NOVPUB
Chapter 83: 023: Mutation
Within the barrier, a massive Magic Array encompassing the entire perimeter lit up on the ground.
The structure of the array consisted of a primary array and three smaller auxiliary arrays, interconnected by three straight Magic Circuits.
The Ausen Giant Python was positioned at the center of the primary array, while three Blood Source Cultivation Apprentices stood upon the smaller arrays.
As the incantation echoed, an eerie blood-red light illuminated the arrays. Dense runes, resembling tadpoles, surged from the arrays and quickly crawled onto the bodies of the three Blood Source Cultivation Apprentices.
The runes extended strange black tentacles that began to claw at the apprentices. Under the clawing of these black tentacles, the apprentices started to melt grotesquely.
Yes, melt.
As though they were black candles, the apprentices’ skin, muscles, and bones melted piece by piece, transforming into pools of blood. These rivulets of blood flowed along the connected Magic Circuits toward the Ausen Giant Python at the center, climbing over its blood-red scales and merging into its monstrous form.
"Roar!"
Like an unholy proclamation during a vile ritual, the Ausen Giant Python raised its head high and let out an earth-shattering roar.
The python’s form underwent dramatic changes—it’s scales became tighter and turned from grayish-brown to blood-red. Even the patches of missing scales on its body regenerated.
Most horrifying of all were three distorted human faces appearing on its head—the faces of the three apprentices that had melted moments prior.
"This... what kind of spell is this?"
"Is this even magic?"
"What did that thing just do...?"
Everyone present was stunned by the macabre scene, including Lynch, who couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine.
Avery turned to Lynch and asked, "What kind of spell is this?"
Lynch shook his head. "I don’t know."
After a pause, he added, "But I think we’re in trouble. Lucas needs to retreat. While their ritual isn’t fully complete, we need to break through and escape immediately!"
Though he couldn’t discern the nature of the spell, Lynch’s heightened Perception clearly detected the Elemental Fluctuation from the python skyrocketing to levels far beyond a typical High-level Apprentice’s abilities within mere moments.
Uncertainty equates to danger.
Lynch’s confidence in defeating the Ausen Giant Python hinged on understanding the nature of this Demon, but now everything was thrown into question. Continuing the fight here seemed far from wise.
"Retreat? Are you joking?"
A Knight overhearing their conversation openly challenged Lynch’s advice, driven by the desire for revenge given their apparent advantage at the moment.
Fortunately, Avery ignored the Knight and placed her trust in Lynch’s judgment. She gave an order to another Knight, "Rawls, pull Lucas back and prepare for a swift breakout."
"Understood."
The Knight rushed toward Lucas’s position and relayed Avery’s decision. Lucas, like the other Knight, was initially reluctant to agree with the retreat plan.
Breaking the Element Barrier seemed within reach after prolonged efforts. Strained as it was, Lucas believed he just needed a bit more time to shatter the barrier entirely.
Despite his reservations, Lucas didn’t challenge Avery’s authority. After a brief moment of hesitation, he ceased his attack on the Magic Barrier and turned to prepare for withdrawal.
But then, suddenly—
"ROAR!"
An earth-shaking roar erupted within the cavern.
Accompanied by the roar, a burst of Elemental Energy shot outward from the Ausen Giant Python, forming a shockwave that pulverized the earth wherever it passed. The energy surged forward and crashed directly into the Element Barrier.
The barrier shattered from within, disintegrating completely. The leftover shockwave swept across the surroundings, engulfing both sides mid-battle indiscriminately.
The ferocious surge of power resembled a frenzied storm lined with razor-sharp edges. Anyone caught within, whether Apprentice Knights or Knights, were ripped apart instantaneously, reduced to mangled flesh without even a chance to react.
Lucas, situated near the epicenter, froze in terror at the devastating Elemental fluctuation. Panicking, he picked up the pace and leapt desperately, trying to escape the brutal shockwave.
"Watch out, Lucas!"
Just then, a loud swoosh pierced the air. The Ausen Giant Python lashed its massive tail toward Lucas. Nearby, Adam shouted frantically to warn him while dashing forward, wielding the Cross Sword in an attempt to intercept the attack.
With terrifying precision, the python adjusted its movements mid-strike, redirecting its tail from Lucas to aim at the advancing Adam.
"Boom!"
Adam’s body shot through the air like a cannonball, crashing heavily into the cavern wall. The wall cracked and caved inward, leaving a deep hollow with Adam embedded within, bloodied and gravely wounded.
Witnessing Adam’s brutal fate, Lucas drew a sharp breath in horror.
During prior battles, Lucas had seen Adam demonstrate his impressive skills. Despite being only a Low-level Apprentice, Adam was also an exceptional Knight who had undergone some degree of cell transplantation. His defensive capability neared the level of 17 or 18, rivaling ordinary High-level Apprentices.
Yet even someone with Adam’s prowess couldn’t withstand a single blow from the python. This alone illustrated how terrifyingly powerful it had become.
Finally grasping the reasoning behind Avery’s earlier command, Lucas scrambled to distance himself as far as possible from the monstrous serpent.
But it was already too late.
Having dealt with Adam, the python’s amber vertical pupils refocused their attention on Lucas.
This time, it didn’t swing its tail but opened its massive jaws wide. A thick, viscous green liquid shot out from its maw, targeting Lucas directly.
Caught off guard during his escape, Lucas was struck by the liquid on the left side of his body.
"ARGHHH!!!"
Lucas screamed in anguish as his flesh sizzled under the caustic substance. The affected areas melted away rapidly, white smoke rising from the burns. Within seconds, his body was reduced to a grotesque state, with exposed flesh, shattered bones, and spilled innards visible beneath the damaged skin.
Lynch’s expression darkened.
Two apprentices specializing in Body Refinement had been effortlessly overwhelmed by the serpent. Just how much had its power increased?
There was no time to dwell further—Lynch quickly realized that the creature’s predatory gaze had shifted once more.
This time, its target was none other than Lynch himself!
