The Ironfang Highlands had already suffered considerable devastation from Damian and Cantarea’s battle, but the confrontation was far from reaching its conclusion.
The centaur Legend stood upon a distant ridge, her enormous purple bow surrounded by swirling Fey energy as she examined the young man below.
Her expression had become extremely solemn, particularly after discovering that Damian’s extraordinary magical abilities were considerably more troublesome than his apparent cultivation suggested.
Damian, meanwhile, was having the time of his life!
His experiment with the Bladesinger fighting style had proven extraordinarily successful, allowing him to integrate Valorian magic with his perfected Shengyuan martial techniques without sacrificing the advantages of either.
More importantly, the combination had revealed just how much his combat capabilities had improved since reaching Qi Condensation Level 7.
And he still possessed considerably more powerful spells!
Heh! I’ve had enough fun with the smaller stuff. Let’s see how she handles some proper artillery!
Cantarea seemed to sense his intentions.
Her eyes narrowed as she raised her greatbow, drawing the enormous string until its purple radiance reached an almost painful intensity.
Then she released!
<Thornweave Volley>!
Nine brilliant arrows erupted from the weapon, spreading outward before descending toward Damian from several different angles.
Unlike her previous attempts, Cantarea didn’t concentrate the projectiles upon his current location, instead targeting the surrounding ground to restrict his available movements.
An excellent decision!
Unfortunately, Damian had already begun moving.
<Cloud Step>!
His body launched upward, avoiding the first three projectiles as they struck the ground beneath him.
Rather than immediately descending, he stepped upon another temporary foothold of Refined Qi and extended his free left hand toward the centaur woman.
<Lightning Bolt>!
KRAAA-BOOOOM!
A brilliant column of electricity erupted across the battlefield!
The Level 3 spell tore through the afternoon air with astonishing violence, its incandescent radiance illuminating the surrounding ridges as it surged toward Cantarea.
Unlike Damian’s comparatively restrained Cantrips, the attack possessed a concentrated destructive force that caused the Mana along its trajectory to erupt into violent fluctuations.
Cantarea’s heart thumped in her chest, immediately moving her large body and somehow narrowly escaping the central path before raising one hand.
<Abolish Magic>!
Purple Fey energy surged forward, intercepting the lightning with an intricate web of supernatural interference.
CRACKLE!
The two spells collided!
For a moment, the electrical torrent struggled against Cantarea’s dispelling technique, its structure becoming increasingly unstable as the Fey energy attacked the connections maintaining its destructive power.
Then, the Lightning Bolt fragmented and several smaller arcs scattered harmlessly into the surrounding air, while the remaining electrical force struck a distant rock formation.
BOOOM!
The impact shattered the stone, sending fragments tumbling down the hillside.
Damian raised an eyebrow.
Oh? So she can actually counter that one?
The result was interesting.
His newly perfected Grandmaster spells had proven remarkably difficult for Cantarea to dismantle, but Lightning Bolt remained at Novice mastery despite benefiting from his extraordinary Intelligence.
Its underlying magical structure was consequently much less refined!
Cantarea had exploited that weakness beautifully.
Unfortunately for her, Damian wasn’t particularly troubled.
Well, that’s useful information. Seems I’ll have to make sure my stronger spells actually connect before she gets the opportunity to dismantle them!
He smiled then extended his hand again.
<Ice Storm>!
The surrounding temperature plummeted as an enormous concentration of freezing Mana gathered above Cantarea, forming a vast swirling storm that darkened the sky over the rocky battlefield.
The centaur woman’s expression changed drastically.
Another high-level spell?!
Before she could properly react, countless enormous hailstones began descending from the magical formation!
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The entire ridge erupted beneath the bombardment!
Rocks shattered, frozen debris scattered across the surrounding terrain, and enormous fragments of ice struck the ground with enough force to carve deep craters into its surface.
Cantarea immediately activated Fleetfoot!
Her magnificent equine body accelerated with terrifying speed, carrying her between the descending projectiles while her extraordinary reflexes allowed her to avoid several direct impacts.
Unfortunately, the storm covered an enormous area!
Even her exceptional mobility couldn’t guarantee that every available route would remain unobstructed.
CRACK!
An enormous hailstone struck her left flank, and the impact sent Cantarea stumbling sideways, her powerful hooves struggling to regain their footing as a painful grunt escaped her lips.
Before she could recover, another projectile descended!
BOOOM!
