Chapter 272 Chapter270-A Common Enemy
The gargantuan Planet Mirage eclipsed the sky, completely dominating the expanse above Ethan.
Beneath its colossal phantom, a terrifying force seemed to threaten the collapse of everything, causing the ground to sink, making it almost unbearable to stand.
"I must find a way to shatter this Planet Mirage," Ethan pondered internally.
However, it was easier said than done.
The Planet Mirage summoned by Lana Mokos wasn't a physical entity but rather a manifestation of the Power of Stellar.
Striking something inherently intangible appeared impossible.
Of course, that was a notion applicable to ordinary beings.
Ethan took a deep breath and drew his weapon, the Blasphemous Spear. Upon it, an intricate aura emerged -- the Unerring Rule.
"While the Planet Mirage is a manifestation of the Power of Stellar, it still requires one's manipulation to coalesce. So..."
Ethan discerned the flaw within the Planet Mirage.
Ethan closed his eyes, invoking the full potency of the Soul Language of Nature.
Under its discernment, within the core of the Planet Mirage, resonated a potent soul. It was unmistakably Lana Mokos.
"Found you."
Ethan's eyes snapped open, a chilling smirk playing on his lips.
His gaze turned icy, and in the split second before the Planet Mirage crashed onto him, he lifted his spear, driving it directly towards the heart of the Mirage.
Engraved with the Unerring Rule, his thrust was bound to find its mark.
A searing pain spiraled through Lana Mokos's mind, as if her very consciousness was being churned. Overwhelmed, she stumbled, letting out a harrowing scream, "Ahh--"
Ethan's situation wasn't any better.
Even though he had struck Lana Mokos's psyche, the raw power of the Planet Mirage wasn't to be underestimated.
Ethan was directly hit by the vast shadow, pinned forcefully to the ground as an insurmountable force hammered upon him.
Coughing violently, Ethan spat out mouthfuls of blood, his body ravaged with countless lacerations.
Had it not been for his formidable physique, he would've been reduced to mere pulp by now.
"It seems you couldn't take me down after all," Ethan muttered, struggling to his feet with the support of his spear.
Clutching her head and crouched low, Lana Mokos's eyes were bloodshot with rage.
Through gritted teeth, she spat, "Ethan, I swear, next time, I'll make you beg for mercy!"
"Oh, really? We'll see about that," Ethan replied dismissively.
Both were now drained of their fighting prowess. One's body was grievously wounded, barely able to move, while the other grappled with a scattered consciousness, rendering her skills useless.
The battle had ended in a stalemate.
Given their condition, both Ethan and Lana Mokos chose to recover on the spot, all the while warily eyeing each other, vigilant for any sudden moves.
At that very moment, noises echoed from a distance.
A peculiarly dressed troop emerged, with their leader donning a hat made of woven feathers and a necklace crafted from the teeth of fierce beasts.
The weapon in his hand was unmistakably forged from the bone of a formidable monster, adorned with engraved magic runes.
"Two humans with powerful Bloodlines!" The leader exclaimed in exhilaration.
Ethan and Lana Mokos chose to remain silent, offering no response.
This troop was truly bizarre. Whether it be the Easten Shore, Snowy Plains, or the Westwood Continent, no one dressed in such a manner.
This attire resembled that of ancient tribes from bygone eras.
Ancient times... tribes...
The very thought sent shivers down Ethan's spine.
He then cast a glance at Lana Mokos, and from the shock evident in her eyes, he knew his suspicion had been mirrored in her thoughts.
These individuals could very well be survivors from the ancient ruins.
Ruins -- a term adventurers use to describe the remnants of ancient kingdoms and city wrecks.
But the term isn't confined to just that; it's more of a general label, referring to any historic place of adventure.
Among these ruins, the remnants of ancient city structures are the most prevalent. However, traces of even older tribal civilizations can be found.
Regardless of the type, as long as traces remain, they can bear the title of 'ruins'. Due to this, only a handful of these ruins yield anything of value.
Yet, according to the information Ethan gathered from the black market, many of the ruins that have emerged recently were remains of cities.
Many of these ruins held well-preserved equipment, books, scrolls, and some even contained rare potions. This was highly unusual.
Powerful kingdoms of the past would typically set up space barriers around their crucial cities.
These barriers could last a very long time.
