Chapter 176 I'm fighting against my Goddess? (I)
Imperial Dragons Arc
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(POV: Lumiere)
The sun-drenched land near the ocean was abuzz with anticipation as my subordinates gathered to witness the sparring session between Serena and me.
With all eyes on us, I turned to Serena.
"So who's making the first move?" I asked.
Serena's vibrant blue eyes sparkled confidently.
"I will."
She lifted her right hand, a surge of energy pulsating around her. In an instant, her hand transformed into a formidable black gauntlet with a mesmerizing purple core, adorned with intricate dragon-scale patterns.
"Woah.."
The sheer presence of the gauntlet enkindled the ocean waves, causing them to dance in tune with its power.
Mojito muttered, "That... that's some intense energy."
Skarz, standing beside him, simply nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Serena's every move.
Lirien chimed in, her voice carrying boredom, "Destruction energy..."
"Hm?" Isadora and Mimosa uttered.
"...it's a powerful and mysterious force..."
"Definitely," Isadora folded her arms. "But if anyone could handle it, that'd be an energy being."
"Agreed." Mimosa watched while fiddling with a herb in hand.
"Testing out Lady Serena's abilities was definitely the right choice. Let's see what she's truly capable of." Fasit's comment drew knowing chuckles from Stellaria.
Returning my focus to Serena, I met her intense gaze.
With a gentle smile, I nodded and replied, "I'm ready, Serena."
My skill, [Appraisal], was rank C.
I had about 10,456 skill points after buffing them up with [Higher Full Potential] and [Lord of Theorems].
Like I did when I increased the skills points I used to upgrade [Creator] to 『God of Creation: Urupein』.
Then, I used [Appraisal] on her.
「 <<Imperial Black Dragon's Gauntlet>>
This enchanted gauntlet enhances the user's physical strength and augments its melee attacks. It is integrated to the Imperial Black Dragon's Destruction Core— Core of Oblivion and is infused with the essence of [Oblivion Magic]. It grants the user increased dexterity and agility, allowing for swift and devastating strikes.
- Melee Attack Power: +30%
- Agility: +20%
- Destruction Enhancement: Activate to envelop the user's fist in destruction energy, increasing melee damage by 50% for 10-20 seconds.
- Dragon Claws: When Fire Enhancement is activated, the dragon's claws manifest as fiery dragon claws, further increasing melee damage by 20% for the duration.
This armament was acquired from the sub-skill of the Apex Skill: 『Dragon King of Destruction: Valtara』 called [Armatization] 」
And so, the battle commenced in a flurry of raw power and swirling magic.
Serena wasted no time in launching herself towards me with incredible force. The impact of her dash rippled through the shore and sent waves crashing into the ocean's depths.
I assessed the situation.
Serena's physical strength surpassed mine with a staggering 12,300 power compared to my own 9,300. Additionally, her mana reserves were daunting, well over 120,000+ MP, whereas mine stood at 81,000+.
Still, I held the advantage in a diverse range of magical aptitude.
As Serena closed in on me, her speed almost blinding, I swiftly conjured a small ball of fire within the palm of my hand.
Concentrating my mana, the fiery orb expanded exponentially until it became a towering inferno that would dwarf buildings.
The spell itself was a standard Rank C.
But, the mana I infused it with elevated its rank to A-grade.
With a calculated motion, I sent the colossal fireball hurtling towards Serena.
My intent was to create a diversion, a momentary lapse in her focus, before launching a barrage of projectiles using [Makeshift].
"That won't work," Serena said.
Unfortunately, she effortlessly waved her gauntlet, extinguishing the raging flames as if they were mere candlelight.
"How's that even—" I hooked.
Undeterred by the failed attack, Serena pressed on towards me.
Time seemed to slow as she closed the distance, her claws hurtling through the air towards me.
A damage from that gauntlet would be bad.
I employed [Flash Step], propelling myself three meters away from Serena's onslaught.
A resounding shockwave reverberated through the air as her claws met nothing but empty space, inches away from my previous location. The force of the impact sent a tremor coursing through the ground.