Cantarea twisted desperately, avoiding a direct strike but failing to escape the resulting explosion of ice and shattered stone.
Several sharp fragments sliced across her arms and shoulders, opening shallow wounds that immediately began bleeding.
The centaur woman gritted her teeth.
Damn this human!
She had anticipated powerful magic, but the sheer scale of Damian’s attacks was becoming increasingly unreasonable.
And the young man responsible was already approaching!
<Gale-Treading Steps>!
Damian descended through the storm with Longtian raised, his movement carrying him between the enormous hailstones as though he were navigating an ordinary obstacle course.
His perfected Qinggong allowed him to redirect his momentum with extraordinary precision, while <Perfect Combat Instinct> integrated the constantly changing battlefield into his immediate reactions.
Cantarea looked upward, her eyes widening.
By The Goddess of the Moon, he’s coming through his own spell?!
Damian smiled, then swung Longtian downward!
<Seven-Turn Sword Art>!
SHING!
A magnificent sword arc swept toward Cantarea’s exposed upper body!
She immediately raised her greatbow, attempting to intercept the attack while retreating through the collapsing terrain.
CLANG!
The collision sent a tremendous shock through her arms!
Cantarea’s expression twisted as Damian’s extraordinary physical strength forced her backward, her hooves carving deep grooves through the frozen ground.
Unfortunately, he didn’t stop, his second strike arriving almost immediately!
SHING!
Cantarea twisted, narrowly avoiding the blade as it passed across her shoulder.
However, the edge still connected with her protective garment!
RIIIP!
A long tear appeared across the fabric, accompanied by a thin line of blood as Longtian finally managed to graze her flesh.
Cantarea gasped, because she had actually been injured!
A genuine Legend had suffered her first sword wound at the hands of an Adept!
And Damian appeared thoroughly unimpressed.
Only a scratch, eh? Hmm, let’s fix that!
......
From the observation ridge, the Four Valkyries watched the confrontation with growing excitement.
Paulina had already begun cheering whenever Damian forced Cantarea backward, her powerful tail lashing so enthusiastically that Janet was forced to move aside.
"Yes! That’s it, Damian! Don’t let that arrogant horsewoman recover!" Paulina shouted, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.
Julia’s eyes shone as she observed Longtian’s successive movements.
"His swordsmanship is incredible! He’s timing every strike to arrive just as she’s trying to regain her balance!" the Elven Ranger exclaimed, her earlier anxiety gradually transforming into admiration.
Eunice released a relieved breath, although her hands remained tightly clasped before her chest.
Their husband was winning!
And not merely surviving against a Legend, either!
He was beginning to overwhelm her!
Unfortunately, the Wild Court delegation was experiencing a considerably different range of emotions.
"Impossible! Lady Cantarea is being injured?!"
"How can that human possess such strength?!"
"She’s a Windstrider! Why can’t she escape his attacks?!"
The Fae representatives stared at the battlefield with increasingly horrified expressions.
Their mighty Legend, a warrior whose name commanded tremendous respect throughout the Wild Court, was being driven backward by someone who hadn’t even reached the Master Rank!
Serra’s beautiful face had become deathly pale.
No... this... this can’t be happening!
Unfortunately, the battle had no intention of accommodating her disbelief.
......
Cantarea finally managed to create some distance through a desperate burst of Fleetfoot.
Her breathing had become noticeably heavier, and several wounds now decorated her previously immaculate body.
Blood trickled down her left arm, while the bruising along her flank made it increasingly difficult to maintain the effortless mobility she had demonstrated earlier.
Nevertheless, she remained a genuine Legend!
Her eyes flashed with determination as she raised her greatbow.
<Moonthorn Arrows>!
TWANG!
Several thorn-covered projectiles erupted toward Damian, their magical energy spreading into an intricate pattern designed to restrict his approach.
Damian didn’t retreat, instead raising his left hand.
<Mage Armor>!
A magnificent layer of translucent magical protection immediately enveloped his body, its refined structure stabilizing around his equipment as the incoming arrows approached.
BOOM!
The first projectile struck the barrier!
Purple Fey energy erupted across its surface, accompanied by countless thornlike fragments that attempted to penetrate the protection.
Unfortunately, Damian’s Grandmaster Mage Armor was hardly ordinary!
The magical defense absorbed the majority of the impact, its enhanced stability preventing the arrow from breaching his protection.
The remaining projectiles arrived immediately afterward!
BOOM! BOOM!
