.
At first, there was a deadly silence. This silence could not have lasted more than a second. But, for some reason, it seemed to linger in the atmosphere eternally.
Though when the silence finally ended, the Fourth Heart of the World trembled. Ourami was furious!
Izroth’s Boundless Nullifying Expanse shattered as the pillar regained full control of his Epithets.
‘This is bad.’
When Izroth saw his Boundless Nullifying Expanse shatter, he immediately kicked off the air on a downward descent before he canceled his Sky Steps.
Originally, the Boundless Nullifying Expanse was supposed to last five minutes. But, of course, Izroth knew this was only a dream when faced with someone of Ourami’s strength. Nevertheless, he did not think it would be broken in under a single breath.
Izroth estimated that the restrictions would last at least three times longer than they did!
‘I miscalculated, but… It seems I was successful. Though perhaps a bit too much so-‘
Suddenly, a silver silhouette appeared next to Izroth as his Soul Sense went off like never before.
‘?!’
Without the slightest bit of sound or Ourami entering his vision, Izroth was struck by an overwhelming force that sped up his descent to the earth!
〈Battle Alert: The protective aura of the skill «Veil of the Seventh Origin Flames» has ended.〉
〈Battle Alert: You have been temporarily staggered.〉
Due to being staggered for a brief moment, Izroth was unable to activate Falling Feather Steps to correct his landing as his body crashed into the earth.
…BANG!
The impact shaved off nearly 75% of his HP in one go!
If not for his incredibly sturdy body, the height he fell from would have immediately reaped his life!
“Your life—it is no longer required.” Ourami’s voice sounded while he was on a direct collision course for Izroth!
Zeeeut!
Out of nowhere, just as Ourami was about to reach the ground, four blue and silver streaks soared across the sky, crashing into the pillar’s side and forcing him tens of meters away!
“?!”
