Chapter 539 - Flames of Destruction (X) (1/2)

CHAPTER 539

FLAMES OF DESTRUCTION (X)

Limrur and Cadel retreated apprehensively, stopping by Ella's side, both their expressions slightly paled. The level of destruction from that singular attack startled them; they were well aware of the strength of the surrounding domain, yet those blades of light easily pierced through them.

”… he's much stronger than anticipated,” Limrur said, frowning. ”Ella, you should stay back and act the role of support. Cadel, while I'm engaging him, try disrupting him from the side. If we aren't careful… our heads might really roll today.”

”… he doesn't seem even a tiny bit weary after that attack,” Cadel sucked in a mouthful of cold breath, shaking his head. ”Just how strong is he…”

”I'd approximate he's at least a Hermit from what he showed so far,” Limrur said, flexing his hands slightly. ”Don't drop your guard. Cover our blind spots, Ella, but never engage him directly.”

”…” meanwhile, Ella still stood at the same place she did from the beginning, flabbergasted. She truly believed Lino would, at most, be capable of playing a few rounds with her brothers before falling. Yet, she was once again reminded of who he was – someone who promptly flattened all the expectations and rose above them like a looming mountain.

Lino, on the other hand, shifted his focus away from the healing tears of the domain and onto the trio who regrouped some distance away. He held back the shaking of his arm and appeared entirely unphased, though the reality was somewhat uglier; after all, he hadn't been able to accustom his body enough for the past year and a change. Using one of his key abilities so early on put him in a rather downtrodden mood as he worked his energy like mad to repair the shrinking and breaking veins in his body.

He redirected his gaze back onto Ella who flinched, suddenly lowering her eyes. This isn't her… he realized quickly, sighing inwardly. Ella that he knew would never look away from her opponent, no matter who it may be. No, in the first place, she would never wager the lives of billions on something as abstract as a cosmic conflict between the 'Creator' and the 'Destroyer'. Whoever the person standing in front of him was, she had long since stopped being the woman that effectively raised him.

He raised his left, free hand all of a sudden, palm open, facing up, as a flicker of flame kindled within, turning into a burning sway of crimson and black. The trio's focuses sharpened as they glanced at the flame attentively; the flames weren't made up of any art but were simply birthed through a somewhat complex circulation of energy.

Lino slowly pulled his palm over, facing it downward, and let go of the fire that, just as it reached the level of the soles of his feet, exploded into a sea. Though it technically wasn't a Domain like a sword one surrounding them, its effects were similar. He basked in the warmth of the fire as he felt his pores opening up, his innards quickly replenishing.

”!” a cry ensued shortly after as the space above Cadel ripped open on two ends, spitting out behemoths that certainly were not chains – at least not the likes of which Lino had ever seen. Each sported the thickness of a giant defensive tower, shimmering in transparent gold. Two chains interlocked for a moment before being fiercely ripped apart, diving in a full crescent on two ends to flank him.

Meanwhile, he had noticed Limrur had vanished, racing toward him from the front. Lino took a deep breath and heaved his sword up, in a guard position, as thirty-six pairs of wings exploded out of his back. However, rather than maintaining them, he splintered them into sections whereupon each feather grew alight, churning outwardly like fanning knives, aiming for the chains.

Limrur, just around then, was right in front of him; welcoming the descent of the blade, Lino once again engaged the man. He pushed forward, holding the dull bottom of his sword's blade to parry the descending attack, causing Limrur to stumble backward slightly. Using that opportunity, he spun in a forward motion and shot the Protector sideways, managing to nibble at the edge of Limrur's armor. Good reflexes, Lino quickly began assessing his opponent's prowess. Somewhat lacking perception; speed a few notches below mine, general strength as well, though his endurance and defense should be superior.

While thinking, he didn't stop with his attacks; using the fact that he had put the man on defensive, Lino pressed onward, slashing left and right with seemingly maddened, yet eerily calculated, strikes. I can comfortably allow a dozen hits without endangering myself, he continued laying out the opponent's strengths and weaknesses in his mind. The other guy will be a bit troublesome since he seems to be the control type. I can't let those chains entangle me. El' will probably act the supporting role and aim at the openings while covering up their mishaps.

The logic in him told him that the best course of action was to simply ignore the two men and charge toward Ella immediately, killing her as to prevent variables from popping up. However, his heart wouldn't allow him; however much she had changed, he was still unable to let go of his inhibitions so easily.

Blocking an attack aimed at his neck, Lino took a quick breath and erupted with a burst of speed; even if he couldn't kill her, he could still incapacitate her. A sudden burst of speed and strength sent Limrur stumbling backward in confusion, but he quickly reeled his mind in and spotted Lino's trajectory.