"So, you are indeed related to that Atali."
From the moment he entered this Ruin, Ian was thinking about its connection with that vague figure he saw in the Spirit Realm.
'Atali awaits your return..... Sovereign!'
He still remembered the last word he heard before the flickering blue light disappeared from the crumbled bones.
Ignysyl called him Guardian of the Spirit Realm, while it called itself Atali. Honestly, he was thinking of searching for clues during these two months of stay when, suddenly, this incident happened, diverting his attention.
Now, though, he found that maybe he inadvertently discovered something he wanted to search for in the first place.
After all, that faint feeling he was getting was now strong, clearly coming from the Blood Crystal hidden by the creature ahead.
"What... how is this possible?"
However, the figure in front was instead stunned when he saw the bloody scythe being stopped by a simple touch. Ian didn't even use a spell, nor did he defend himself; he just grabbed it with his bare hands, crumbling it so easily.
Of course, he would be surprised.
"Why? Do you think you are invincible just because you can use the power of the rule? It isn't even yours."
Ignysyl rolled his big eyes speechlessly.
The reason Arvhael's defense shattered like paper and Morgan's gem failed was the faint power of the Rule of Blood, emanating from the Blood Crystal hidden within the figure ahead, and laced into its attack.
However, those things were useless against Ian, who could already partially control his bloodline form, Wrath.
From the moment they awakened, Ian knew they weren't simple.
"Like I said, you fat worm is too stupid." Ignysyl didn't forget to mock again, though.
"Why....? Why didn't it work? It doesn't make sense."
But unfortunately for the little dragon, the figure in front seemed too weak-minded as it suddenly began to mumble in extreme agitation.
"Agh.... How can it be stopped so easily?"
The human-like figure made of larvae twitched and convulsed, its form beginning to lose shape.
Suddenly, its arms sagged, legs warped, and parts of its body started dissolving into a squirming mass of blood.
It looked eerie, nauseating even, as Ian suddenly saw the blood crystal in its chest become fully visible, which was beating faster and brighter, almost as if it were reacting to the creature's growing frenzy.
"No, I can't let this happen. No one can defeat me... no one can stop my Blood Scythe. No one can dishonor the power given to me by my lord!"
The creature's words twisted into incoherent mutterings, barely audible and filled with raw frustration. But the growing murderous intent that was thickening like a storm, visible by those millions of Nyxroot larvae's agitation, signaled the impending doom that was about to befall.
And then, a roar split the air, sending a wave of pressure crashing through the entire forest:
"KILL THEM! RIP THEM TO PIECES! LEAVE NOTHING ALIVE!"
The voice was loud with a distorted scream of rage, with strong murderous intention.
Ian even finally saw its bead-like eyes hidden beneath the cape, turning pitch black, while a squirming worm crawled out of the makeshift skull.
From its appearance, it almost looked like a leech, only it was far too fat, bloated with blood that was flowing vigorously, visible even to the naked eye.
No wonder Ignysyl always called him a fat worm, as it really was one.
"Swoosh!"
But Ian didn't have time to muse over things now, as this time the figure seemed serious, as it directly commanding all the millions of Nyxroot larvae to attack them.
Now, Morgana and Arvhael were both injured, while Ian didn't have enough energy to defend against the countless larvae diving straight into him with no fear of death.
Not to mention that thick layer of blood emanating from the fat worm clearly preparing its ultimate attack.
'It doesn't seem to care about the spiritual contract with me now.'
Ian thought that the reaction of the worm was a little over the top. Honestly, he still wanted to find out why he wanted to know the reason behind it.
"Do you want my help?"
Seeing Ian standing silently, Ignysyl finally asked. After all, although those larvae were ants in his eyes, their numbers were truly impressive.
Although they would be fine, Morgana and Arvhael might not be.
"No need. It is time to end this farce anyway."
However, Ian just shook his head as if he didn't take them seriously.
Instead, he suddenly disappeared from his place with his signature move appearing right beside the fat worm covered in blood foam.
"Blood Binding!"
Surprisingly, the worm that seemed delirious suddenly mumbled eerily, throwing a net of thick blood threads that landed precisely where Ian had appeared.
In an instant, the threads circled around Ian's wrist, trying to insert themselves like needles, digging into his skin.
It was so spontaneous and fast that anyone would be caught off guard. Only Ian didn't.
"Like I said, you are foolish, yet a little smart."
Ian suddenly smiled and grabbed the squirming blood threads, crushing them in his hands. He could tell that if they managed to enter his body, he'd have one hell of a time getting rid of them.
That was because he could already feel the vicious curse imbued within, seeping through the threads like a poison.
This fat worm was clearly trying to lure him near with all those crazy acts.
"Krrkrrr... so you are wearing armor? No wonder!"
As soon as Ian crushed those blood threads, the fat worm suddenly floated back, distancing itself. Then, its beady black eyes briefly glanced at the translucent armor covering Ian's arm, finally realizing what was happening.
"Armor? Yeah, you can say that."
Ian smiled, seemingly not caring about the fat worm's attitude of backing out. Instead, his gaze suddenly locked onto the Blood Crystal it had conveniently left behind, his arm unconsciously stretching outward as if trying to grab it.
"What are you doing?"
Seeing Ian's outstretched hand almost reach the Blood Crystal, the fat worm suddenly asked, full of confusion.
After all, that wasn't something anyone could just touch. There was a reason it kept it around itself and not out in the open as it was far too dangerous.