"He dodged it?" Serena said to her surprise.
I wiped some sweat off my forehead. "That was a close one."
Despite my successful evasive maneuver, a shallow cut appeared on my arm, a small rivulet of crimson snaking its way along my skin.
"Even with the speed of Rank S+ [Flash Step], she managed to graze me."
On the side of the spectators.
"...the thing with the erasure..." Lirien muttered.
Skarz raised an eyebrow. "Hm?"
"...how'd she do it..."
"Didn't she just hit it?" Mojito suggested.
Fasit gently shook her head. "No, it was different from that..."
"Right?" Isadora mentioned, "it was almost like she... erased it."
"What do you think Stellaria?" Isadora asked her.
Stellaria, who gently hovered above them then told Isadora, "what do I care?"
"I thought so," Isadora sighed.
Having used [Appraisal] on Serena once again, I garnered crucial insights into her unique abilities.
It was then I uncovered the truth: she utilized the Destruction Enchantment embedded within her gauntlet to eradicate the very essence of my fireball.
Serena also possessed [Oblivion Magic], capable of erasure on a far higher level.
And to top it all off, her Apex Skill, fully unleashed: 『Dragon King of Destruction: Valtara』.
The destructive potential of this skill could wipe off entire continents from the map.
"She's a friggin' walking eraser..."
Serena giggled a bit.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"I don't know, you look a bit tensed... my lord," Serena teased.
"I'll be fine," I smiled.
From my back came ethereal, bat-like wings, the black wingspan shimmering in the sunlight.
Ascending above Serena, I used 『Voracious Queen Adephagia』 and created a mesmerizing spectacle: hundreds of floating droplets, black as the depths of the night.
"Uhh? What's he trying to do?" Mojito asked.
"...something..."
Mojito sighed. "I know that Lirien... but why exactly."
"...something big..."
"Jeez," Mojito sighed, his voice tinged with exasperation.
Everyone laughed at this.
As my theory unfolded in my mind, I realized that perhaps Serena's formidable erasure abilities would falter against these droplets. The Eterna Noctis, a primordial black matter, carried within it the potential to withstand the forces of erasure.
At least, that's what the name implied... primordial.
With a swift motion of my hand, the droplets descended upon Serena with ferocious velocity, a technique I dubbed—
「Velo-Noctis Disintegration Bullets」
Faced with this onslaught, Serena reacted swiftly, her wings now bearing a dragon-like appearance. Like a graceful dancer amidst a tempest of bullets, she elegantly weaved between the bullet-like droplets, her movements a dazzling display of agility and skill.
"This shouldn't be too hard.."
Desperate to counter my assault, Serena unleashed her gauntlet's power in a wave of omnidirectional erasure.
"What—!"
To her surprise, my droplets remained resolute, unaffected by her ability.
As Serena continued to dance between the bullets, my hand moved with precision, manipulating the black droplets in the air. With one wave, the droplets accelerated, spiraling like a tornado as they encased Serena within their walls. I watched as my black blades materialized within the swirling mass, intending to trap her and claim my victory.
"I win," I declared.
But as the vortex closed in on her, a sudden explosion erupted, sending the black matter splattering across the ground.
"That shouldn't be—"
I stared in astonishment at Serena, who had undergone a remarkable transformation.
Adorning her body was a chest plate that mirrored the design and color pattern of her <<Imperial Black Dragon Gauntlet>>, its center housing a large, pulsating purple core. Her white hair gently floated upwards, as if charged with unseen energy.
Concerned for her well-being, I asked, "Serena, how are you feeling?"
A smile formed on her lips as she replied, "Stronger and faster. It's not painful at all, it's actually quite relieving. It feels like all the pent-up energy inside me is gradually being released."
I nodded understandingly, relieved that she was not in pain.
"That's good to hear," I responded warmly.
As we hovered above the ground, suspended in the moment, Serena's voice broke the silence. "Are you ready for round two?" she asked.
A grin spread across my face as I replied, "Sure, Serena. Let's see what you've got."
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