Chapter 180 Lumiere Vs Imperial Sapphire Dragon? (I)
Imperial Dragons Arc
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(POV: Akashic Records)
Eunaria's cold eyes scrutinized Lumiere, her calculating gaze never wavering.
"So, human," she taunted. "Who's going to make the first move? Or should I just end this with one shot?"
Lumiere's expression remained unchanged as he locked eyes with her. "It doesn't matter anymore," he replied calmly.
With a graceful wave of <<Gryphan>>, Lumiere summoned the elements.
The air around him crackled, and ten spheres of oxygen materialized, each containing fiery sparks within.
The culmination of his combined mastery of [Wind Magic] and [Fire Magic] — the devastating spell known as 「Inferno Hall」.
Naturally, Lumiere possessed an immense pool of mana.
However, his staff's unique enchantment amplified the potency of the elements he wielded while halving the mana cost. Thus, Lumiere had expended only 10,000 mana points to conjure the ten 「Inferno Halls」, instead of the usual 20,000.
In an instant, Lumiere launched all ten spheres towards Eunaria, and they streaked through the air, propelled by his skilled command. The sheer force behind their speed sent ripples through the atmosphere.
Eunaria scoffed, her confidence unwavering.
"Hmm, you think fire and wind can harm me? I possess 「Magic-Attack Resistance」 skill, idiot. Your spells are useless against me!" she declared.
Just as she spoke those words, the spheres closed in on her, exploding with a tremendous force that ripped through the air.
"What—?!" Eunaria?s eyes widened.
The consequential conflagration, once unleashed, propagated an all-encompassing shockwave that reverberated through the highest reaches of the mountains, effectively diminishing not one, not two but six majestic peaks to nothing more than flat expanses.
The vast ocean, in turn, experienced the ripple effect of this explosive surge of energy, momentarily perturbed by the tremors emanating from the detonation.
Furthermore, the previously serene floating islands in close proximity were propelled into the air with great force, their subsequent descent resulting in a tumultuous collision with the body of water beneath them.
As the smoke cleared, Eunaria emerged, her previously flawless body marred by several deep scratches.
The shock on her face was evident as she looked at Lumiere, her voice filled with disbelief and a touch of fear.
"What are you?" she demanded, her wounds already beginning to heal at an inhuman speed.
That was the skill 「Boundless Regeneration」, even if she was atomized she'd still recover.
Eunaria furrowed her brows, her mind racing as she quickly assessed the situation.
She considered her additional skill, 「Magic-Attack Resistance」 which provided her with impenetrable barriers against magical power. Normally, it would be nearly impossible to break through these barriers unless the attacker possessed overwhelming magical power.
However, Lumiere's attack had managed to bypass not just one, but fifteen of her defensive barriers.
Rank F 「Magic-Attack Resistance」 granted the user with 1 defensive barrier.
Rank SS 「Magic-Attack Resistance」 granted 15 barriers.
Hence, for each evolution in the skill, from F to F+ to E to E+, an extra barrier was added.
His attack was a true anomaly, proving the extent of his power and expertise.
Eunaria knew she couldn't afford to underestimate him any longer.
Lumiere calmly queried, "Are you alright? It seems my attack had a greater impact than you anticipated."
Clicking her tongue in irritation, Eunaria shot him a withering glare.
"Don't get cocky," she retorted.
There were several factors at play here. His title as a Meld Master enhanced his [Element Merger] skill. In addition, his magic staff amplified the attack potency of his spells. And finally the individual enhancements of both elements and the bonus effect upon their combination.
His mastery over the elements went beyond typical magic users.
To fuse and harmonize them, caused it to reach a level where they exceed their individual limitations.
That was what allowed his attack to break through her defenses.
"( I still have to be careful, my [Appraisal] says she has a high level regenerative skill and also an astronomically higher mana point than mine, but that's not really what I'm worried about... )" (Lumiere)
Her eyes narrowed with a mix of annoyance and disgust.
She refused to let him revel in the satisfaction of a prolonged battle.
Clenching her fist, she prepared to unleash one of her many ultimate weapons, a skill so powerful that it could make anyone feel insignificant by an exaggerated level.
"Behold, mortal!" she declared, her voice carrying authority. "Prepare to witness the true might of my Unique Skill, 『Monarch's Will』!"
It was a fact that while two individuals couldn't possess the exact same Unique Skill, they might have variations within a specific category. However, the Unique Skill known— 『Monarch's Will』 was unique only to a specific group of individuals. This group consisted of those who possessed the qualities and potential to become kings or rulers.
Those with a kingly factor...
With a surge of power, Eunaria unleashed her skill at full force.
The air instantly crackled with an oppressive energy, and a wave of pressure emanated from her, enveloping the surroundings.
Every magical beast, be it in the skies, sea, or land, felt the weight of her will and succumbed to its overwhelming force.
Birds fell from the heavens, and monster fishes floated lifelessly on the ocean surface.
Lumiere, stunned by the sudden devastation, looked at himself in disbelief.
"What... what just happened?" he stammered, obviously confused. "Was that supposed to affect me? Or have you not used your skill yet?"
Eunaria's eyes widened, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.
"Impossible," she muttered under her breath. "No one can resist the power of my 『Monarch's Will』."
Lumiere let out a smug chuckle.
"You see... umh Eunaria, I possess a Sacred Benefaction that grants me immunity to status effects," he explained, satisfaction shining in his eyes. "Your skill?s useless against me."
[All-Father?s Crest of Guidance]
Eunaria's mind tried to comprehend the magnitude of his resistance.
There were individuals who could withstand the effects of 『Monarch's Will』 before, but never with such ease.
She knew that only those who possessed an equally formidable will or a similar skill could resist its overwhelming power.
"This Sacred Benefaction... how strong of a status effect nullifier is it?"
"Eh, pretty strong..."
"To think that it can protect you from the full force of my skill... maybe you are worth my time."
Lumiere remained quiet.
"( I know I should be angry... but this loli?s just a little too clueless... one second her attack or resistance is all powerful, and the next it isn't. I honestly feel like laughing... )" (Lumiere)
Nevertheless, Lumiere felt relieved that his subordinates weren't present. There was a high chance they'd have suffered damage from Eunaria?s 『Monarch's Will』.
"I have one question," he began, his eyes never leaving hers. "Tell me, what have you done to Serena?"
Eunaria met his gaze head-on, her expression unwavering.
"Serena, so that's her name... well she's not dead," she responded firmly. "She's too important to us, the Imperial Dragons. I'd never let her perish."
Lumiere's eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"What did you do then?" he pressed.
"That's none of your business."
She utilized a skill of hers, called 「Imperial Dragon's Ambience」. It was similar to 『Monarch's Will』, but specifically tailored to affect individuals of dragonic heritage, like Serena. She destabilized Serena's destruction core which at the time was her power source. It weakened her, making her vulnerable.
Seeing as her dragonic influence surpassed Serena's, it was easier for her to manipulate her core.
While Serena did have a status effect nullification from her Sacred Benefaction: [All-Father?s Crest of Protection], her core was the victim of the skill not she herself.
Yes, Eunaria didn't know this. But naturally, the destabilizing Serena's core was the easiest alternative.
"Now that that's out of the way..."
Eunaria adjusted her flowing blue gown as the four of them hovered above the ocean, the land, and the towering mountains.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l