Unless someone within deactivated it, the emergence of these ruins should be sporadic, not the sudden swarm that was currently unfolding.
"What exactly is the Relic Battlefield?" Ethan was now certain that the appearance of these ruins was intricately tied to that Relic Battlefield.
At that moment, the leader of the arriving troop took action again.
"Bind these two," he ordered, "and present them to the High Priest!"
Following his command, several from the group stepped forward, using vines to tightly bind Ethan and Lana Mokos. For convenience, they even tied the two face-to-face.
Neither Ethan nor Lana Mokos resisted, not merely because of their severe injuries, but more crucially, both were curious about who stood behind this peculiar troop.
"It seems we'll have to collaborate this time," Ethan whispered.
Tied so closely, Ethan could discern every nuance of Lana Mokos's face and even catch the faint scent she bore.
However, for Lana Mokos, the experience was far from pleasant.
Born into the Azure Empire's royal lineage, she was imbued with innate nobility.
Even her closest handmaidens wouldn't dare to stand so near to her.
Now, her body pressed closely against Ethan, the clear sound of his heartbeat in her ears, stirred unfamiliar emotions within her.
Yet, the pervasive smell of blood made Lana Mokos involuntarily furrow her brows.
"You'd best behave," Lana Mokos warned with a hint of exasperation.
However, Ethan couldn't guarantee that.
Once bound, the two of them were hoisted onto a wooden pole.
As the members of the troop who were carrying them moved, the pole swayed, causing slight friction between Ethan and Lana Mokos.
"Ethan!" Lana Mokos hissed, her face flushing with irritation.
With a touch of remorse, Ethan replied, "You can't blame this on me. If you hadn't suddenly shown up, challenging me to a fight, we wouldn't be in this situation." Pausing, he added, "But, how did you find me?"
Lana Mokos gave a cold laugh. "Did you really believe your plan was foolproof?"
"What do you mean?" Ethan was puzzled.
Without hesitation, Lana Mokos explained, "The Heart of the City; I once possessed it too. I'm more familiar with its capabilities than you. Yet, after a certain incident, I sealed it away."
Her words left Ethan silent. The realization dawned upon him, and he asked, "So, you sensed the Heart of the City from Dark Lord City and that's how you located me?"
"What else?" Lana Mokos retorted before adding with a hint of praise, "I have to admit, your Soul Language of Nature is impressive in hiding Soul Essence. However, carrying the Heart of the City exposed you, especially when you brazenly appeared in Dark Lord City."
"Dark Lord City? Wait, were you the one spying on me the last time?" Ethan's face darkened.
Within Dark Lord City, he had met Hilna, and their encounter had been... intimate. During their interaction, Ethan had felt as though someone was watching.
"You mean your rendezvous with the Flame Witch?" Lana Mokos inquired, not skipping a beat. "If so, yes, I did watch for a bit. Sadly, it wasn't particularly entertaining -- rather dull, in fact."
Lana Mokos candidly remarked.
"You... you..." Words failed Ethan, leaving him with a tight-lipped silence.
Subsequently, the two were engulfed in an extended quiet.
Half an hour later, the leader halted the party by the side of a tranquil pond.
He then began chanting an arcane incantation, causing the water within the pond to stir, and ultimately shaping into a grand portal atop the water's surface.
"The fusion of Power of Space and Hydro! I never imagined magic could be wielded in such a manner!" Ethan couldn't contain his astonishment.
Lana Mokos shot Ethan a sidelong glance, correcting him with a hint of exasperation, "I truly can't fathom how you possess such strength. The essence of magic lies in manipulating the elements that constitute our world. The world encompasses everything; it's only natural that various magical elements can complement one another."
"Hydro and Power of Space," she continued, "Judging by the circumstances, it seems to lead to the ocean floor."
As Lana Mokos predicted, the leader, leading the entourage, stepped through this unique space gate, and they subsequently found themselves beneath the vast ocean expanse.
After navigating a lengthy underwater corridor, an imposing palace came into view for Ethan.
"Do you know where this is?" Ethan inquired, turning to Lana Mokos.
Taking in the architectural marvel around her, Lana Mokos remarked, "City of the Aquaman. A long-lost terrestrial city that once revered the God of Sea as its deity."
Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.𝘤ℴ𝑚 for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience