Chapter 281 Chapter280-Calling for Backup
The onlookers stood agape, staring at the unfolding scene before them.
The scattered chunks of Ghana's body, eerily moving as if they each possessed a separate life, began converging towards the center, eventually vanishing into utter darkness.
A black vortex materialized from nowhere, pulsating with an overwhelming surge of dark energy.
John, gripping the Divine Palace in hand, had his eyes burning with intensity.
He had known all along that Ghana wouldn't be so easily defeated.
Being a true Devil, one of the world's mightiest deities, the resilience of its life force was, naturally, unparalleled.
After all, a starving camel is still larger than a horse, even when gravely wounded...
From the midst of the black vortex, an arm, its skin dark and speckled with tiny red glows, suddenly shot out.
Then, as if tearing the very fabric of space, the unscathed Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana sprung forth.
"Damn it! To think I was pushed to such a state by you—it's the shame of my life!"
Ghana, enveloped in dark vapors, stood panting heavily, muttering under his breath.
It was hard to fathom that this demon before them was the same Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana.
Compared to his earlier state, the transformation was like night and day.
Not a single patch of skin on him remained intact; his entire form was marred by gaping wounds.
Black blood oozed from him, and every droplet that fell to the ground corroded it, leaving one pit after another.
The squad members could only stare, wide-eyed.
John, however, looked unperturbed, having anticipated the scene.
"I must admit," he said, "I didn't expect that after shattering your body, you'd persist so tenaciously..."
Upon hearing John's slightly mocking words, Ghana abruptly raised his head, his eyes hawk-like, intently fixed on John.
"Human, don't be too arrogant. Had I not been nursing old injuries, the outcome of today's fight would still be uncertain!"
John flashed a radiant smile, reveling in confronting those who talked tough despite being cornered.
He casually proposed, "How about I give you a moment to catch your breath? Once you've regained your strength, we can resume our battle."
Before Ghana could retort, the squad members below became anxious.
"Captain, you mustn't!"
"Strike while the iron is hot!"
"Captain, reconsider this!"
...
John waved his hand dismissively, interrupting the distressed exclamations of his squad.
He gazed amiably at the forlorn figure of the Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana, his eyes shimmering with an indifferent yet casual light.
Ghana fell silent.
Recalling John's earlier unstoppable onslaught, he couldn't help but inwardly grumble.
What's the point of continuing? This human is nothing short of a monster in human guise!
He had lived for countless years, having visited the Godslayer Continent more than once.
Yet, he'd never encountered a human as aberrant as this young man.
His expertise in soul bewitchment was entirely ineffective against him.
Physical combat?
He was outmatched there too.
Though it irked Ghana to admit it, even at full strength, in conventional combat, he might not be a match for this human.
What baffled him most was his inability to detect any trace of divinity in this man, implying he wasn't a deity.
That a mere mortal could ascend to such prowess was utterly inconceivable!
Ghana paused, then with a look of resignation, conceded, "I won't fight anymore... Just state your purpose. Why have you sought me out here?"
John, wearing a puzzled expression, retorted, "Between our factions, we're natural enemies. Do you really need to ask?"
Ghana's face mirrored the perplexity, "Your statement sounds like a joke... Do you think I'm unaware of human nature? Innately self-centered, driven by personal gain; would someone of your caliber act without a substantial incentive?"
John's face was painted with a blend of helplessness and amusement.
To be honest, he wasn't quite sure of his own motives.
Joining the Devil Hunting Elite Team was merely an opportunity to spar with more Devils.
Up to this point, John had encountered only three god-tier beings.
The Fallen Angel Leviathan, who had now become a mere specter under his command, granting him the Divine Palace and several exceptional equipment items.
Desire-embodied Mammon, on the other hand, had been banished by him to the Void and would certainly not return anytime soon.
Through his duel with the Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana today, John gradually discerned the level of his own prowess.
Against most god-tier bosses, he felt more than adequate.
As for the very pinnacle of deities, he had yet to face any, and was unsure of his odds against them...
Seizing the opportunity while John was lost in thought, the Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana began to surreptitiously recuperate.
Their earlier confrontation had drained him substantially of his dark divine power.
The injuries within him, once suppressed, were now raging like turbulent seas, causing him immense agony.
On top of that, using his soul to resurrect his body had added insult to injury, overburdening his weakened state.
Given this rare moment of respite, how could he not grasp it?
Among the 72 devils of the Abyss, Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana was renowned as a cunning strategist.
Amidst devils that often resorted to brute force, Mammon and Ghana were the two that posed the most headache to the righteous camp.
Ghana believed that, with his wit, he might find a glimmer of hope in this dire situation.
His trio of eyes glinted mischievously, slowly shifting their gaze to the squad members below who were spectating.
If he couldn't overpower the formidable young man before him, could he not exploit these weaker links?
However, just as this thought sprouted in Ghana's mind, John abruptly raised his head, fixing him with a peculiar stare.
"Somehow, I sense a hint of conspiracy emanating from you..."
John lifted his Divine Palace, channeling a surge of power into it, as its brilliant sword light emerged once more.
He said nonchalantly, "I believe it's best to first render you completely defenseless before we discuss further matters..."
A chill ran down Ghana's spine.
In John's voice, he detected a thick undertone of murderous intent...
In the past, such mocking words were ones Ghana would direct at his own prey.
To be treated as prey for the first time today was indeed a most disconcerting experience!
Ghana's thoughts raced as he swiftly unfurled his four wings, gliding backwards.
Almost the very instant he took off, a sword beam brimming with terrifying power landed exactly where he had just been.
Ghana's expression instantly darkened.
"I admit, I may not be your match right now, but I won't allow you to belittle a great Devil in such a manner!"
Ghana roared, raising his silvery Libra high.
The battlefield, already made fragile from their intense battle, began to fracture further, with a massive portal slowly taking shape.
John stared intently at this spatial gateway, a glint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
He couldn't comprehend why Ghana would expend his dark divine power to open such a portal at a time like this.
However, it didn't take long for John to grasp Ghana's intentions.
Emerging from the shadowy portal was a creature resembling a praying mantis, yet many times larger in size.
It had a triangular head, its body shielded by tough black plates, and six slender legs supporting its hulking form.
Atop were two arms, sharp and elongated like blades.
It was almost an exact replica of a praying mantis, only vastly magnified...
As the creature crawled out from the dark portal, it immediately knelt before the Soul-Devouring Devil Ghana.
"Majestic master, have you summoned your most loyal servant?"
The creature's voice seemed undefinable in terms of language, but everyone present could decipher its meaning.
Ghana extended a hand, resting it on the creature's head.
"Venom, I summoned you from the distant abyss because I require your assistance."
The creature lifted its head, only then realizing the grievous state of its master.
Rage ignited in its compound eyes as it bellowed, "Who is it?! Who dares to insult my glorious master like this?"
Ghana sighed, "Venom, it's these humans who took advantage of my injury and pushed me to this point... The mightiest among them is still beyond your capabilities. I've brought you forth to eradicate the lesser pests for me."
Following the direction of Ghana's pointing finger, the creature fixed its gaze upon the squad members who had been spectating.
A cold, twisted aura emanated from the creature, causing the previously relaxed expressions of the squad to freeze instantaneously.
They could all sense the terrifying aura of the creature, one they were currently ill-equipped to counter...
If all of them were in their prime and coordinated well, perhaps they could withstand the creature's assault.
However, they had previously been gravely injured by Ghana.
Although they had recovered slightly, they were still a long way from being fully restored.
The creature's dark compound eyes swept over the battlefield before finally resting on John.
Its pupils contracted sharply!
New novel chapt𝒆rs are published on free(w)ebnovel(.)com