Several explosions erupted around Damian, but his barrier continued holding as he accelerated through the debris.
Cantarea stared in disbelief.
Even his defensive magic is this powerful?!
Unfortunately, she had no time to complain because Damian had already extended his hand again!
<Wall of Fire>!
WHOAAAAAM!
An enormous wall of incandescent flames erupted across the battlefield!
The Level 4 spell stretched between several shattered rock formations, transforming Cantarea’s preferred escape route into a roaring inferno.
Its extraordinary heat immediately began melting the surrounding ice, sending enormous clouds of steam billowing across the battlefield.
Cantarea reacted instantly.
<Phase Step>!
Purple-and-silver light enveloped her body as she disappeared from the approaching flames!
A moment later, she reappeared upon a distant rocky outcrop.
Unfortunately, Damian had anticipated that response.
His Divine Sense had already identified several likely destinations within her teleportation range, and the instant Cantarea reappeared, he moved!
<Misty Step>!
Purple-and-silver mist erupted across the outcrop as Damian appeared directly beside her!
What?!
Cantarea barely had time to raise her bow before Longtian struck!
CLANG!
The enormous weapon intercepted the sword, but Damian immediately followed with a powerful kick!
BOOOOM!
His foot struck Cantarea’s armored flank and the impact was devastating!
The centaur woman’s enormous body was thrown sideways, crashing through a nearby rock formation before tumbling across the ground.
CRAAAAASH!
Several enormous stones shattered beneath her weight!
Cantarea rolled violently before finally managing to regain her footing, blood dripping from her lips as she struggled to stabilize herself.
She had barely recovered when Damian appeared before her again!
"You’re rather disappointing, Lady Cantarea. Here I was expecting an extraordinary battle against a mighty Legend, but you’ve spent most of our fight running away!" Damian remarked with a cold smile, Longtian resting comfortably within his grasp.
Cantarea’s eyes burned with fury.
"Do not underestimate me, human! I am still a Legend of the Wild Court!" she roared, drawing her magnificent bow with trembling hands.
Damian’s smile widened.
"Then start fighting like one!" he replied sharply, stepping forward.
Cantarea released!
TWANG!
A tremendous purple arrow erupted toward Damian’s chest!
However, he merely twisted his body and brought Longtian upward!
CLANG!
The projectile shattered against the sword’s magnificent edge!
Before Cantarea could draw another arrow, Damian extended his free hand.
<Fireball>!
A brilliant sphere of condensed flames appeared above his palm!
Unlike the Grandmaster Firebolt he had employed earlier, this was the full Level 3 Signature Spell, its magical structure possessing an extraordinary degree of refinement and destructive potential.
Cantarea’s expression changed instantly.
That spell again?!
She had already witnessed Damian unleash enormous magical attacks, but something about this particular Fireball made her instincts scream with unprecedented intensity.
Its concentrated power was terrifying!
Damian’s Intelligence had transformed what was already an extraordinarily destructive spell into something approaching a natural disaster.
And he was aiming directly toward her!
Cantarea immediately raised one hand.
<Abolish Magic>!
Purple Fey energy erupted forward!
Unfortunately, Damian had already released the spell!
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
The enormous Fireball exploded across the battlefield!
A vast wave of incandescent flames swallowed the surrounding terrain, shattering rock formations and sending a tremendous shockwave through the Ironfang Highlands.
Cantarea’s dispelling technique struggled against the Grandmaster spell, its interference barely weakening the overwhelming magical structure before being consumed by the expanding explosion.
Ah!! No!!
The centaur woman desperately activated Fleetfoot, attempting to escape the inferno before its full destructive force reached her!
Unfortunately, she was already too late.
BOOOOOM!
The flames engulfed her!
Cantarea screamed as the blast hurled her enormous body through the air, her protective Fey energy struggling desperately against the overwhelming heat.
Her previously magnificent garments were scorched and torn, while several sections of her exposed skin suffered painful burns.
Fortunately, her Legend-level Constitution and defensive equipment prevented the attack from immediately killing her.
Unfortunately, surviving wasn’t the same as escaping unharmed!
CRAAASH!
Cantarea struck the ground with tremendous force, carving an enormous trench through the rocky terrain before finally coming to a halt.
For several moments, she lay motionless... then her body twitched.
She was still alive!
......
The Wild Court delegation had fallen completely silent.
Their earlier indignation had disappeared beneath expressions of profound horror as they stared at the devastated battlefield.
Lady Cantarea had been struck by an enormous Fireball, and the human responsible was still standing around comfortably!
Serra’s lips trembled.
No... no, no, no!
She had witnessed Damian’s terrifying Fireball before, but his current version was incomparably more destructive.
Worse, he appeared to be employing such overwhelming attacks almost casually!
The Moon Elf slowly turned toward the other Fae, desperately searching for reassurance.
Unfortunately, none could provide it.
Several were already trembling while others stared at Cantarea’s battered figure with expressions of utter despair.
If their mighty Legend couldn’t defeat Damian Baines, what hope did any of them possess?!
Meanwhile, Janet had practically climbed onto a nearby rock to obtain a better view.
"Hahaha! That’s our husband! Come on, Damian, show that arrogant bitch what happens when she threatens our family!" Janet shouted gleefully, her little fists raised in triumph.
Paulina was equally delighted.
"YES! That’s how you fight! Don’t give her a chance to recover!" the Wolf Beastwoman howled, her eyes shining with fierce excitement and her canines extending.
Even Eunice couldn’t completely conceal her satisfaction.
Although the compassionate Cleric naturally disliked unnecessary suffering, she hadn’t forgotten the manner in which Cantarea had threatened their household merely moments after arriving in Rosewood Town.
And Damian was now demonstrating precisely why such behavior had been an extraordinarily poor decision!
......
Cantarea struggled to rise.
Her powerful forelegs trembled beneath her weight, while blood trickled from several wounds that had opened across her body.
Her magnificent purple bow remained clutched within her hands, although its once-pristine surface now displayed several cracks from repeated collisions with Longtian.
She was thoroughly battered, yet the most painful injury wasn’t physical.
It was her pride!
She was a Legend for Goddess’ sake!
She was a Windstrider whose extraordinary mobility had allowed her to dominate countless powerful opponents!
And yet this human had systematically dismantled her advantages, countering her speed, overwhelming her archery, and forcing her to endure attacks that she couldn’t properly resist!
Impossible...!
Cantarea gritted her teeth.
I refuse to lose here!
She slowly raised her greatbow once more.
Purple Fey energy surged through the weapon, its magnificent structure trembling as Cantarea poured an extraordinary quantity of Mana into her next attack.
The surrounding air became increasingly unstable, several nearby rocks vibrating beneath the pressure!
Damian narrowed his eyes.
Oh? She’s finally getting serious!
Unfortunately, the centaur woman had apparently forgotten something important.
Damian still possessed his sword, and he had no intention of allowing her to prepare some extraordinary ultimate attack without interference!
<Gale-Treading Steps>!
His body accelerated!
BOOM!
The ground beneath his feet exploded as he crossed the intervening distance with astonishing speed.
Too fast!
She attempted to adjust her aim, but unfortunately, Damian had already reached her!
Longtian erupted with brilliant sword energy!
<Seven-Turn Sword Art>!
SHIIIIING!
The magnificent blade swept upward in a devastating diagonal strike!
Cantarea desperately raised her greatbow to intercept the attack.
CLAAAAANG!
The two weapons collided, and for an instant, the battlefield seemed to freeze.
Longtian’s draconic presence erupted with extraordinary intensity, its magnificent blade pressing against the enormous Fey bow as Damian’s physical strength surged through his arms.
Cantarea screamed, pouring every remaining ounce of power into maintaining her defense.
Unfortunately, she had already suffered too much damage and Longtian was far too powerful!
CRAAAAAACK!
A terrible fracture spread through the greatbow!
Cantarea’s eyes widened in horror.
No!
The magnificent purple weapon suddenly snapped in half!
BOOOOOOM!
An enormous explosion of Fey energy erupted between the combatants!
The resulting shockwave hurled Cantarea backward with tremendous force, her enormous body flying through the air before crashing heavily into the rocky ground.
CRAAAAAASH!
An enormous crater formed beneath the impact!
Dust and shattered stone erupted upward, concealing the centaur woman’s figure as the surrounding terrain trembled beneath the violence of her landing.
Damian remained standing amid the devastation, Longtian resting within his grasp as he regarded the distant crater with a cold expression.
His opponent had finally fallen!
However, the dust was too thick to reveal her condition.
The Wild Court delegation stared in horror whereas the Four Valkyries fell silent.
Throughout the Ironfang Highlands, everyone waited for the dust to settle.
Had Cantarea finally been defeated?!