Chapter 114: Overcoming The Barrier! (1/2)

”We can't beat him if we don't break that barrier,” Ed told his companions. The plan was simple, attack and attack until the Lich is on the ground. Each one of them chose a position where they could attack without being interrupted. Or, interrupting others. The Elder Lich looked at them from above, as if he was looking at ants not worth his time.

”Useless struggle. Gale” with a swipe of his hand, a tornado appeared. Its strength was incredible as it managed to disturb the movements of Ed's companions. However, Ed didn't lose focus. He was concentrating on the Lich's movements. He wouldn't allow even the slightest action go unnoticed. The Elder Lich used the same technique as earlier and teleported. This time his target was Gary, who was guarding against the tornado.

”Aren't you tired from using the same trick?!” Ed intercepted him again.

”Who said it's the same” A calm voice sounded far away. Ed turned around, and to his horror, Gobuta was struck a lightning bolt. Ed couldn't believe his eyes as he saw the Elder Lich far away from where he just saw him. He looked back at the disappearing figure that he just intercepted. ”Gobuta!” Ed accelerated towards his now injured comrade. Luckily, being an Enhancer, Gobuta's natural resistance and healing allowed him to survive the blast.

'How did he escape my senses' Ed thought as he brought out a potion. He gave it to Gobuta which helped heal his wounds.

”You must be wondering how I was able to do it. Well, I'm not telling!” The Elder Lich teased Ed. However, much to his disappointment, Ed didn't care. All that he was thinking about was how to counter such a technique. 'Guess going all out is the only solution.' Ed thought.

”You guys, I'll do my best. However, be careful!” Ed spoke to his companions as he took off his leather jacket. He withdrew a potion that helped recover his KI. Ed used Muramasa and Shusui in both hands and looked towards the Elder Lich. ”You won't be touching any of them anymore!” He declared confidently. ”Like I said earlier, try and protect them!” Both of them moved at the same time.

Ed activated his En once more. Along with Observation Haki, Rysui Seikken, Shunpo, Ken, space magic and Spectral Shadow Steps. He wasn't simply reacting based on his senses this time. He entered an automatic mode that targeted anything that moved within his range. Other than his companions. This way whenever the Lich appeared, Ed would use his overwhelming speed to catch up to him and stop him. Ed was burning through his KI reserves like a fire in a hay farm. However, he had asked the system to use a potion for him anytime his KI fell below a certain range.

”What a ridiculous brat!” The Lich had a wide smile. He was surprised that such a person could exist. What Ed didn't know, was that the only people who managed to kill this Lich were groups of Heavenly Establishment people. No one alone could suppress him this much. ”Then how about this!” The Lich looked as if he was splitting up. There was six of him this time. Each one of 'him' was using a different magic skill.

”Aaaaagh!” Ed let out a scream as he split as well. He was using the Speed Clones technique that comes with the Shunpo skill. By combining it with the earlier skills, Ed was able to intercept all of the Elder Lich's clones. ”I told you I'll protect them!” All speed clones swung their two swords upwards, countering the elemental spells that the Lichs released. Six explosions occurred simultaneously. Ed's companions could do nothing but watch. Even Raikou was helpless when confronted with the Lich's barrier.

After the explosions receded, Ed came out of the dust cloud. His body bruised and deeply injured. However, his injuries were being healed at a visible rate. The system used a healing card in order to allow him to continue fighting.

”This time things will be different!” Ed looked towards the Lich who became one again. A smile engraved on his face as if he found the solution to all of his problems.

”And how is that?” His opponent asked mockingly.