213 Small Episode 2 (1/2)

Smoke permeated the heavy darkness and no one knew what had really happened. They could only feel that all attacks were pointless. In the end, even the phantom beasts seemed to have become lost and could not find Ye Qingxuan. In the vicinity of Symphony No. 8, smoke continued to spread and covered the entire place.

The manticore paced outside the smoke. Sometimes, it would pounce, but it never succeeded. The enemy was like a slippery fish. It would always miss or brush shoulders with him.

It seemed that failure was only a matter of time, but he stood at the edge of danger without falling. It looked as if he was trying to ensue a time out, but it was taking too long. Slowly, the spectators grew numb. They no longer had any worries; instead they began animatedly discussing how long the Eastern guy could last.

But to Banner, this situation was horrible. Now, no matter what music score he used or how he controlled the manticore, it was all ineffective. On one hand, the beastly side had been awoken. After the beast lost its master’s control, its reaction speed was affected. But on the other hand, it was because the enemy was truly too tricky. And this guy…when did he become a Modifications musician?!

He had not used a complete music score, but his wrist and technique, as well as the smooth and casual posture, were all so fierce and awe-inspiring. Banner no longer had any thoughts of immediate victory. He had sunk into this unexpected stalemate and his fighting grew more panicked. And the opponent seemed to know his moves like the back of his hand. Banner’s well-planned actions were easily countered, as if Ye Qingxuan was…playing with a kid!

”How much longer are you going to hide for?!” Banner growled. ”Get the f*ck out!”

The music score in the alchemy equipment around his neck was activated. It created a gale, blowing the heavy smoke apart. As the smoke spread, the world grew dark again, making one feel the urge to sleep. What the hell was this?

In the stands, Ludwig waved his hand and grasped a wisp of smoke. It floated past his nose. It smelled pungent, with a tinge of hidden Soma wine, which was exactly what he had predicted.

”He purposely made Banner lose his reasoning.” Ludwig sighed. ”…This is the Incense of the Lost.”

Volatile substances, combustion agent, borneol, bovine marrow, incense, Suma wine, white orange wood, green salt…Summoning musicians had found inspiration in Indian spices and created this formula after decades of experimentation.

It was the best narcotic and hallucinogen to beasts. It was like opium for humans. It would make the crazed beast become confused with slow reaction speeds. Its abilities would weaken and sink into extreme fatigue. Just like how a cat would become excited with catnip, a snake would become drunk with dogwood…this was the beast’s nature. When a phantom beast lost its musician’s total control, and its beastly nature gained the upper hand, it meant that it would be controlled by its nature. If it was unable to receive its owner’s clear orders, it would become drunk. It would be a miracle if the beast did not get into the way, let alone cooperate with the musician. Furthermore…

”This is your fatal weakness, Banner.” Ye Qingxuan’s voice floated over in the darkness. ”Indeed, you’ve become an official musician, but what’s the difference between an official musician that only has strength and an upgraded student?”

Yes, this was Banner’s fatal weakness. It was just how Ye Qingxuan had practically no experience in face-to-face combat. No amount of sublimation rituals, heart mark inheritance and Deva sensing could make up for Banner’s lack. He had no experience in using his power. Personal experience could never be replaced by coaching, learning, and reading. It was something that came from failures and defeat. Those that had never lost before would not know what was the most important in battle.

Furthermore, something as large as the manticore was too much for Banner. Indeed, it was the phantom beast passed down through generations of the Adrian family. It was also very powerful, but it was too powerful. In fact, even an official musician would have difficulty controlling it.

For a musician with barely any experience, this situation was like a child playing pretend. The Adrian family was too impatient and gave it to Banner too early. This strong power was enough to be a terror in the schoolyard, but was not much for his enemies, especially when he faced someone who made a name for himself in downtown by using sneaky attacks like Ye Qingxuan.

Hearing Ye Qingxuan’s voice, Banner felt silent. A spider web of purple veins bulged across his pale face.

The melody halted before it began abruptly once again. It was the same symphony piece, but the melody was completely different from before. It was much grander, with brewing wildness. It had jumped directly from the first movement to the fourth?!